The Quantum Simulator for Fundamental Physics (qSimFP) consortium, including 15 investigators from 7 UK Research Organisations and 5 International Partners was formed in 2018-2020. Funding through the Quantum Technology for Fundamental Physics initiative started in November 2020 with the project duration of 3 years and 5 months. Our programme unites the quantum-technology and fundamental-physics communities, with leading scientists from both camps now working together and focusing on common goals.

We are interested in the dynamics of the early universe and black holes, which are fundamental reflections of the interplay between general relativity and quantum fields. The essential physical processes occur when gravitational interactions are strong and quantum effects are important. These situations are difficult to observe and impossible to experiment with, while the existing theoretical approaches are based on approximations that are in need of experimental verification. Our goal is to exploit the recent advances in quantum technologies, often motivated by fundamental physics questions, to make lab-based tests of the theories through analogue quantum simulation.

The initial funding will be used to set up a versatile early universe simulator (Cambridge) and two types of versatile quantum black hole simulators (Nottingham, RHUL and St. Andrews). The experimental facilities will be supported by the qSimFP Fundamental Physics consortium at KCL, Nottingham, RHUL and Newcastle.

We will deliver first scientific results within the scope of that grant. Looking beyond this 3.5-year horizon, we will establish both a new cross-disciplinary community and internationally-leading experimental facilities that will allow us to drive this new field forward for many years to come.

Kids on Campus April 2023

On April 20th the ARTlab hosted a Kids on Campus workshop, where 60 year 5 Primary School Pupils joined the QSimFP labs, see images below. The Black Hole Discovery Day was a half-day workshop, with a lecture, lab tour, ARTlab activity and visit to the library. The Nottingham QSimFP team joined the pupils for lunch, using the opportunity to introduce themselves, as well as answering any outstanding questions.

Feb. 27, 2023

The registration for the 2nd QSimFP workshop is open

The Quantum Simulators of Fundamental Physics meeting to be held June 5-9 2023 at the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, Ontario Canada. This workshop will serve as the yearly meeting for the consortium, providing a venue to share progress on the many research directions being pursued by consortium members. It will also provide an opportunity for the consortium to engage more broadly with researchers in Canada and internationally pursuing research in quantum simulation, cosmology, quantum gravity, and other topics. The workshop will include talks given by consortium members and researchers external to the consortium, ample time for informal interaction, a poster session, and an ‘elevator-pitch’ session to introduce your research area. All attendees will be invited to present their research in some format. We hope that you are available to attend, and encourage you to register here: https://events.perimeterinstitute.ca/event/40/ as soon as possible. Limited funding is available to support local expenses for junior participants; please specify at the time of registration if you wish to be considered for this. The registration fee of $250 includes breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks during the conference. Virtual attendance for a portion of the meeting will also be possible; if this is of interest, you must register for virtual attendance at the link above. We ask that you register by April 3, 2023 so that final preparations for the meeting can be made. For those who are not junior researchers applying for local expenses, we encourage you to make arrangements for your accommodations as soon as possible since summer in Waterloo can be quite busy. Perimeter Institute can be reached by public transportation or by foot from several hotels: Delta Hotels Waterloo: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ykfdw-delta-hotels-waterloo/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0 The Inn of Waterloo: https://www.theinnofwaterloo.com Accommodations can also be found in Kitchener or on platforms such as airbnb. Waterloo is most easily accessed by air from Toronto Pearson International Airport. Ground transportation options from Pearson to Waterloo include: Taxi (can be shared - the cost of the trip doesn’t depend on the number of passengers, up to 3): https://waterlootaxi.ca Shuttle van: https://www.airwaystransit.com FLiXBUS: https://www.flixbus.ca Public transportation (longest option): https://www.gotransit.com/en/ We hope to see you in Waterloo this summer!

Feb. 7, 2023

2 postdoctoral positions available at RHUL

The London Low Temperature Laboratory is advertising 2 postdoctoral positions. Our lab is actively engaged in cutting-edge experimental research in the exciting field of quantum science and technology and we are seeking a highly motivated individual to join us. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to work with a team of experienced researchers and contribute to our ongoing projects in the area of quantum optomechanics and quantum circuits. The ideal candidates will have a PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field. Responsibilities of the postdoctoral fellow will include conducting independent research, collaborating with other members of the group, and presenting results at conferences and in publications. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to participate in the training of graduate students. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as a supportive and inclusive work environment. These are a full-time positions for a period of 2 years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. More info available at these two job adverts: post 1: <a href=" https://jobs.royalholloway.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=1122-536 " target ="_blank">Click here</a> post 2: <a href=" https://jobs.royalholloway.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx?ref=1222-547 " target ="_blank">Click here</a> If you or someone you know may be interested in this opportunity, please send a CV and a cover letter to xavier.rojas@rhul.ac.uk. The deadline for applications is 15 Feb 2023. Thank you for considering this opportunity, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Feb. 7, 2023

Innovation Showcase Event

1 March 2023, Royal College Of Physicians, 11 St Andrews Place, London NW1 4LE Organised by the Science & Technology Facilities Council. Registration <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/innovation-showcase-event-tickets-445247696847" target ="_blank">Here</a> Join us at an in-person event in London to hear about our exciting funding plans for the next two years: <ul> <li>launching our new leading-edge ‘Late-Stage Research and Development Scheme’ joint with Innovate UK, to progress ideas from the STFC Particle Physics, Astronomy and Nuclear Physics (PPAN) community towards market readiness – Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5-7; </li> <li>announcing our plans for the STFC Horizons Programme with a new call with a focus on Net Zero;</li> <li>sharing our plans for the STFC Cluster funding awards based at our world leading facilities in the UK; and</li> <li>giving details of a new Industry Engagement Fund which builds on the success of the Bridging for Innovators (B4I) scheme and will see industry work with our world class facilities and expertise to support industrial challenges.</li> </ul> The showcase event will highlight these opportunities and give you an opportunity to network and ask questions. The event is free to attend, and we would be delighted to see you there.

Feb. 2, 2023

QTFP networking event

At the beginning of February 2023, our group attended the Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics Engagement Event. This event, organised by STFC and UKRI, brought together researchers from seven consortia funded by the QTFP programme, to demonstrate their progress in front of a wider scientific community. We are thankful for two days of inspiring talks and networking opportunities and we are looking for new future collaborations with our partners across the programme. The QTFP programme aims to demonstrate how quantum technologies can be utilised to investigate key fundamental physics questions such as the search for dark matter, the nature of gravity and measurements of the quantum properties of elementary particles, thus ensuring the UK remains a first rank nation in the physics and quantum communities around the world.

Jan. 25, 2023

Quantum Sensors for Fundamental Physics Engagement Event

The ARTlab at the University of Nottingham hosted a 1-day Quantum Sensors for Fundamental Physics Engagement Event on Wednesday the 25th of January 2023. The meeting was facilitated by Michael Hoch. The meeting was attended by members of the QSFP community board, e.g. the PIs of the large consortia, Ian Shipsey, Sir Peter Knight (video conference), Georgia Mortzou (Quantum City) and Kai Bongs (video conference). The outcome of the meeting was to agree on a QTFP-wide coordinated engagement strategy.

Nov. 19, 2022

Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics Winter School 2023

9th-13th January 2023 Robinson College, University of Cambridge and online Lecturers will include: <li>Prof. Ed Daw -Quantum sensing for the hidden sector </li> <li> Dr Rachel Godunand and Dr Nathaniel Sherrill -Networked quantum sensors for fundamental physics </li> <li>Prof. Timothy Kovachy -Atom interferometry observatories and networks </li> <li>Dr Denis Martynov -Quantum-enhanced interferometry for new physics </li> <li>Prof. Ruben Saakyanand and Prof. Stafford Withington -Determination of absolute neutrino mass </li> <li>Prof. Silke Weinfurtner -Quantum simulators for fundamental physics </li> Register now <a href="https://indico.cern.ch/event/1215570/ " target ="_blank">Here</a>

Nov. 11, 2022

UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase 2022

With the UK home to around half the quantum businesses in Europe, this is your chance to discover the growing commercialisation and industrialisation of quantum technologies in the UK. Open to anyone from industry, academia, government and VC’s or investors looking to explore the huge opportunities quantum can offer. Over 60 exhibitor stands were available. The showcasel also demonstrated the success and progress of the NQTP (National Quantum Technologies Programme) which by 2024 will have invested £1 billion of private and public funding into quantum research and innovation. With several hundred businesses from supply chain to end users and technology developers, the programme is speeding up the move of quantum technologies into the market. Through strong collaboration between academia and industry, the programme is accelerating the development, industrialisation and adoption of quantum science and technologies in application areas such as sensing and metrology, computing and simulation, communication and imaging. There are huge breakthroughs happening across automotive, healthcare, infrastructure, telecommunications, cybersecurity and defence. Boosting UK businesses and having a real impact on our everyday lives. Watch the recordings above to find out more. For further info, please contact <a href="https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/quantum/" target ="_blank"> Innovate UK KTN’s Quantum Technologies team</a>.

World-leading researchers in the following STFC and EPSRC areas: