Towards Quantum Information Technologies with condensed matter systems
Many solid-state nanostructures, such as semiconductor quantum dots and crystal defects in diamond or silicon, feature both an optical transition as well as an electron and nuclear spins. Owing to their hierarchy of coupled quantum degrees of freedom, they are considered particularly promising candidates for a host of quantum information technologies, ranging from secure communication and enhanced sensing to fully fledged information processing. In this theoretical project you will explore the physics of solid-state nanostructures with multiple coupled degrees of freedom. Obtaining a full understanding of the relevant physics requires the development of theoretical models for capturing how the wider solid-state environment influences the quantum properties of the system of interest, and how this influence can be mitigated through suitable control approaches. Building on existing preliminary work [1,2,3], a particular goal of this project will be to design specific protocols which can be tested in the labs of our experimental collaborators. Example include quantum-dot-based single photon sources [1], distributing entanglement in diamond based architectures [2], and sensing the extremely weak magnetic field of a single proton [3].
References and further reading:
[1] Overcoming phonon-induced dephasing for indistinguishable photon sources Close, Gauger, and Lovett. New Journal of Physics 14 113004 (2012)
[2] Practicality of Spin Chain Wiring in Diamond Quantum Technologies. Ping, Lovett, Benjamin, and Gauger. Phys. Rev. Lett. 110 100503 (2013).
[3] Proposed Spin Amplification for Magnetic Sensors Employing Crystal Defects. Schaffry, Gauger, Morton, and Benjamin. Phys. Rev. Lett. 107 207210 (2011).
Please send inquiry emails to Dr. Erik Gauger at E.Gauger@hw.ac.uk