If a spin could torque: quantum force sensing with levitated nanodiamonds. This project aims to detect the tiny twisting forces imparted by a single quantum spin on a host diamond nanocrystal levitating in vacuum. Our team will build both a hypersensitive detector of quantum rotations and the complex theoretical models for quantum spin systems coupled to the mechanical motion of nanometre-sized diamonds. The expected experimental capabilities and knowledge generated by this project will enable w ....If a spin could torque: quantum force sensing with levitated nanodiamonds. This project aims to detect the tiny twisting forces imparted by a single quantum spin on a host diamond nanocrystal levitating in vacuum. Our team will build both a hypersensitive detector of quantum rotations and the complex theoretical models for quantum spin systems coupled to the mechanical motion of nanometre-sized diamonds. The expected experimental capabilities and knowledge generated by this project will enable world-first measurements of quantum effects with unparalleled sensitivity and powerful new quantum sensing paradigms. The project should enable significant benefits, such as incisive tests of the limits of quantum theory and new Australian technology operating at the interface of the quantum and classical worlds.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220101272
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$439,000.00
Summary
Giving quantum systems a voice: quantum optoacoustics on a nanoscale. This project aims to build a complete and scalable platform for the new paradigm of quantum acoustics, ready for immediate deployment as a critical component of a hybrid quantum computing architecture. Using a combination of theoretical techniques at the boundary of quantum physics, nanoscale electromagnetism, classical theory of elasticity, and advanced numerical methods, I will design a complete suite of quantum acoustic dev ....Giving quantum systems a voice: quantum optoacoustics on a nanoscale. This project aims to build a complete and scalable platform for the new paradigm of quantum acoustics, ready for immediate deployment as a critical component of a hybrid quantum computing architecture. Using a combination of theoretical techniques at the boundary of quantum physics, nanoscale electromagnetism, classical theory of elasticity, and advanced numerical methods, I will design a complete suite of quantum acoustic devices and protocols to enable interfacing between state-of-the-art quantum devices. This project will strengthen the leading position of Australian researchers in the race towards quantum technologies by offering practical solutions to a critical bottleneck in designing large-scale quantum technologies.Read moreRead less
Quantum optical methods for entangled devices. This project aims to develop experimental quantum optics methods and techniques for enhancing the performance of sensitive devices. Entangled photons will be used to probe separate devices, yielding an improved detection of correlated signals. This new technique will benefit laboratory searches for new fundamental physics effects such as space-time fluctuations due to quantum gravity and exotic dark matter candidates. The project is expected to tr ....Quantum optical methods for entangled devices. This project aims to develop experimental quantum optics methods and techniques for enhancing the performance of sensitive devices. Entangled photons will be used to probe separate devices, yielding an improved detection of correlated signals. This new technique will benefit laboratory searches for new fundamental physics effects such as space-time fluctuations due to quantum gravity and exotic dark matter candidates. The project is expected to train scientists and students in advanced quantum methods, promoting and securing Australia's position as a leader in the development of quantum technologies. Read moreRead less
When quantum is not desirable: quantum noise vs. quantum technologies. One of the key remaining obstacles to the successful deployment of quantum computers & sensors in science, industry, and society is the existence of noise sources that are themselves quantum, and thus have an unmatched potential for disruption. This project will attack this problem by providing (i) a detailed understanding of the impact of quantum noise sources, and developing protocols to (ii) characterize and (iii) overcome ....When quantum is not desirable: quantum noise vs. quantum technologies. One of the key remaining obstacles to the successful deployment of quantum computers & sensors in science, industry, and society is the existence of noise sources that are themselves quantum, and thus have an unmatched potential for disruption. This project will attack this problem by providing (i) a detailed understanding of the impact of quantum noise sources, and developing protocols to (ii) characterize and (iii) overcome the negative effects such realistic noise entails. In taking this necessary step for the implementation of these breakthrough technologies, it will not only significantly advance knowledge but will have a direct impact in the development of a technology in which Australia and other leading nations are heavily invested.Read moreRead less
Heisenberg-limited lasers: building the revolution. The project aims to design and build a revolutionary new type of laser based on the ground-breaking 2020 Nature Physics paper by the two Chief Investigators. The significance of this work is that it overturns 60 years of theory about the limits to laser coherence, by applying 21st century quantum theory and quantum technology to the problem. This project expects to greatly advance the theory and, by instigating a collaboration with world-leadin ....Heisenberg-limited lasers: building the revolution. The project aims to design and build a revolutionary new type of laser based on the ground-breaking 2020 Nature Physics paper by the two Chief Investigators. The significance of this work is that it overturns 60 years of theory about the limits to laser coherence, by applying 21st century quantum theory and quantum technology to the problem. This project expects to greatly advance the theory and, by instigating a collaboration with world-leading experimentalists working with superconducting quantum devices, to demonstrate a laser with coherence beyond what was thought possible. Benefits of the project should flow from the manifold applications for highly coherent radiation, including scaling up superconducting quantum computing.Read moreRead less
Advanced Quantum Sensors for Next-Generation Sensing Applications. The aim of this theoretical physics project is to develop ultra-precise sensing capabilities for two main applications: ultrastable inertial sensors for improved navigation and gravimetry, and to search for signatures of quantum gravity. This project expects to improve the performance of quantum sensors via the use of machine optimisation, and may lead to much-needed experimental data to help guide one of the most challenging pro ....Advanced Quantum Sensors for Next-Generation Sensing Applications. The aim of this theoretical physics project is to develop ultra-precise sensing capabilities for two main applications: ultrastable inertial sensors for improved navigation and gravimetry, and to search for signatures of quantum gravity. This project expects to improve the performance of quantum sensors via the use of machine optimisation, and may lead to much-needed experimental data to help guide one of the most challenging problems in theoretical physics: the quantisation of gravity. The expected outcomes of this project are enhanced quantum sensor design, leading to improved inertial sensing technology. This should provide benefits such as improved capabilities for minerals exploration and monitoring the movement of ground water.Read moreRead less
Quantum non-locality with mass-entangled metastable helium atoms atoms. The aim of this project is to use ultracold helium atoms to test aspects of quantum entanglement. The unique properties of metastable helium will provide significant new knowledge of this fundamental quantum property. Expected outcomes include measuring a Bell test between mass entangled atoms and testing the weak equivalence principle (the universality of free fall) using a quantum entangled state as the test masses. This s ....Quantum non-locality with mass-entangled metastable helium atoms atoms. The aim of this project is to use ultracold helium atoms to test aspects of quantum entanglement. The unique properties of metastable helium will provide significant new knowledge of this fundamental quantum property. Expected outcomes include measuring a Bell test between mass entangled atoms and testing the weak equivalence principle (the universality of free fall) using a quantum entangled state as the test masses. This should provide benefits including input into new theories that attempt to unify quantum mechanics with general relativity and will be relevant for emerging quantum technologies such as more powerful quantum computing or quantum simulation of complex systems.Read moreRead less
Quantum entanglement with atoms: from individual pairs to many-body systems. The aim of this project is to use ultracold helium atoms to test aspects of quantum entanglement. The unique properties of metastable helium will provide significant new knowledge of this fundamental quantum property. Expected outcomes include measuring a Bell test between momentum entangled atoms and showing how many-body entanglement builds up following a quantum quench. This should provide benefits including new theo ....Quantum entanglement with atoms: from individual pairs to many-body systems. The aim of this project is to use ultracold helium atoms to test aspects of quantum entanglement. The unique properties of metastable helium will provide significant new knowledge of this fundamental quantum property. Expected outcomes include measuring a Bell test between momentum entangled atoms and showing how many-body entanglement builds up following a quantum quench. This should provide benefits including new theories that attempt to unify quantum mechanics with general relativity and will be relevant for emerging quantum technologies such as more powerful quantum computing or quantum simulation of complex systems. Read moreRead less
Resonator-enhanced quantum levitation of macroscopic systems. This project aims to develop advanced technologies to optically levitate macroscopic (millimetre-sized) objects and nanoscopic (atomically thin) materials. Levitation platforms built by the investigatory team are based on the resonantly amplified radiation pressure of laser beams. This new type of optical levitation can provide ultimate isolation of the systems from external noise, making them extremely responsive to subtle environmen ....Resonator-enhanced quantum levitation of macroscopic systems. This project aims to develop advanced technologies to optically levitate macroscopic (millimetre-sized) objects and nanoscopic (atomically thin) materials. Levitation platforms built by the investigatory team are based on the resonantly amplified radiation pressure of laser beams. This new type of optical levitation can provide ultimate isolation of the systems from external noise, making them extremely responsive to subtle environmental changes. These platforms could be turned into sharp instruments for measuring metrological variables of interest and probing new physics. Quantum optical techniques could be developed to optimise the sensitivity of levitated systems to levels that allow the exploration of quantum and gravitational physics.Read moreRead less
Controlling spin coherence with rotation. This project aims to harness the ability to control the fundamental interactions which limit the precision of a diamond quantum sensor, enabling more sensitive magnetometry. Quantum sensors are unveiling new insights into nano-scale phenomena. Single atom defects in diamonds have been at the forefront of this revolution in nano-scale sensor technology. A unique capability, spinning diamond quantum sensors at up to 500,000 rpm, fast enough that quantum pr ....Controlling spin coherence with rotation. This project aims to harness the ability to control the fundamental interactions which limit the precision of a diamond quantum sensor, enabling more sensitive magnetometry. Quantum sensors are unveiling new insights into nano-scale phenomena. Single atom defects in diamonds have been at the forefront of this revolution in nano-scale sensor technology. A unique capability, spinning diamond quantum sensors at up to 500,000 rpm, fast enough that quantum properties of the defects are preserved during a cycle has been established. This project will address the long-standing problem of nano-scale solid-materials characterisation using rotationally-enhanced quantum magnetic resonance spectroscopy.Read moreRead less