The development of thermodynamics ushered in the infamous industrial revolution. Whilst, the fast development of nano-devices has required a deeper and fresh look at thermodynamics at the nanoscopic scale. Here however, dynamics of system are highly susceptible to fluctation theorems arising due influences from the environment and often fall within non-equilibrium thermodynamics.

Levitated optomechanics is a paradigm system for addressing foundational questions in physics. Here a single nanoparticle is levitated using tightly focused laser beams in ultrahigh vacuum, thereby isolating the particle from numerous sources of noise.

At southampton, we have already realised such a setup being able to cool and heat the particles center-of-mass motion which is confined in fixed volumetric region. Such an isolated nanoparticle therefore becomes an ideal system to test fundamental questions pertaining to thermodynamics.

This project will utalise the levitated nanoparticle and controllably study single particle thermodynamics. Realising a nano-heat engine as well as pioneer study in the thermodynamics of a single particle system, specifically looking at the non-equilibrium regime. Understanding of such nanodevices that are also at the interface of quantum and classical physics and therefore key to the quantum industrial revolution.

We are looking for highly motivated and hands-on candidates with an interest to set up and work with sophisticated experiments. Good knowledge and understanding of optics and thermodynamics is required. A working knowledge and hands on experience of quantum optics is desirable. Experience of any of the following would be advantageous: feedback stabilization with FPGA digital electronics, work with Ultra-high vacuum systems, fibre and diode lasers. As well as, programming in Matlab, Python and Labview for data analysis and data-acquisition.

[For more information, please visit our group website at http://phyweb.phys.soton.ac.uk/matterwave/html/  and contact prof. Hendrik Ulbricht (h.ulbricht@soton.ac.uk).