John Close is a Professor in the Department of Quantum Science & Technology and Associate Director (Research) in the Research School of Physics at the Australian National University. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

His research focusses on harnessing the properties of ultra-cold atoms to develop quantum sensors for measuring gravitational fields, with applications in underground structure mapping including groundwater mapping, and navigation. Prof Close’s work is multidisciplinary. He has broad collaborations across academia as well as industry.

Tell me about your interest in quantum mechanics and quantum sensing. How did you get involved in these areas, and why?

From the time I was an undergraduate, I was interested in quantum mechanics. I found it fascinating that classical mechanics was an approximation to the way the universe works and even more fascinating that quantum mechanics underpins everything from the stability of atoms and molecules that are the building blocks of life to the properties of solids that are the building blocks of much of our technology. I found quantum sensors fascinating because they have attributes such as inherent accuracy, reproducibility and low drift that they achieve through referencing to fundamental properties of nature such as stable atomic transitions. These properties are critical to many applications.

What’s been your most rewarding achievement or moment in your research career?

Over many years, I have worked with some very talented colleagues to produce an environment where young people have been able to learn and develop. Producing this environment has been a collaborative success, not an individual success. It is the success of the young people who have the opportunity to study and work in the environment that we put together that is most important to me.

What more are you hoping to achieve in your career?

We have some new approaches to quantum technologies that may allow miniaturisation that would enable a host of capabilities in areas such as ground water mapping and monitoring and mineral exploration. We have applied for a patent on the technology and are looking to develop it at the ANU. I would like to see that be successful and would hope that some young people might join us in the venture.

I would like to contribute further to the development of quantum industry in Australia by training more young people in our labs and see those people go on to useful and productive careers and found their own companies and enterprises.

Why is what you do important?

It is the contribution to training a skilled workforce in Australia that is important to me. Blue sky, basic research and training of young people who drive Australian innovation and prosperity is one of the great strengths of universities and one that is critical to Australia’s future.

Meet the researcher: Professor John Close