Benjamin Carey

Quantum Magnetic Field Sensors and Signal Processing for Biomagnetic Monitoring

Magnetoencepholography (MEG) is the best tool available for understanding the human brain. However, Current sensor technologies limit their use to dedicated,expensive customized facilities, thus precluding their use for many applications.

The candidate will work as part of a team on developing quantum technologies and signal processing algorithms for the purposes of biomagnetic monitoring and in particular their potential for concussion diagnostics.

This project will have two primary goals Development of next-generation quantum sensors – You will work on designing and fabricating highly sensitive, compact magnetometers capable of detecting weak biomagnetic signals. This will involve integrated photonics, quantum-enhanced measurement techniques, and precision optical readout methods. Advanced signal processing for biomagnetic monitoring – You will develop and apply novel algorithms to extract meaningful neurological signals from noisy, real-world measurements, improving the resolution and reliability of MEG data for clinical and research applications.

You will have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of topics, from signal processing, simulation and finite element modelling, design, clean-room fabrication, device characterisation, to system integration and deployment.

The student will be supported by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC). They will be working with two groups within QUBIC. The Queensland Quantum Optics Lab at UQ and the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of Melbourne.

The Queensland Quantum Optics Lab undertakes research in quantum physics and technology, exploiting micro- and nano-scale optical devices. Our mission is to test fundamental physics and develop applications in metrology, communication, and biomedical imaging. Much of our research is based on optical architectures integrated on silicon chips and is compatible with widely used fiber optical systems.

The Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory in Melbourne has built the only room temperature MEG system currently in Australia. This unique imaging capability is paired with computation modeling to investigate the fundamentals of human cognition.

Our research fellows and PhD students work closely together. Our team members come from many technical and personal backgrounds, allowing for plenty of cross-pollination of ideas.

We are affiliated with the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC).

The project will involve collaboration with a diverse team of researchers including close collaboration with the Queensland brain institute (QBI), providing an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in multidisciplinary research.