DrHarini Hapuarachchi

 

PhD opportunities are available for strong candidates interested in theoretical and computational research in emerging quantum sensing technologies.

 

Please note that expressions of interest that do not follow the instructions in this page will not be filtered for shortlisting.

 

 

 

 

Nitrogen-vacancy plasmonics

Summary: This project aims to develop theoretical and computational models to explore pathways to enhance emerging NV-based quantum technologies via plasmonic interaction.

 

Keywords: open quantum systems; nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres; plasmonics; diamond-based quantum technologies

 

Overview: 
The negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centre in diamond is a fundamental building block for emerging room-temperature quantum technologies ranging from quantum computing and communication to sensing. Plasmonic structures, such as gold or silver nanoparticles, can significantly enhance the optical spin initialisation and readout signals of NV centres at the nanoscale.

 

As a theoretical PhD candidate, you will work with a high degree of autonomy to develop electromagnetic and open quantum system simulations that capture the dynamics of these systems. Questions your PhD could help answer may include, but need not be limited to: Which NV-plasmonic configurations achieve enhanced spin-readout signals and contrast in different NV-based applications? Can we develop accurate abstractions of these complex systems to help identify optimal and practically achievable configurations for such applications?

Some background resources:
https://opg.optica.org/oe/fulltext.cfm?uri=oe-32-13-22352
https://journals.aps.org/prxquantum/abstract/10.1103/PRXQuantum.5.020202

 

 

 

Rydberg atom-based quantum receivers

Summary: This project aims to model and optimise Rydberg atom-based quantum receiver architectures for next-generation wireless communication and sensing.

 

Keywords: Rydberg atoms; quantum sensing; wireless communications; RF receivers; quantum optics; signal processing

 

Overview: 
Rydberg atom-based receivers offer a radically different approach to wireless signal detection. Instead of relying only on conventional electronic antennas and front-ends, they use highly excited atoms whose quantum states are extremely sensitive to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields. In these systems, incoming RF signals are converted into optical signals through light-atom interactions. This creates opportunities for compact, broadband, and quantum-enabled wireless receivers.

 

As a theoretical PhD candidate, you will work with a high degree of autonomy to develop quantum-optical, numerical, and signal-processing models for these emerging wireless receiver platforms. Questions your PhD could help answer may include, but need not be limited to: How can Rydberg atom-based receivers be modelled as practical communication devices? What limits their sensitivity, bandwidth, dynamic range, and noise performance? To what extent can atomic receivers be integrated with standard wireless concepts such as demodulation, channel estimation, and MIMO? When do we need new methods of signal processing?

 

Some background resources:
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11124471
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11429587
https://journals.aps.org/prxquantum/abstract/10.1103/PRXQuantum.5.020202

 

 

 

 

Spin dynamics in protein-based quantum sensors

Summary: This project aims to develop theoretical and computational models to explain experimental observations and predict pathways to control and enhance quantum sensors based on magneto-sensitive fluorescent proteins.

 

Keywords: quantum sensing; open quantum systems; spin photodynamics; optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR); quantum biology; 

 

Overview: 
Quantum sensing offers unparalleled precision for detecting microscopic biological events, but traditional sensors are made of inorganic materials that are difficult to interface with living cells. Recently, specific engineered proteins, such as MagLOV, have been shown to exhibit optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) at room temperature.

 

As a theoretical PhD candidate, you will work with a high degree of autonomy to develop models for these emerging protein-based quantum sensors. Questions your PhD could help answer may include, but need not be limited to: Can we accurately model the spin dynamics driving these proteins to explain recent experiments? How do environmental factors, such as local magnetic noise from reactive oxygen species (ROS), impact their coherence and observable fluorescence? What are the pathways to control and enhance the optical readout signals from these novel quantum sensors?

 

Some background resources:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09971-3
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-026-03158-5
https://journals.aps.org/prxquantum/abstract/10.1103/PRXQuantum.5.020202

 

 

 

 

Successful applicants will ideally have:

 

• A highly competitive academic record (with ~3.9/4 GPA or international equivalent), in an Honours or Master’s degree in a discipline with strong mathematical content. Undergraduate students who are currently on track to meet this standard are also encouraged to apply, even if final transcripts are not yet available.
• Strong foundations in mathematics, for example linear algebra, complex numbers, and calculus.
• Relevant background requirements depend on the project: 
  • NV-plasmonics project: A strong background, or demonstrated interest, in quantum mechanics or spin physics.
  • Rydberg atom-based quantum receiver project: A strong background in wireless telecommunications and signal processing, together with solid foundations or demonstrated interest in quantum physics.
  • Protein-based quantum sensor project: A strong foundation in quantum biology, spin chemistry, protein photophysics, or a closely related area of biophysics, together with strong foundations in spin physics and quantum mechanics.
• Prior experience with open quantum systems, electromagnetic simulation tools such as COMSOL/Lumerical , and/or collaborative experiment-theory projects is not mandatory, but will be highly valued.
• Demonstrated research experience. Authorship of a peer-reviewed publication is not mandatory, but will be highly valued.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of complex research tasks, work independently through technical challenges, and contribute effectively to collaborative research projects will be highly valued. 
• Strong scientific programming skills (for example, in Python, MATLAB, or Mathematica).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

 

 

 

How to submit an expression of interest (EoI):

Applications that do not follow these instructions will not be considered.
Please send the following to harini.hapuarachchi@sydney.edu.au with the title "EoI: PhD Opportunity in Quantum Sensing":

• Your CV.
• Your latest academic transcript (even if your final transcript is not yet available).
• A cover letter explaining how you meet the criteria, your fit for the considered project, and why you want to undertake a PhD in this area at the University of Sydney in our group. Briefly explain your role in prior research projects mentioned.
• A research statement outlining how you would approach the project; the questions you find most interesting (stated above or related); and any methods, background, and initial ideas you would bring. This does not need to be a fully formed proposal; we will use it to get an initial understanding of how you think and how you might take the project forward.

Competitively selected candidates will be considered for scholarship support at the University’s RTP stipend rate.