Our new work on the thermodynamic cost of timekeeping has been published in Physical Review X. Thermodynamics tells us that there are two fundamental types of machine than cannot operate without releasing heat. One is the mechanical engine, which releases heat to do work, and the other is the computer memory, which releases heat when…
Radio-frequency reflectometry is an important experimental technique that we use to make fast and sensitive measurements of quantum devices. Its applications keep multiplying. Here are two new ones: Led by Josh Chawner and the Jon Prance group, we have helped devise a new thermometer: Non-galvanic calibration and operation of a quantum dot thermometer by J.…
We are seeking a postdoc with expertise in quantum devices to work on an exciting search for dark matter. The closing date is 20 February. If you think you are qualified and would like to learn more, please get in touch. Apply here.
We have just started an exciting project to use quantum electronics to search for dark matter. We will be developing sensitive amplifiers to detect the decay of axions – hypothetical particles that, if they exist, might simultaneously explain dark matter and solve the strong CP problem in particle physics. One PhD studentship is available on…
Our paper Machine learning enables completely automatic tuning of a quantum device faster than human experts has been published today in Nature Communications. Semiconductors are among the most promising materials for making a quantum computer. However, semiconductor devices contain defects, which means that every qubit is slightly different. These differences must be cancelled by adjusting…
We have been awarded a PhD studentship from the Department of Transport to develop a miniature atomic clock. This project is in collaboration with technology company Forsberg Services and runs for up to four years. Unlike standard UK research council studentships, it is automatically open to both UK and EU students. If you think you…
Our paper A coherent nanomechanical oscillator driven by single-electron tunnelling is online in Nature Physics today. When electrical leads are attached to a suspended carbon nanotube, the nanotube’s motion can be detected from changes in the electrical current that passes through it. At the same time, the nanotube experiences a fluctuating electrostatic force depending on…
Our recent experiments have led to three new papers on the arXiv: A coherent nanomechanical oscillator driven by single-electron tunnelling by Yutian Wen describes a carbon nanotube oscillator driven by an electrical current. When we measure a tiny moving object, for example by detecting changes in its conductance, we know the measurement must also disturb…
The group is about to begin an ERC Consolidator Grant for the project “Vibrating carbon nanotubes for probing quantum systems at the mesoscale”. This is a fantastic resource for the next five years of our research.
We are pleased to be bringing the UK Quantum Dot Day to Lancaster. QD Day 2019 is a one-day workshop on all aspects of research into semiconductor quantum dots. Topics will include electrical transport, optical properties, spin physics, quantum devices, and synthesis. This will be the latest in a series of highly successful workshops organised by…