Michael R. Vanner

Michael R. Vanner is a Professor at Imperial College London leading the Quantum Measurement Lab. His research focuses on experimental and theoretical quantum optomechanics, quantum photonics, and hybrid quantum systems. He explores foundational questions in quantum mechanics and develops quantum technologies for sensing and entanglement generation. Key projects include laser cooling of mechanical resonators, Brillouin scattering in optical fibers, and generating non-Gaussian mechanical states. Vanner has supervised over a dozen PhD/MSc students and postdocs, many of whom have transitioned to prestigious academic and industry roles. His lab has secured £multi-million grants, including a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship and EPSRC Strategic Capital Equipment funding. Notable awards include Australia's National Measurement Institute Prize (2018) for contributions to precision measurement in cavity quantum optomechanics.

Research Highlights:

• Developed techniques for enhanced laser cooling via zero-photon detection
• Explored quantum-to-classical transition interfaces with mechanical systems
• Pioneered single/multiphonon subtraction to engineer non-Gaussian states
• Collaborated with global institutions like AMOLF, ANU, and NPL

Awards & Recognition:

• 2018: Australia's National Measurement Institute Prize
• 2019: Royal Society Research Grant
• 2022: EPSRC Strategic Capital Equipment Grant (£1.6M)

Labs/Teams: Quantum Measurement Lab at Imperial College London, collaborating with the Del'Haye Lab (Erlangen), ANU Quantum Optics Group, and ORCA Computing. Current facilities include dilution refrigerators and advanced optomechanical setups.