PhD scholarship in solid-state radiofrequency-optical quantum transducers

In collaboration with Diamond Defence and Phasor Innovation, this project aims to develop radiofrequency (RF) receivers and spectrum analysers based on quantum materials acting as RF-optical transducers. The transducers developed in this project rely on optically active quantum spins housed in a wide bandgap material to convert an input RF signal into an optical signal, thereby electromagnetically decoupling the RF input from the detection electronics. The quantum-based technology developed in this project has thus the potential to overcome the limitations of traditional semiconductor-based RF detection technology which suffers degraded performance and even damage when subjected to high power signals during jamming events. Two specific quantum materials will be explored in the project: diamond containing nitrogen-vacancy spins, and hexagonal boron nitride containing isotropic spins. The project will involve realising lab demonstrators and prototypes of the proposed quantum RF receivers and spectrum analysers, including designing the RF delivery, optical readout, signal processing, and software interface, and evaluating and optimising their performance.