Postgraduate research opportunities Matter-wave interferometry in microphotonic waveguides
ApplyKey facts
- Opens: Friday 1 November 2024
- Deadline: Friday 7 February 2025
- Number of places: 1
- Duration: 4 years
- Funding: Equipment costs, Home fee, International fee, Stipend, Travel costs
Overview
This 4-year PhD project is part of the EPSRC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training in Applied Quantum Technologies. As well as completing a PhD project in an aligned topic, CDT students will also benefit from technical and skills-based training in all aspects of quantum technologies.Eligibility
All applicants must have or expect to obtain a first-class or second-class honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant subject OR have or expect to obtain a Masters degree.

Project Details
We are excited to offer a PhD position that will develop practical, high-precision devices using ultracold atoms in quantum technologies. This project is geared toward creating a new generation of sensing and navigation devices based on matter-wave interferometry, with the potential to redefine accuracy in autonomous navigation systems.
Your Role and Key Objectives
- Develop Novel Devices: Work on integrated atomic-optical systems for rotation sensing, contributing to the future of compact, ultra-sensitive quantum navigators.
- Innovate in Atom Waveguides: Drive the design and construction of atomic waveguides that function as “fiber optics” for atoms, offering a controlled environment for coherent matter waves to travel and interact.
- Advance State-of-the-art in Sensitivity: Use optical ring traps and atomic waveguides to enhance phase sensitivity beyond what’s achievable with traditional gyroscopes.
Research Environment
The project will provide hands-on learning at the cutting edge of quantum technologies for sensing and measurement. During the PhD you will learn in the use of ultracold Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) and methods that provide precision control over atomic wavefunctions. You will join a team of researchers that offers and inclusive, collaborative research environment. This project is part of a large, multidisciplinary collaboration on Chip-scale Atomic Systems for Quantum Navigation, and you will have opportunities to work closely with experts in atomic physics, optics, lasers, and nanophotonics.
During the PhD you will gain expertise in BEC interferometry, laser cooling, and chip-based quantum technology with guidance from a supportive research team. You will be supported in your professional growth. You will collaborate with national and international researchers, build valuable networks, and gain skills crucial for a future in quantum technologies. You will play a pivotal role in creating the technology foundation for next-generation quantum sensors, with potential for real-world impact
Further Details
The aim of this project is the demonstration of integrated atomic-optical systems for matter-wave interferometry. It builds on existing activities at Strathclyde in atom interferometry with coherent matter-waves and work on developing miniaturised technology for rotation sensing. An exciting geometry for this is the use of atomic waveguides, the analogue of fibre-optics for atoms, which would allow the atomic wavefunction to propagate in a near perfect environment. A coherent matter wave confined in a ring trap is formally equivalent to the coherent laser field in a ring cavity, known from the ring laser gyro. The interesting difference is that the sensitivity to phase rotation scales with the relativistic energy of the particle/wave involved. This scaling offers an increase in sensitivity per quantum particle of over ten orders of magnitude when comparing atoms to photons. There are many hurdles to a practical realisation; however, a significantly increased sensitivity seems achievable. Our research programme uses quantum gases, cooled to ultra-low temperatures to create Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). These BECs are a powerful and adaptable tool for precision measurement, providing control over the atomic wavefunction in much the same way that a laser allows control over light.
Further information
EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Applied Quantum Technologies
Funding details
The funding provided for these fully funded PhDs will include four years of both tuition fees and monthly stipend payments.
Fully funded studentships are available at the UK home rate and international rate.
Home Students
To be eligible for a fully funded UK home studentship you must:
- Be a UK national or UK/EU dual national or non-UK national with settled status / pre-settled status / indefinite leave to remain / indefinite leave to enter / discretionary leave / EU migrant worker in the UK or non-UK national with a claim for asylum or the family member of such a person, and
- Have ordinary residence in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or British Overseas Territory, at the Point of Application, and
- Have three years residency in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, British Overseas Territory or EEA before the relevant date of application unless residency outside of the UK/ EEA has been of a temporary nature only and of a period less than six years
International Students
There are a limited number of international studentships for exceptional candidates who do not meet the UK home status mentioned above.
Candidates should check if they require an ATAS certificate; eligible nationalities are listed on GOV.UK (UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office).
International candidates whose first language is not English must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language with IELTS certification or equivalent.
While there is no funding in place for opportunities marked "unfunded", there are lots of different options to help you fund postgraduate research. Visit funding your postgraduate research for links to government grants, research councils funding and more, that could be available.
Supervisors

Primary Supervisor: Professor Paul Griffin
Secondary Supervisor: Dr Aidan Arnold
Apply
Applications should be submitted via the AQT website in the first instance.
Number of places: 1
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