Computer simulation to optimise the development and deployment of quantum sensors

计算机建模和优化对于开发和部署新的高科技设备、原型和产品至关重要。这对于加速量子传感器的生产和早期采用尤其重要，原因有二。首先，制造传感器将需要许多供应链组件的小型化、集成化和功耗降低，包括原子源和陷阱、激光和光学设备以及超高真空系统。其次，为了为传感器建立市场，它们提供的优势，以及使用它们的最佳方式，需要被确定和量化。该项目将涉及计算机模拟软件的开发，既使用复杂的逆方法定制，也使用COMSOL软件包进行多物理场建模，以克服现实世界量子技术发展中的三大挑战：使用逆向方法了解如何最好地部署用于地下测绘的量子重力传感器-量化在脑磁图（MEG）系统中使用热原子传感器的好处，并为此类系统设计组件学生可以选择考虑所有这三个主题，并在它们之间转移技术，或者随着项目的进行专门研究其中一个。与工业界的合作将是博士研究的一个组成部分，该研究将建立在与英国地质调查局，e2v，国家物理实验室和RSK的现有项目以及开放新的行业合作伙伴关系的基础上。虽然在诺丁汉大学工作，但该学生将在苏塞克斯大学与专家一起研究量子传感器和组件的模拟，并鼓励与其他合作机构合作。

Computer modelling and optimisation is crucial for the development and deployment of new high-technology devices, prototypes and products. It is particularly important for accelerating the production and early adoption of quantum sensors for two reasons. Firstly, making the sensors will require the miniaturisation, integration, and power reduction of many supply-chain components, including atom sources and traps, lasers and optical devices, and ultra-high vacuum systems. Secondly, in order to build markets for the sensors, the advantages that they offer, and the best way to use them, need to be determined and quantified.This project will involve the development of computer simulation software, both bespoke using sophisticated inverse methods and Multiphysics modelling using COMSOL packages, to overcome three challenges in the development of real-world quantum technologies:- The development of miniature, integrated, low-power components suitable for scalable manufacture- Using inverse methods to understand how best to deploy quantum sensors of gravity for underground mapping- Quantifying the benefits of using thermal atom sensors in Magnetoencephalography (MEG) systems and designing components for such systemsThe student may choose to consider all three of these topics, and transfer techniques between them, or specialise in one of them as the project proceeds. Collaboration with industry will be an integral part of the PhD research, which will build on existing projects with British Geological Survey, e2v, National Physical Laboratory and RSK as well as open new industry partnerships. Although based at the University of Nottingham, the student will spend periods working with experts on the simulation of quantum sensors and components at the University of Sussex and will also be encouraged to collaborate with other partner institutions.