About the project
Metaoptics, the application of metasurface concepts in optical elements, can help make quantum devices smaller, more efficient, and easier to integrate into practical systems. This project will advance the science and technology of metaoptics for quantum imaging and cold atom trapping, making use of state-of-the art cleanroom nanofabrication.
Metaoptics are ultra-thin, lightweight optical components that derive their optical function from nanostructured surfaces with precise sub-wavelength arrangement. They can replace bulky lenses and mirrors while precisely controlling light, polarisation, aberrations, and wavefronts. Their properties are seeing increasing interest in applications such as smartphones, sensors and telecommunications.
The scope of this research is to advance the science and technology of metaoptics for use in next-generation quantum systems. The project will explore the design of metasurfaces through both commercial and custom-built (e.g., deep learning) software. Experimentally, we will fabricate metasurface optics using advanced full-wafer fabrication tools such as Southampton’s deep-UV lithography (the only such system available in the UK’s academic research community) and our new 200 kV electron beam lithography system (the only such system currently installed in UK and Europe).
During the research you'll receive training and develop strong expertise in devices fabrication using one of the leading research cleanroom facilities in the UK. The project will link to existing collaborations with groups at Imperial and Bristol through the Quantum Sensing Imaging & Timing (QuSIT) Hub and cold atom experiments at Durham, and we will develop new academic and industrial collaborations during the activity.
