PhD studentship: Tabletop levitating quantum sensors for dark matter detection

This PhD project will develop a new tabletop experiment using levitated quantum sensor technology. In these devices, tiny silica nanoparticles are suspended in vacuum using focused laser beams ("optical tweezers"). When cooled and controlled to the standard quantum limit (SQL), these nanoparticles act as ultra-sensitive mechanical oscillators. Passing dark matter particles, new otherwise-invisible particles, or quantum gravity forces can impart tiny forces on the trapped nanoparticles, causing minute displacements in their motion.

Measuring these effects through a range of techniques offers a new route to detecting these phenomena, well beyond the reach of current approaches. The project will build on recent breakthroughs in Manchester in quantum engineering and particle physics. You will work as part of a new interdisciplinary collaboration between the Quantum Engineering Lab (Electrical Engineering) and the Dark Matter Detection Research Group (Physics), based in the Photon Science Institute, University of Manchester.

Together, these teams are currently developing novel experimental setups to trap an array of levitated nanoparticles operating at or beyond the SQL. By scaling up from a single nanoparticle to arrays, and exploiting collective quantum effects such as synchronisation and correlations, the experiment could achieve sensitivity not just to the presence of dark matter, but also other key features and properties of unknown and unexpected phenomena.

You will be jointly supervised by Prof. Darren Price (Physics) and Dr. Jayadev Vijayan (Electrical Engineering), gaining experience and opportunities across both disciplines. You will work closely with postdoctoral researchers, engineers, and PhD peers, and engage with international collaborations in dark matter and quantum sensing.

This project offers the opportunity to make cutting-edge developments in levitated nanoparticle arrays for dark matter detection and other fundamental physics phenomena. It will place you at the interface of particle physics and quantum technology, preparing you for a research career at the forefront of discovery science or for application of these skills to other sectors.

Further details: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/fse-bicentenary-phd-developing-tabletop-levitating-quantum-sensors-to-detect-dark-matter-and-other-fundamental-interactions/?p188745

Applying:

To be considered for this project you’ll need complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for FSE Bicentenary PhD. If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project "Developing tabletop levitating quantum sensors to detect dark matter and other fundamental interactions"