About the project
This PhD project will contribute to provide sensors to operate at real world settings to the acceleration noise level of 1e-10 m/s^2/√Hz based on demonstrated levitated mechanics experiment in our Southampton labs.
This PhD project will contribute to provide sensors to operate at real world settings to the acceleration noise level of 1e-10 m/s^2/√Hz based on demonstrated levitated mechanics experiment in our Southampton labs. Our mechanical sensors will allow to significantly improve the ability to track masses to monitor their movement and change, as well as to detect magnetic fields at record low levels. Sensors are based on optical and magnetic trapping of millimetre-sized particles in vacuum and are realised on compact platforms in remote operation. Some sensors are optimised for use of small satellites for geodesy and consistent data production for processes relevant from climate change. Other sensors are portable on ground including under water. The operation of multiple sensors as integrated network will be used to enhance spatial as well as temporal resolution for specific sensing applications. In 2025/26 we will put two of our sensors on a satellite which will be an important test for levitated mechanics technologies in space. We are somewhere at the intermediate step between lab demonstration of amazingly sensitive devices and the commercialisation of mature sensors and are looking for team members with a dedication for innovation.
