What we do

We build instruments with world-class precision and performance, that can be used to make measurements of high value and interest in both fundamental physics and more practical applications. For example see the short video Measuring with the highest precision.

As a node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics, we are world leaders in precision measurement, low temperature physics and hybrid quantum systems. We have a long history of research in precision measurement, and we use this expertise to perform various experiments, including a wide range of highly sensitive searches for axion dark matter, Lorentz invariance violations, and changes in fundamental constants.

Furthermore, many modern developments in today's society are based on high-quality clocks and oscillators: the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite system, radar, optical fibre communications, even mobile phones. We develop frequency standards and technologies with two endpoints in mind: to improve systems that are based on high-quality clocks and oscillators (such as those mentioned), and to use as precision tools in our tests of fundamental physics.

We are dedicated to commercialising our inventions and thus hold patents in conjunction with industry. Our research programs include strong international and industrial collaborations.

Research Activities

  • Low noise frequency and phase synthesis and measurement techniques.

  • Measurement of electronic and magnetic properties of materials.

  • Hybrid quantum systems, spin-photon coupling, ESR.

  • Novel high-Q microwave and millimetre wave resonators, including 3D printed superconducting resonators.

  • Applied physics and electronics: development of opto-mechanical gravity sensors.

Take a tour of QDM labs