Anna Marchant
Quantum sensors research engineer
I’m part of the RAL Space Quantum Sensors group where we’re developing quantum technology and its applications. This includes using atom interferometers to implement gravity gradient sensors for Earth observation, as well as using quantum technology to answer fundamental physics questions about gravitational waves and dark matter. In practice, this involves days full of lasers and vacuum chambers, running experiments and trying to find the best solution to various technical challenges.
My background is in ultracold atoms. I did a PhD in quantum gases, focussing on those with tuneable interactions, and from there I went on to work in several postdoctoral positions in the UK and the US. I heard about a place in Oxfordshire trying to put a particular type of quantum gas, a Bose-Einstein condensate, into space – and here I am!
Working at RAL Space not only surrounds you with a huge number of amazing people doing incredible things but also connects you with an even bigger network of world leading experts that you get to call colleagues. There is so much exciting science going on that it can be difficult to decide which direction you want to go in, but hearing about other people’s experiences and interests has been really helpful for me.
