Description

Ultracold atomic gases provide a unique platform to explore many-body quantum phenomena, notably enabling the simulation of complex systems and the development of new approaches to quantum metrology.

This PhD project focuses on the experimental study of ultracold gases of dysprosium, an atom remarkable for its total angular momentum J = 8. This rich internal structure makes dysprosium an ideal system for pioneering research in quantum simulation and quantum metrology.

The first research direction aims to exploit the non-classical spin dynamics of dysprosium to generate collectively entangled states and enhance the sensitivity of magnetic measurements beyond the standard quantum limit. The PhD student will study spin-exchange processes between atoms, enabling the creation of complex correlated states and the observation of new collective effects in a high-spin gas.

A second research axis will explore topological phases of dysprosium atoms subjected to synthetic gauge fields generated by spin–orbit coupling. These systems will allow the study of Bose–Einstein condensates in topological bands, and, in more strongly correlated regimes, of states analogous to the fractional quantum Hall effect.

The project builds on an already operational experimental setup at the Laboratoire Kastler Brossel (ENS–Collège de France), capable of producing and manipulating ultracold samples of dysprosium. The PhD student will take part in all experimental aspects: sample preparation, optical spin control, detection and analysis of atomic states, as well as numerical modeling and theoretical interpretation of the results.

This research, at the crossroads of atomic physics, quantum optics, and condensed matter physics, aims to deepen our understanding of the quantum dynamics of high-spin systems and to open new perspectives for quantum precision metrology and the simulation of exotic topological phases.

Skills required

We are seeking a highly motivated student with a strong background in quantum physics and hands-on laboratory experience. The selected candidate will participate in all aspects of the experiment: daily operation of the ultracold atom apparatus, design and construction of new optical systems, data acquisition and analysis, and numerical modeling for interpreting results. The student will work within a collaborative team environment, typically comprising three PhD students and two permanent researchers.

Bibliography

voir les références sur le site web de l'équipe

https://quantumgases-pariscdf.fr/dysprosium-lab/

Keywords

ultracold atoms, quantum gases, topological systems, quantum metrology