Quantum Simulators for Fundamental Physics

Experiments are at the heart of physics: for an idea or theory to be taken seriously, it must stand up to rigorous testing. But some areas of fundamental interest, such as the nature of black holes or the early Universe, do not lend themselves to simple testing in the laboratory. The densities and energies involved are far too high to be reproduced directly. Yet in recent years, major strides have been taken in producing 'simulators' - experimental apparatus that mimics these extreme regimes with sufficient accuracy to confirm some of the most remarkable predictions of Einstein's general relativity. We are now shrinking these experimental analogues to a scale where quantum effects become important. Recent advances in quantum technology will enable us to create quantum simulators that allow us to study some of the most mysterious processes in the Universe.

Our research is fundamental, but will also have impact on practical applications in both the short and long term, creating benefits to society at large.

- Transfer of knowledge:

Impact: awareness of the research, quantum technology, physics and STEM
Beneficiaries: families and young people, especially from marginalised and deprived backgrounds

We will undertake an ambitious and unique outreach activity in the form of a Science-Art installation designed to target families, schools, and community groups. Together with experienced artists, we will create an immersive learning experience that will bring the concepts from cutting-edge research to the general public in an exciting and accessible way. Further information is given in the Pathways to Impact document.

This engagement will target a range of audiences. We will use existing partnerships with ChalleNGe to reach disadvantaged communities; this network has a track record of raising awareness and aspiration amongst children and young people from marginalised and deprived groups. We will further use the exhibition to generate local media coverage and online videos, with the specific aim of broadening our reach to inspire future female Physics academics, with the PI providing a role model. Our previous experience of reaching millions of viewers through videos on social media underscores the ability to deliver in this area.

- People:

Impact: training for early career researchers, boosting employability
Beneficiaries: PDRAs employed on the project, aligned PhD students and other local early career researchers; industries who later employ these individuals

We will create a multi-skilled, technology-savvy and science-appreciative workforce. Individuals with these attributes are essential both for keeping quantum research in the UK at the international forefront, and for providing trained staff for industry at a crucial time when Quantum Technologies are taking off. Thanks to the highly interdisciplinary nature of our research, which combines theory and experiments, and fundamental and technological issues, the training of our PDRAs will be intense and multi-faceted. Our multi-institutional project will also provide training in highly-transferable organisational and communication skills across disciplinary divides. By participating in public engagement (as above), our early career researchers will gain invaluable experience in communicating the complexities of their research to diverse audiences.

- Economy and Society:

Impact: future technology developments and associated benefits to industry and society through e.g. quality of life benefits
Beneficiaries: QT Hubs and their partners, as well as companies linked to the bid; companies investing in quantum technology more generally

Our fundamental work is likely to lead to improvements of the currently-pursued quantum technologies, and to the realisation of completely new ones. In particular, our work will feed back to the NQTP Hub in Sensors and Timing, which transforms research on ultracold atoms into practical applications. For example, the improvement of quantum-enhanced instruments based on ultracold atoms relies on control of both magnetic and laser fields. The NQTP Hub already has expertise in the former, while we are experts in the latter. We will now combine the two in our new experiments, which beyond this project will be crucial for practical applications. Additionally our demonstration of quantum interferometry for the readout of fluctuations in quantum fluids could translate into high-precision readout for atom sensors for development at NQTP.