Christian P
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at University of Arizona
Expertise
Physics, Quantum Physics, Quantum computers, Quantum information theory, information theory, quantum optics, optics, electromagnetism, Lasers, Gravitational Wave Astronomy, LIGO, Feedback and Control Systems
Bio
I am an experimental physicist specializing in quantum sensing, quantum computing hardware, and optics. My current research investigates ways to build quantum sensors and computers from large numbers of trapped ions. Trapped ions are a leading candidate for building quantum computers because we can prepare and measure the states of small numbers of ions (<10) precisely, however, scaling to a larger number of ions (1000+) required to build useful quantum computers is a challenge. In my PhD research, I explored the quantum limits of displacement sensing by making measurements of the position of very small mirrors by reflecting laser light from them. We progressed towards observing quantum effects such as the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, the quantum "ground state" of the mirror (the lowest energy the mirror can have), and utilizing novel quantum states of light to improve the precision of measurements. I became interested in this research by working at LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory), which utilizes similar experimental techniques to measure tiny ripples in space-time, known as gravitational waves, from colliding black holes and neutron stars. We’d like to use this research to improve experiments like LIGO, make new experiments to look for new physics (such as dark matter or ruling out special formulations of quantum mechanics), and build technology that harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics (quantum sensors and components for quantum networks). My interest in teaching started after working for Peninsula Bridge in the San Francisco Bay Area teaching middle school students, and I have continued teaching through the years. I was fortunate to have several mentors who pushed me and satisfied my curiosity. In my free time, I enjoy being outside and exploring the mountains of Washington through running, mountain biking, and skiing.Project ideas
Measurement in quantum mechanics versus classical mechanics
Measurement in quantum mechanics is fundamentally different than in classical mechanics, and there is ongoing research to this day to test theories that describe what happens exactly when a measurement is made in quantum mechanics. This project could be focused on giving a review of different theories of measurement in quantum mechanics and how we can experimentally test them, or also include quantitatively exploring the differences in predictions for measurements on a quantum systems versus what we would expect classically.
Lasers
Learn the basics of how lasers work! After studying the basics of optical resonators and gain media on general a general laser system, you can learn more about a particular type of laser (such as a semiconductor or helium-neon laser) and explain what makes it tick, and what its particular advantages and disadvantages are.