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PhD proposal on the Hybrid Sr cavity lattice clock experiment
PhD proposal on the Hybrid Sr cavity lattice clock experiment
Engineering quantum states and metrology in hybrid cavity lattice clock
Engineering quantum states and metrology in hybrid cavity lattice clock
International mobility condition: applicants must have been living out of Italy at least 2 of the 3 last years.
Location: INRIM & Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy
Start date: Early 2026
Duration: 3 years (PhD program)
Atomic clocks are vital components for many applications in our modern society, such as the operation of GPS and the synchronization of telecommunication networks. Clocks are also used to bolster investigations of fundamental physical phenomena, such as the detection of low-frequency gravitational waves. Recently, a new type of clock has been developed: the hybrid cavity lattice clock. This platform joins the accuracy capability of a state-of-the-art optical lattice clock with the ability of quantum control of a cavity QED system. This system allows to take full advantage of quantum resources such as quantum nondemolition measurement, atomic spin-squeezing, and quantum state engineering by synthetic cavity mediated interactions.
We have built a strontium optical lattice clock employing a cold atomic source for high flux and high accuracy [1] and advanced theoretical [2] and experimental [3, 4] techniques for laser frequency stabilization, atomic quantum control and cavity spin squeezing. We have also designed a cavity-enhanced optical lattice clock based on Sr atoms where the high-cooperativity linear cavity is superimposed to a magic wavelength bow-tie cavity for homogeneous atom-cavity coupling [5]. The ultimate step is the installation and test of this new setup in our operating clock.
We propose for the selected PhD candidate to continue the development of this new trapping topology, detection systems, and cavity-atom interaction characterization at a metrologically relevant level for this platform. Then another main goal is the generation and study of collective atomic entangled states for optical clocks. The interplay between a quantized photonic field and collective atomic states can be engineered to investigate and study new methods to progress optical clocks beyond their classical limits. In particular, cavity-coupled atomic ensembles can be measured by the detection of the quantum state of the cavity field, while quantum backaction ensures the creation of quantum-correlated collective states with uncertainty lower than the classical (shot-noise) limit, i.e. spin squeezed states. Protocols based on continuous cavity measurements have been already devised, similar to those of CNRS-LTE and ICFO-CERCA, for the generation of spin-squeezed states. The PhD candidate will attempt to achieve spin-squeezed states by QND measurements and by synthetic cavity-induced interactions and devise clock protocols to surpass the QPN instability limit.
Our group works in tight connection with the members of the other atomic clocks present at INRIM and with the many-body physics theory group, led by Dr. G. Bertaina. The new team member will develop their work in connection with the entire team, developing a general culture in atomic physics and many-body physics.
Required qualifications
M.Sc. (or equivalent) in Physics, Applied Physics, Engineering, or a closely related discipline by the start date;
Strong background in atomic, optical, or quantum physics;
Experience with optics, lasers, or control electronics is desirable;
Excellent communication skills in English.
Desirable skills
Experience with cold-atom experiments, optical lattices, or cavity QED;
Programming (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW) and data analysis;
Experience with laser frequency stabilization, servo systems, or vacuum systems.
Conditions & benefits
PhD stipend and benefits according to DN MSCA rules (about €3,000/month gross, plus mobility allowance and, if applicable, family allowance).
Access to state-of-the-art lab facilities and collaboration with national/international partners.
Equal opportunities
INRiM intends to be proactive on proposing new and better job selection procedures and job evaluation - unhampered by prejudices or preferences regarding social background, religion, gender, and ethnicity.
How to apply
Please send (single PDF) a cover letter describing your interest and research experience, CV with publications (if any), and contact details for two referees to [m.tarallo (at) inrim.it] with subject “PhD application — Hybrid Sr cavity lattice clock”. Applications accepted until 31/10/2025. For informal enquiries, contact Dr. M. Tarallo. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
References and further readings:
[1] M Barbiero, MG Tarallo, D Calonico, F Levi, G Lamporesi, G Ferrari, Sideband-Enhanced Cold Atomic Source for Optical Clocks, Physical Review Applied 13 (1), 014013 (2020)
[2] A. Caprotti, M. Barbiero, M. G. Tarallo, M. G. Genoni, G. Bertaina, Analysis of spin-squeezing generation in cavity-coupled atomic ensembles with continuous measurements. Quantum Science and Technology, 9(3), 035032 (2024).
[3] M. Barbiero, J. P. Salvatierra, M. Risaro, C. Clivati, D. Calonico, F. Levi, and M. G. Tarallo, Broadband serrodyne phase modulation for optical frequency standards and spectral purity transfer, Opt. Lett. 48(7), 1958-1961 (2023)
[4] M Barbiero, D Calonico, F Levi, MG Tarallo, Optically loaded Strontium lattice clock with a single multi-wavelength reference cavity IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, vol. 71, pp. 1-9, 2022, Art no. 1501509 (2022)
[5] MG Tarallo, Toward a quantum-enhanced strontium optical lattice clock at INRIM, EPJ Web of Conferences 230, 00011, arXiv preprint arXiv:2006.10405, 2020
Project webpage: https://labafs.inrim.it/sr-optical-lattice-clock
Sr clock team:
Marco G. Tarallo, INRIM researcher - experiment.
G. Bertaina, INRIM researcher - theory.
J.P. Salvatierra, INRIM post-doc
Contact: m.tarallo (at) inrim.it
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