Physics Department - Levitated Systems: From Fundamental Physics to Applied Quantum Technologies
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Abstract
I demonstrate how platforms based on optically and magnetically levitated test masses enable both the discovery of new physics and the development of new applied technologies.
In particular I'll review the scientific motivation, design and recent construction of node 1 of the high frequency gravitational wave detector at Northwestern University (The levitated sensor detector - LSD), discuss the near term engineering data run of the instrument and the medium term prospects the instrument holds for placing bounds on the QCD axion from the detection or nondetection of HFGW's. I will delineate how adding additional detection nodes around the globe expands the instrument's science case.
Furthermore I'll focus on the role that levitated systems play in the development of new industrially relevant technologies. Ranging from highly applied systems such as inertial navigation systems and gravimeters to more novel technology such as laboratory benchmarks for deep space nuclear propulsion.
Dr. George Paul Winstone is an experimental physicist specializing in precision measurement, quantum sensing, and levitated optomechanics. He performed his doctoral work at the University of Southampton (UK) and JAIST (Japan) under the supervision of Hendrik Ulbricht, Hiroshi Mizuta, and Dan Hewak. He is currently a Research Associate at Northwestern University in the group of Andrew Geraci, where his work focuses on developing quantum optomechanical platforms for high-frequency gravitational wave detection, as well as magnetomechanical platforms for inertial navigation and gravimetry. His research integrates AMO physics with applied quantum technologies, including projects supported by DARPA and NASA NIAC.
He is also actively engaged in technology translation from academia to industry, recently founding a startup focused on GPS-independent quantum navigation systems based on levitated sensing platforms.