Summer students introduce undergrads to quantum device study at UNSW

Students also presented results to their research colleagues. Krittika Kumar presents results on use of shunt capacitors in RF charge-sensing measurements.

Alex Hamilton’s QED group at UNSW recently hosted four summer students, working alongside FLEET’s researchers on nanofabrication and characterisation projects connected to the QED group’s key research mission.

Over the course of their six-week placement, students pursued individual projects within the groups research project, developing individual skills in device fabrication and experimental process.

The UNSW Physics Quantum Electronic Devices group investigates electrical and optical properties of nanometre-scale semiconductor devices for future low-energy and quantum information applications.

Cory Aitchison: Characterisation of the Copenhagen board (FLEET related project)
Funded by Sydney Quantum Academy
Year of study: Entering 3rd year
Degree studying: B. Science / B. Advanced Studies, majoring in physics and statistics (at USYD)

Cory Aitchison enjoyed developing hands-on experimental skills

“I found it fascinating to learn about and work with the equipment underlying the research of quantum dot devices – this project helped me not only develop my understanding of the physics, but it has also given me experience in hands-on experimentation and problem solving.”

Krittika Kumar: Shunt capacitors in RF charge-sensing measurements (FLEET project)
Year of study: 4th Year
Degree studying: Physics and Comp Sci
“I enjoyed doing this project as it gave me a greater insight into the techniques we use to measure quantum dot systems, and reminded me that these methods are not set in stone and there is always room for more optimization and growth!”

Nicholas (Nick) Zaunders: Quantum transport in 2D topological materials (FLEET related project)
Funded by Sydney Quantum Academy
Year of study: 3rd Year
Degree studying: B. Adv. Sci

Nicholas (Nick) Zaunders

Nick Zaunders was inspired by the immediate practical applications of condensed-matter physics

“I’m particularly interested in solid-state and condensed matter physics, because I like the practice of using physics to construct practical, useful technology.”

Jeremy George: To study the quantum transport properties of a hBN-BLG-hBN vdW heterostructure  (FLEET project)
Year of study: 3rd Year
Degree studying: Electrical Engineering and physics
“The pure simplicity of the stacking process is beautiful.”

Under the leadership of FLEET’s Deputy Director Prof Alex Hamilton, the QED lab is key in the Centre’s mission to develop topological transistors for a future generation of low-energy electronics.

Third year electrical engineering/physics student Jeremy George studied quantum transport in stacked 2D structures

The group examines the fundamental properties of low-dimensional systems in advanced semiconductor devices, and the development of new semiconductor and superconducting devices. Quantum semiconductor devices are fabricated at UNSW, and examined using a variety of electronic and optical probes, at milliKelvin temperatures and in strong magnetic fields.