PhD project: Non-equilibrium Dynamics of Open Quantum Systems
Project description
Quantum technologies hold immense promise for the future. Their potential applications range from revolutionising computing to the development of uncrackable communication channels and sophisticated sensor technology. However, much of the quantum phenomena that we wish to make use of is fragile and can be easily destroyed outside of ideal lab conditions. If we want to get quantum technologies out of the lab and into the real world, they need to be made more robust.
To do this, we need to better understand the behaviour of quantum systems when they are coupled to an environment, known as 'open quantum systems'.
In this project, you will play a key role in advancing our understanding of open quantum systems by driving the development of novel numerical techniques able to simulate quantum systems subject to realistic sources of environmental noise. The project will focus on developing methods to study two-dimensional quantum systems, which few existing techniques are able to reliably simulate, despite being of major technological relevance - for example, the quantum processors used by IBM and Google are two-dimensional in nature.
Gaining a better understanding of how environmental noise affects quantum systems will not only give us valuable insight into fundamental physical processes, but will also feed into the development of better techniques for the mitigation of errors in quantum computers, and may even pave the way towards entirely new mechanisms for the protection of fragile quantum information in next-generation technologies.
Project supervisor
- Dr Steven Thomson (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
The project supervisor welcomes informal enquiries about this project.
Find out more about this research area
The links below summarise our research in the area(s) relevant to this project:
- Find out more about Statistical Physics and Complexity.
- Find out more about the Institute for Condensed Matter and Complex Systems.
What next?
- Find out how to apply for our PhD degrees.
- Find out about fees and funding and studentship opportunities.
- View and complete the application form (on the main University website).
- Find out how to contact us for more information.