Page 51 - Masala E-magazine Vol 9 Issue 3 December 2017-January 2018

I am optimistic that both

quantum science and

nanotechnology have a

bright future and I feel

lucky to be a part of it.

projects I am working on is building a component for the
future ‘quantum’ version of the internet. In today’s internet,
information is transported across the globe as optical signals
(light), but computers process information as electrical
signals. A key component in the internet is the ‘transducer’
that converts the information between electrical and optical
signals. However, the transducers in use today are not
compatible with quantum information, which is why we have
to design something new for the future ‘quantum internet’.
Our design uses something that might seem quite out of
place in an electronic device; we aim to use a tiny mechanical
oscillator for the conversion. I am working on two other
projects as well. One is to build a computer that is immune
to radiation for use in space or in nuclear reactors, and the
other is to build a magnetic eld sensor which can be used for
medical imaging.

What is a regular day for you in the lab?
I am either doing calculations, devising models in the o ce,
fabricating devices in a clean room where I wear a suit that
covers me from head to toe including an XL-size hood for my
turban, or testing devices in a separate lab with measurement
equipment. With experimental work, it is quite easy to judge
progress – it is really just like any other project in any eld. Rajvir at his PhD graduation with Professor Andrea Morello
You set your goal, plan the necessary steps, and work towards
each milestone one at a time, revising your plan as you go. than 20 nanometres; that in itself is a triumph of nanotechnology.
GPS, something else we all use regularly, uses ultra-precise clocks
that rely on quantum physics. I am sure the future will continue to
I understand you recently received an award for your work.
How important is recognition for a scientist? bring positive developments.
I received the Malcolm Chaikin award for my thesis from
UNSW, where I did my PhD. Recognition is important, just as Do you have time for a personal life? What are your hobbies outside
it is in many things in life. You are more likely to spend your your job?
money at a restaurant or for a movie with good reviews or I do not have as much free time as I would like, but I try to exercise
awards. In the same way, funding agencies are more likely to regularly and do a bit of programming for projects on the side. I
grant funds to a researcher with a good track record. recently got married and nally having her here with me is fantastic.
We try to make the most of our weekends and everything is just more
fun together.
What bene ts and future predictions do you foresee for the
eld of quantum physics and nanotechnology?
You already use products that have been made possible by Do you miss Thailand? Do you see yourself coming back?
research into quantum physics and nanotechnology. Your I miss home, family and friends very much. As for coming back, it all
phone has a billion transistors, each with features smaller depends on what opportunities arise.

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