Quantum sensing with squeezed light

Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3 year full-time or 6 year part-time PhD project.

The PhD will be based in the School of Mathematics and Physics and will be supervised by Dr Vincenzo Tamma and Professor Alberto Marino, Interim Director, Centre for Quantum Research and Technology at the University of Oklahoma, US.

A wide range of applications in security, navigation, environmental sensing, biomedical imaging and fundamental tests in cosmology and gravitation require quantum enhanced measurements with higher and higher precision of physical parameters. In particular, quantum interference and quantum correlations can be used to enhance the accuracy of measurements beyond any classical capabilities.   

The overarching goal of this project is to introduce a completely innovative versatile platform for multi-parameter quantum sensing technologies based on quantum interferometry with easily accessible and scalable resources and avoiding the need of any complex measurement procedure. The project aims at enabling access to the full metrological power of multiphoton interference with squeezed light beyond any classical capability in order to facilitate the development of quantum technologies for applications in high-precision imaging and sensing. The project aims at introducing novel interferometric schemes based on the use of squeezed sources and “ad hoc” measurement techniques for quantum sensing and on benchmarking the quantum-enhanced sensitivity depending on how unknown parameters are encoded in arbitrary optical networks. The PhD student will benefit from the interdisciplinary experience of the supervisory team and from the international environment within Quantum Science and Technology Hub at the University of Portsmouth as well as a highly interactive research group in quantum technologies and quantum optics. She/he will also benefit from the expertise of prominent scientists and collaborators in research areas related with the project at the interface between quantum optics, quantum metrology, bioengineering, and quantum information. In particular, she/he will interact with leading international experimentalists collaborating with the research team toward the experimental realization of the theoretical results foreseen in the project.

Fees and funding

Visit the research subject area page for fees and funding information for this project.

Funding availability: Self-funded PhD students only. 

PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the UK Government Doctoral Loan (UK and EU students only).

Bench fees

Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable