ARC QuTech: Superfluid spintronics in bespoke optical potentials

This project is part of the UQ node of the ARC Training Centre for Current and Emergent Quantum Technologies,  in collaboration with quantum industry partner Infleqtion. As part of the project, you will complete a 6+ month internship with industry partner Infleqtion.

In this project, we will investigate the controlled generation and manipulation of transverse spin persistent currents in toroidal rubidium-87 spinor BECs using novel magic-wavelength phase-imprinting techniques developed at UQ. The research will benchmark across two key applications of toroidal geometries.

Background 

Toroidal Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) provide a platform for precision rotation sensing, atomtronic circuits, and weak-link mediated Josephson junctions. These applications rely on initialising quantised superfluid circulation through an experimental technique known as phase-imprinting.

The resulting superfluid flow is dissipation-free and stable due to the single-valued condensate wavefunction and are referred to as persistent currents. Spinor BECs extend this paradigm through internal spin degrees of freedom that enable novel superfluid order and additional quantised flows.

For example, the easy-plane ferromagnetic phase of spin-1 condensates, offers a transversely magnetised system that supports spin-dependent superfluid flow distinct from conventional mass circulation. This topologically stable phase enables counterpropagating persistent currents between magnetic sublevels that will enhance investigations into sensing, atomtronic circuits, and Josephson tunnelling.

Firstly, for rotation sensing, we will characterise the sensitivity, stability, and noise resilience of spinor-based interferometry compared to scalar BEC gyroscopes. We will then investigate weak-link mediated Josephson oscillation studies which will explore the coupled oscillation dynamics between magnetic sublevels. You will be supervised by CI Neely (principal) and CI Rubinsztein-Dunlop (associate).

The project forms a key part of the lab’s growing research program in quantum sensing and industry engagement. You will work closely with research fellows and PhD students on the spinor BEC apparatus, and employees and researchers at Infleqtion during the internship. You will participate in weekly group meetings and journal discussion groups. You can present in a weekly Physics seminar series and attend a weekly colloquium. The project is part of ARC Training Centre Qu-Tech. This provides additional opportunities to participate in a range of external and internal ECR-targeted workshops and summer schools.

UQ provides an outstanding environment for this project, with research in “Quantum Physics” and “Physical Sciences” recently ranked “well above world standard” in ERA2018. 

Infleqtion (Nasdaq:INFQ) is an industry leader in developing atom-based quantum technologies and is the first publicly-listed neutral atom quantum company.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history.

A working knowledge of quantum physics, condensed matter physics, quantum technology, and/or optics would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of physics and/or mathematics and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of experimental physics or optics lab techniques is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 22 May, 2026 22 May, 2026.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Associate Professor Tyler Neely (t.neely@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:

1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
2. Project: 'Research project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: OPTICAL-NEELY
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/arc-qutech-superfluid-spintronics-bespoke-optical-potentials

Submit an EOI