Quantum Science Group
From fundamental science to quantum technology
Our activities range from foundational quantum physics through to technological developments in atomic and condensed matter systems. Our scientific work is complemented by deep engagement with industry and entrepreneurship.
The University of Sydney has played a key role in accelerating the Australian quantum ecosystem including through Australia’s National Quantum Strategy, and in establishing the Sydney Quantum Academy, Quantum Australia and the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Future Leaders in Quantum Computing (FLiQC).
The field of quantum science aims to push the boundaries of our understanding of quantum mechanics and to develop powerful new technologies based on the unique properties of quantum systems. Our group undertakes experimental and theoretical research in quantum science that addresses both aims.
We engineer and manipulate complex quantum systems and explore solutions at both the hardware and software levels. We develop a fundamental understanding of quantum systems by incorporating insights from quantum computing, quantum error correction, and all other aspects of quantum information science.
Our work is supported by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems, the Sydney Quantum Academy, and FLiQC. We partner with high-profile international research programs in Quantum Information Science sponsored by the US Army Research Office, IARPA, and other domestic and international defence agencies. We are also deeply connected with industrial efforts in quantum technology including collaborations with Google, IBM, PsiQuantum, Q-CTRL, Iceberg Quantum, and Emergence Quantum.
At this time, a variety of technology platforms have demonstrated large scale quantum technologies. Our four experimental programs span leading systems: trapped atomic ions, rare-earth ions in crystals, superconducting circuits, and spins in semiconductors. These efforts, while distinct, share complementary control techniques and are unified by platform-independent theoretical research in support of the group’s broad interests in quantum science.
Our theoretical research tackles the `big questions' in quantum science. Our research program in Quantum Information Theory explores the full spectrum of questions from the foundational, such as 'How does complex behaviour emerge from simple quantum systems?' and 'Is there a physical reality that explains the strange quantum properties like Bell nonlocality?', to the practical, including 'How can we harness the exotic properties of quantum physics, such as quantum error correcting codes, to design new technologies like quantum computers?'.
The research program we have built represents a unique strength of the Quantum Science group at Sydney: a highly integrated effort of leading researchers in both quantum optical/atomic physics and condensed-matter physics, theory and experiment. Below we outline some of the main projects being undertaken in our group. Visit our website for more details.
The Quantum Control Laboratory is interested in the intersection of control engineering with experimental quantum information, quantum sensing, and precision metrology. Our team focuses on the development of quantum technologies based on trapped atomic ions and specialised high-precision microwave and laser systems. We currently operate the highest-performance quantum computer in the southern hemisphere and have demonstrated world-leading performance in quantum-logic error rates and coherent lifetimes.
The team also collaborates with Q-CTRL, the first venture-capital backed quantum technology company to be spun-out from the University of Sydney. Led by CEO Professor Michael Biercuk, Q-Ctrl is taking research on quantum control out of the laboratory and developing commercial software and hardware to make quantum technology useful.
Students and postdoctoral researchers interested in opportunities should contact Dr Tingrei Tan or Dr Robert Wolf directly.
The Quantum Integration Laboratory (QIL) probes the quantum interactions between light, electronics, and atoms embedded in crystals. Understanding and engineering these interactions at the atomic scale promotes new technologies for connecting quantum computers and sensors: a quantum internet. The current focus for the QIL team is atomic erbium in solid-state hosts, which provides a platform for robust storage of quantum information, multi-system compatibility and versatile on-chip architectures.
Please contact QIL Director Dr John Bartholomew to discuss opportunities for getting involved in our research.
The Quantum Nanoscience Laboratory is interested in fundamental and applied research questions at the nexus of quantum technology and nanoscale systems and devices. A central theme of our research involves the interface between quantum devices and complex control hardware need to pass information between the quantum and classical domains. Examples include custom VLSI CMOS circuits that operate below 100 milli-kelvin for controlling quantum systems at scale [1, 2] and new approaches to improve the efficiency and performance of readout transceivers for scalable quantum technologies [3, 4]. A closely related area of interest is the manipulation of spin-states in nanoparticles for new imaging modalities of interest in medicine.
At present we are particularly interested in the following projects:
Much of our experimental work involves milli-kelvin temperatures, weak radio and microwave frequency signals, and nanoscale quantum devices. We speak the units mK, GHz, and nm.
Our laboratory leverages substantial investments by the Australian and US Governments and industry to establish leading-edge infrastructure that underpins our research in Quantum Nanoscience.
In the Superconducting Quantum Circuits Laboratory (SQCL), the excitations of superconducting circuits are used to explore fundamental physics and build hardware for high-performance quantum technologies. We design, fabricate and measure superconducting circuits with excitations and interactions that are optimal for quantum information processing, and engineer coherent interfaces between superconductors and other quantum platforms (e.g. semiconductors) to develop hybrid quantum technologies.
Dr Xanthe Croot is the director of the SQCL. Xanthe works with superconducting technology to build next-generation circuits for quantum computing and to explore fundamental physics.
What unique properties of quantum mechanics give quantum computers their power? How do we scale up the physics that governs atoms to the size of a mainframe? Our theory team is led by Professor Stephen Bartlett, Professor Andrew Doherty, and Dr Dominic Williamson. Our research interests range from understanding the fundamental differences between classical and quantum information processing to designing the best quantum architectures for tomorrow’s supercomputers.
If considering an honours project, PhD, visiting or collaborating with Quantum Science Group, please get in touch with our research group leaders directly. Otherwise, the professional team can be reached at quantum.administration@sydney.edu.au
