Rydberg atoms are highly excited atoms with extreme properties. This project will use thermal Rydberg atoms to measure static electric fields in the mV/cm range. Rydberg electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), pioneered at Durham, offers MHz-level spectral resolution of Rydberg states and enables detection of small fields via Stark shifts due to the high polarizability of Rydberg states (∝ n⁷).
In this 3.5-year project, we will develop vapour cells that allow DC field access, overcoming screening in conventional cells. Next, we’ll implement Doppler-free EIT schemes to enhance spectral resolution to < 1MHz, boosting sensitivity by an order of magnitude. We will also investigate using atomic states with high orbital angular momentum. Finally, we’ll apply these methods to identify and localise charge states of components behind barriers and assess the commercial viability of the technique in combination with industrial partners.
The project is funded by the UK Quantum Centre for Nuclear Defence and Security and is open to UK 'home-fees' students only.
Sponsor: Quantum Centre for Nuclear Defence and Security (QCNDS)
Name of supervisor(s): Kevin Weatherill, Stuart Adams.
Eligibility Criteria: You must have or expect a First-Class honour bachelor's degree, or at least a 2:1 Integrated master’s degree or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject, from a recognised university (or equivalent).
Applications are open to Home students only.
How to apply : You must apply through the University’s applicant portal. One application can be used for multiple projects.
You will need to:
- State the ‘Electric field sensing using Rydberg EIT’ in the 'Field of Study' section.
- State the Supervisors Name
- On the funding tab select ‘yes’ if you are applying for a scholarship, select ‘PGR-Research Council Studentships’
- provide a short research proposal of a few paragraphs (no longer than 1 page) detailing your research interests.
- attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications.
- provide 2 academic references or referee contact details (specifically email addresses) who we will contact directly.
Contact: For informal enquiries please contact k.j.weatherill@durham.ac.uk
