Dr. Nikita Kostylev

Nikita is a postgraduate student at the University of Western Australia currently undertaking a PhD with Professor Michael Tobar.

His research focus covers two closely aligned areas of research of precision and quantum measurement. The first is laser cooling and trapping of Yb with the aim of producing a state-of-the-art optical atomic clock, the first cold-atom clock in Australia. The second is measurement and control of the interaction of microwave and optical transitions in paramagnetic impurity ions in a crystal lattice.

This Yb optical clock will form part of the UWA ground station for the Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES) mission, set to be launched in 2016. The system will be used for a variety of tasks, such as timekeeping, GPS and testing for changes in fundamental constants. The knowledge obtained would also be beneficial for improving the accuracy and stability of future optical lattice clocks, as well as laser locking and cooling techniques.

Qualifications: 
BSc (Hons), University of Western Australia (2013)
Research Facilities: 
The Quantum Technologies and Dark Matter Laboratory

Major funding support

Australian Research Council

The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present.