About the project
Can nuclear spins steer a levitated nanoparticle? This project develops theory for using nuclear magnetic resonance to control its centre-of-mass motion and rotation. Working closely with experimentalists, you will explore spin–motion coupling as a route to quantum states of massive objects and new approaches to quantum sensing and information processing.
How can nuclear spins be coupled coherently to the motion of a levitated nanoparticle? This project will develop theoretical models for controlling both translation and rotation through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Magnetic-field gradients can convert spin dynamics into forces on a particle’s centre of mass, while spin–rotation interactions can exchange angular momentum with its mechanical rotation.
You will investigate realistic control schemes, including radio-frequency pulse sequences, magnetic-field gradients and resonant driving, and assess how spin relaxation, mechanical damping, thermal noise and optical readout affect their performance.
For rotation, the work will examine coupling associated with the Einstein–de Haas and Barnett effects, including the roles of nuclear-spin anisotropy and quadrupolar interactions. The aim is to identify practical regimes in which spin states can prepare, control or read out mechanical motion, and to establish how these ideas could progress towards spatial quantum superpositions of massive objects and the use of nuclear spins coupled to mechanical modes for quantum computation and sensing.
This is a theory project with close interaction with experimental researchers working on levitated optomechanics and NMR. You will build skills in quantum and classical dynamics, numerical modelling and magnetic-resonance methods, helping guide future experiments in quantum metrology and information processing.
The School of Physics and Astronomy is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
