Matthew Davis

Full scholarship available now: Harnessing many-body coherence for quantum thermodynamics with ultracold gases

Understanding and exploiting the laws of thermodynamics at the quantum level is one of the great challenges of modern physics. While all devices must obey thermodynamic principles, the emergence of these laws from microscopic quantum theory – and the role of uniquely quantum features such as coherence and entanglement – remains an open question. These features could enable quantum machines that outperform classical counterparts, but experimental demonstrations are scarce. This theoretical PhD project aims to develop strategies for generating robust, thermodynamically stable many-body coherence, going beyond single-particle effects. Ultracold quantum gases provide an ideal platform: they offer exceptional tunability, precise control, and direct relevance to quantum sensing and simulation. Working in collaboration with the University of Exeter and the UQ Bose–Einstein condensation laboratory, you will design and model protocols to create many-body coherence.

Expressions of Interest considered from 6 March 2026.

Full scholarship available now: Engineering superfluid transport with dissipation

The emerging field of atomtronics uses superfluid quantum gases to build functional circuits inspired by traditional electronics. Unlike electronic systems, however, quantum gases exhibit coherence and can flow without viscosity, properties that enable distinctive transport phenomena and new device concepts. As atomtronics approaches a transition from fundamental exploration to practical devices, progress is increasingly limited by a lack of understanding of far‑from‑equilibrium superfluid transport. Addressing this challenge is essential for the development of high‑precision quantum sensors and simulators based on superfluids.

The aim of this theoretical physics PhD project is to design and model an atomtronic circuit element exhibiting negative differential conductance (NDC) arising in the far‑from‑equilibrium dynamics controlled by patterned dissipation and controlled atomic losses. Building on this, you will demonstrate how such behaviour can be harnessed to realise a diode, transistor, or another novel atomtronic circuit elements.

Expressions of Interest considered from 6 March 2026.

Ongoing: Superfluidity, nonequilibrium quantum systems, quantum thermodynamics

I am happy to offer honours and PhD projects in all areas of my research interests. Please contact me for more details. If you are suitably qualified I can help you apply for avaialble scholarships.

• Non-equilibrium dynamics of Bose-Einstein condensates and other quantum gases;
• Superfluidity, vortices, and quantum turbulence;
• Dynamics of phase transitions and formation of topological defects;
• Relaxation of isolated quantum systems and quantum thermodynamics;
• Computational methods for quantum systems.