We have many projects available for both honours students and international visiting students within our main research areas.  Some sample projects are described below; however you should talk to us if you are interested in any particular aspect of our research.

(1) Nonlinear dynamics and quantum chaos.

The study of quantum systems in a classically chaotic regime is known as quantum chaos. Ultra-cold atoms stored on atom chips provide a new way to study this field. This project will consist of experimental and theoretical work on nonlinear dynamics of cold atoms and Bose-Einstein condensates on an atom chip. Theoretical work will investigate regimes of experimental parameters which are best suited to the study aspects of quantum chaos, in particular for observing dynamical tunneling. Once the optimum parameters have been established, we will seek to perform the experiment using cold atoms on an atom chip.

(2) New atom chips for Bose-Einstein condensation.

This project will involve the design, construction and operation of a new type of atom chip for BEC production. A method for fabricating chips based on metallic foils has been developed here at UQ. This project will extend upon this work using laser cutting to pattern microwires into the chip. These wires can form versatile magnetic trapping potentials to confine and manipulate the BEC above the surface of the chip. Waveguides, beamsplitters and interferometers can be realised with simple patterns and it is planned to demonstrate the operation of these using a BEC.

(3) Photoionisation of atoms from a Bose-Einstein condensate

Most experiments with BEC to date have worked with the BEC as coherent state of atoms much like photons in a laser beam. However, studies of the individual atoms from a condensate will allow us to perform quantum optics experiments with a BEC. To make such experiments feasible, a reliable single atom detection scheme must be implemented. One route to this is to photoionise atoms from a BEC using laser light and count the ions produced with a channeltron. This project will work on the design and implementation of single atom detectors based on this method.