Physical Systems for Quantum Technologies

This course will provide an introduction to physical systems and experimental techniques relevant to Quantum Technologies.

Part I (3 lectures, Paul Griffin) – Atoms: Laser cooling and atomic clocks; Atoms in optical lattices; Rydberg atoms in tweezers for quantum computation;

Part II (2 lectures, Sam Bayliss) Spin Qubits: Spin-light interfaces; Physical systems; Initialisation, readout and control of spin qubits; Applications to quantum sensing and quantum networks;

Part III (2 lectures, Alessandro Fedrizzi) – Photonics;

Part IV (2 lectures, Martin Weides) – Superconducting Qubits: Quantum circuits, materials and interfacing concepts.

Quantum Magnetism and Quantum Phase Transitions

SUPA self enrolment choices (assessed/non-assessed/undergrad)

Status: This is a biennial course.  Not offered in 2024/25; returning in 2025/26 

Lecturer: Bernd Braunecker, Jonathan Keeling
Institution: St Andrews
Hours Equivalent Credit: 18
Assessment: Continuous Assessment


Course Summary

These lecturers cover two closely related themes: models of magnetism and quantum phase transitions. The two parts are strongly linked in that many of the models we will introduce to describe magnetism turn out to be paradigmatic models of quantum phase transitions. The course is intended to be relevant not just for those working on traditional solid-state systems, but also those working on cold atom physics, where many of the same models and questions are also relevant.