Quantum optics

In Prof. Sharon Schwartz's lab, two research projects are currently available for Master's and PhD students:

First project: Implementation of a quantum approach for interaction-free measurements using X-rays. This project aims to demonstrate a fascinating quantum principle-performing measurements on objects without the electromagnetic radiation interacting with them at all, a phenomenon impossible in classical mechanics. More about the concept can be found here. Applying this principle to X-rays is innovative and groundbreaking, as it could enable precise measurements without causing any damage to the examined object. However, its practical implementation presents significant technological and physical challenges.

Second project: Measurement of characteristic correlation times in X-ray systems in the zeptosecond time regime. The project will involve the development, demonstration, and investigation of an extremely sensitive quantum interferometer, capable of measuring time intervals as short as one part in 1,000,000,000,000 of a second-a single zeptosecond.
This interferometer is expected to enable the measurement of physical phenomena and quantities that, until now, no one had even imagined could be measured.

Type of work: Experimental

If one of the projects interests you, send an email today to: sharon.shwartz@biu.ac.il

In Prof. Patrick Sebbah's lab, two research projects are currently available for Master's and PhD students:

First project: Photonic crystals, though composed of transparent materials, can block electromagnetic waves at specific frequencies due to their periodic structure. Most respect reciprocity, but special arrangements can break symmetry and produce non-reciprocal dispersion.

In our lab, we study Magnetic Photonic Crystals (MPC) composed of anisotropic dielectrics and a magnetic layer, designed to support a Stationary Inflection Point (SIP) where the group velocity vanishes. This gives rise to a unique Frozen Mode, in which waves slow dramatically, their amplitude grows strongly, and transmission becomes nearly perfect and unidirectional.

Unlike Fabry–Perot resonances, frozen modes are robust against imperfections and boundaries, making them ideal for enhanced wave–matter interaction.
The project involves the design and experimental realization of a 3D MPC in the microwave regime, exploration of its frozen-mode resonance, and its exploitation with gain to demonstrate a cavity-less, unidirectional maser.

Second project: The project aims to develop a novel instrument for measuring both the localization landscape and the vibrational modes of metallic plates. Using advanced laser vibrometry and digital holography, steady-state vibration measurements can be performed with sub-nanometer precision, enabling the instantaneous capture of localized vibrational modes through frequency scanning and resonance detection.

In addition, static measurements under uniform loading provide direct access to the localization landscape. This approach overcomes the limitations of point-by-point scanning techniques and allows high-resolution mapping of complex vibrational states in disordered plates.

The main challenge is to validate the landscape theory of localization in strongly scattering media, where the landscape function cannot be predicted a priori. Ultimately, the instrument is expected to produce unprecedented images of localized states, and enable accurate reconstruction of their decay profiles and localization lengths.

Type of work: Experimental

If one of the projects interests you, send an email today to: patrick.sebbah@biu.ac.il

Type of work: Theoretical

If this project interests you, send an email today to the following address: emanuele.dalla-torre@biu.ac.il

In Prof. Lev Chaikovich’s lab, a research project is available for undergraduate, Master's, and PhD students

Project: Using a quantum gas platform for quantum simulations of many-body dynamical systems and developing control over the processes of synthesizing small molecules.

Type of work: Experimental

If this project interests you, send an email today to the following address: lev.khaykovich@biu.ac.il

Project: Quantum computing with mid circuit measurements

Type of work: Theoretical

If this project interests you, send an email today to the following address: barkaie@biu.ac.il