The Standard Model of physics is still far from complete. In the quest of understanding the unknown nature of dark matter and dark energy, precision measurements in single trapped ions are becoming highly sensitive probes. These ions can be controlled extremely precise by cooling them to their quantum mechanical ground state, such that the ion is almost standing still, and with laser spectroscopy they can be accurately investigated. I am searching for 1-2 MSc students to work on the development of a state-of-the-art trapped-ion experiment at the LaserLaB VU for the search for new physics. The operating principles of the sensor are based on techniques from the field of precision spectroscopy and quantum information science. In this experimental project you can work on the development of a highly stable laser system to realise optical atomic clock spectroscopy or on hardware for trapping and cooling of single ions to <1 mK temperatures.
