Physics

Dr. Swati Singh
University of Delaware

Abstract: When properly engineered, simple quantum systems such as 
harmonic oscillators or spins can be excellent detectors of feeble 
forces and fields. Following a general introduction to this fast growing 
area of research I will focus on two simple and experimentally 
realizable examples: a nitrogen vacancy (NV) center in diamond, and 
MEMS/NEMS devices operating as quantum oscillators. In the first case, I will demonstrate within a semi-classical description that it is possible to understand and control the quantum many-body environment of the NV center, thereby enabling several magnetometry applications. In the second example I will show examples of manipulating the motion of a mechanical device down to the quantum limit, and how they operate as force sensors. Along with exploring some fundamental problems in physics, I will show that in both cases understanding and addressing issues around quantum control are an essential step towards building quantum noise limited detectors.