Experimental Quantum Engineering
This course develops practical quantum engineering skills through building a functional setup controlling quantum spins in diamond. Students gain expertise in electronics, photonics, microwave technology, signal processing, PC-equipment interfacing, and solid-state spin quantum science, preparing them for research or quantum industry roles.
This PhD laboratory course provides training in experimental quantum engineering through building and operating an apparatus to control quantum spins in diamond. The curriculum follows designs from Prof. Laucht (University of New South Wales), aligning with recent quantum education publications and addressing growing "Quantum Workforce" needs.
The 13-week course is divided into two phases: subsystem development (weeks 1-7) and system integration/operation (weeks 8-13). In phase one, students form specialized subgroups focused on microwave experiments, laser/optical experiments, or computer control. Each subgroup conducts guided weekly experiments to develop their subsystem. In week 7, instructors integrate these components (following laser safety requirements) to build the complete diamond qubit setup.
During phase two, students operate the integrated system to perform progressive qubit control experiments, culminating in quantum information protection using pulsed microwave sequences. Throughout both phases, students develop expertise in microwave control, optical systems, electron spin resonance, electronics, equipment interfacing, and programming.
The course accommodates 3-10 students, with one additional assistant instructor per three students. With fewer than three enrollments, the course focuses on weeks 8-13 using a pre-built setup with additional theoretical modeling.
Teaching combines lectures and laboratories, with initial weeks dedicated to equipment familiarization. Each subgroup receives specialized instructions during weeks 4-7, while weeks 8-13 feature common experiments exploring coherence times and control mechanisms.
By completion, students gain hands-on experience with quantum systems, developing skills in qubit initialization, readout, and control. They will understand electron spin resonance physics, explore the Bloch sphere, perform basic qubit operations, and learn quantum state protection techniques. These skills transfer directly to quantum information research and NMR/EPR applications across chemistry, biology, and physics.
Weekly lectures and laboratory sessions progress from fundamentals to advanced quantum control:
Week 1: Introduction to diamond qubit systems, electron spin dynamics, optical polarization, electron spin resonance, and ODMR. Laboratory notebook training and safety instructions.
Week 2: Equipment introduction and overview of three subtopics: microwave experiments, optical/laser experiments, and computer control. Formation of specialized subgroups.
Week 3: Subgroups develop workplans, create experimental setup schematics, and gather components.
Week 4: Design presentations and experiment initiation: (a) IQ modulation of microwave signals; (b) Optical system alignment for imaging; (c) Pulse Blaster programming with MATLAB.
Week 5: Advanced development: (a) Electromagnetic modeling of microwave antennas; (b) Optical alignment for fluorescence detection; (c) Programming verification and lock-in amplifier interfacing.
Week 6: System integration: (a) Microwave-pulse blaster-PC interfacing; (b) Laser/optical systems connections; (c) Control system coordination.
Week 7: Final refinement: (a) MW frequency sweeping implementation; (b) Optical/laser control integration; (c) Preliminary ODMR testing.
Weeks 8-13: Instructors assemble the complete setup. Students rotate through:
• Week 8: T1 measurement using pulsed laser/microwave control
• Week 9: Continuous-wave ODMR for spin structure analysis
• Week 10: Rabi oscillation demonstration
• Week 11: Ramsey sequence implementation for coherence time estimation
• Week 12: Hahn echo insertion to extend coherence time
• Week 13: Final reports and presentations
Assessment includes individual laboratory notebook reviews with viva interviews (weeks 7/12, 20% each) and three group reports with presentations: equipment report (week 2, 10%), mid-term subsystem report (week 8, 25%), and final qubit control report (week 13, 25%). Random presenter selection ensures individual mastery of all content.
Students must have prior experimental experience in physics or engineering and proficiency in coding (Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW). Background knowledge in quantum mechanics is beneficial but not required, as the course emphasizes experimental techniques over quantum theory fundamentals.
New for AY2025