Research Projects

  • AI-assisted digital laser frequency stabilization for atomic spectroscopy

    Dr Eric Howard

    High precision measurements in quantum optics and atomic physics rely on the fine control of the experimental parameters and require the locking stabilisation of the frequency of the transmitted signal. This project entails the design, development and characterization of a loop-back control system and digital controller for laser frequency stabilization. The hardware will be based on a RedPitaya STEMlab platform and will be used to lock the laser emission frequency to the cavity resonance of reference and spectral peak maximum for Doppler-free absorption spectroscopy experiments with Rubidium. The student will employ machine learning methods for analysis and optimisation of the interfacing and acquisition of the emission spectra for atomic vapor saturated absorption spectroscopy experiments.

    For more information, contact the project supervisor: Dr Eric Howard
    This project would suit: This Master's project is suited to graduates with a strong background in electronics or optoelectronics and an interest in embedded systems and quantum/atomic physics.
    Macquarie University
    Masters,
  • Advanced digitisation techniques and threshold effects in experimental quantum simulators

    A/Prof Nathan Langford, Dr JP Dehollain, A/Prof Daniel Burgarth, A/Prof Dominic Berry

    This project is part of our exciting new ARC-funded research grant, where we aim to enhance high-tech quantum simulators to meet the demands of computer-modelling intensive industries such as drug and vaccine design. By developing innovative digitisation and control techniques for simulating the behaviour of complex quantum systems, a task that is generally impossible to solve with classical computing technology, this project aims to help shape the design of future quantum computers and maximise the modelling power of current industry-scale processors built by companies like Google, IBM and Australian start-up, Silicon Quantum Computing.

     

    For more information, contact the project supervisor: A/Prof Nathan Langford
    This project would suit: We encourage high performing students to apply who are undertaking an Honours or Master's degree in an appropriate subject area, such as physics or engineering, and strong results in undergraduate courses in quantum physics and other relevant subject areas. The funding for this project is eligible for Australian domestic students only.
    University of Technology Sydney
    PhD,
  • Advancing quantum computing with Diraq (Next Generation Quantum Graduates Program) 

    Dr Andre Saraiva, Industry Placement with Diraq

    This project is part of the CSIRO Next Generation Quantum Graduates Scholarship Program (NGQGP). Diraq is a Sydney-based quantum computing company, delivering revolutionary quantum computing to the world, based on existing silicon chip technology. This immersive PhD project at Diraq provides students with hands-on experience in silicon MOS based quantum computing. Under expert guidance, participants contribute to cutting-edge projects, receive tailored mentorship, and engage in specialised training, enriching both their academic journey and industry prospects. 

    For more information, contact the project supervisor: Dr Andre Saraiva
    This project would suit: An exceptional student holding an Honours or Masters qualification in electrical engineering, physics, or a relevant field, possessing strong knowledge of semiconductor or quantum physics.
    UNSW Sydney
    PhD,
  • Algorithms for distributed consensus – with BTQ (Next Generation Quantum Graduates Program)

    Prof Gavin Brennen

    This project is part of the CSIRO Next Generation Quantum Graduates Scholarship Program (NGQGP)

    The project will investigate how quantum processors can be used to perform proof of work (PoW) consensus for blockchain technologies and includes an internship of up to 6 months with the company BTQ .

    Existing PoW protocols involve inverting a one-way function, specifically solving for the preimage of a Hash function that depends on transactions in the current block and also a Hash of the previous block. In practice this method is extremely energy intensive and is vulnerable to dominance by quantum computers.

     

    For more information, contact the project supervisor: Prof Gavin Brennen
    This project would suit: Students with some experience with the theory of quantum information and computation with an interest in quantum algorithms and quantum optics. Only domestic students are eligible for this scholarship.
    Macquarie University
    PhD,
  • Analog trapped-ion quantum simulators for chemical dynamics

    A/Prof Ivan Kassal, Dr Ting Rei Tan, Prof Michael Biercuk

    Quantum simulators aim to describe the properties of quantum systems that would otherwise be too difficult to simulate on ordinary computers. In particular, analog quantum simulators—which do not require universal, programmable quantum computers—are likely to be the first practical quantum computing devices.

    Our goal is to simulate the outcomes of chemical reactions that are beyond the capabilities of conventional computers, which would have transformative impacts from materials and energy science to drug discovery.

    For more information, contact the project supervisor: A/Prof Ivan Kassal
    This project would suit: Students with background in either chemistry or physics