About the project
This project will develop the core components of superconducting and atom/ion trap quantum systems using ultra-precision diamond machining. You will work with leaders in the field (academia and industry) to create vacuum systems with integrated photonics and electrical functionality.
Quantum Technologies present new challenges for manufacturing engineering. Southampton has been developing ultra-precision machining systems for the scalable manufacture of superconducting and atom/ion trap quantum systems. These components are the kernel of quantum sensing and quantum computing systems.
In this project, you will design, fabricate, and test atom and ion trap systems while working with experimentalists to demonstrate quantum sensing and computing. If you are interested in a PhD looking to do computer modelling and have the required skills, the project can also be adjusted for this. Areas of work include:
- development of atom and ion trap cells using diamond milling systems. You will create miniature vacuum cells from silicon, silica (glass) and sapphire. These will contain optical windows, integrated mirrors and electrical and vacuum feedthroughs
- fabrication of integrated optical waveguides and large area tilted Bragg gratings to couple light out of integrated waveguides to form free-space beams for micro-atom traps
- development of freeform micro-optics (lenses, mirrors, resonators, etc) enabling the creation of more compact (SWaP-C) and more efficient quantum photonic systems
If you are interested in quantum technologies, photonics and micro-fabrication, you would be highly suitable for this project. You will benefit from our world-leading expertise in these fields and enjoy working in a highly supportive environment in our Optical Engineering and Quantum Photonics Group and collaborating with partner groups within the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme.
