Biveen Shajilal - Quantum Physicist

About Me

I am a physicist specialising in quantum sensing (magnetometry) at Q-CTRL. With a PhD in Quantum Optics from the Australian National University, I bridge the gap between cutting-edge quantum research and practical technological applications.

Currently, I serve as a Senior Scientist at Q-CTRL's Research Engineering Team, where I work on groundbreaking technology for quantum sensing. My work spans from fundamental quantum theory to the development of next-generation quantum sensing systems.

Research Expertise

Quantum Sensing

I develop ultra-precise measurement systems using quantum-enhanced techniques, including magnetometers and advanced quantum interferometers.

Quantum Optics

I specialise in advanced experimental quantum optics, squeezed light generation, and quantum state manipulation for precision measurements and quantum communication protocols.

Quantum Information

My work involves theoretical and experimental investigation of quantum entanglement, quantum communication resources, and quantum key distribution systems.

Experience

Senior Scientist in Quantum Sensing (Magnetometry)

Q-CTRL, Sydney, Australia

October 2025 - Present

Research and development in quantum sensing with focus on magnetometry and navigation. Additionally, closely working with optical, software, embedded systems and mechanical teams.

Scientist in Quantum Physics

A*STAR Quantum Innovation Centre (Q.InC), Singapore

May 2023 - September 2025

Leading research in quantum optics and quantum information with focus on squeezed light sources for quantum metrology. Managing infrastructure development for quantum metrology lab, supervising PhD candidates and research engineers, and engaging with external stakeholders on grant proposals and technology translation.

Private Consultant

Independent Contractor - Quantum Technologies

May 2023 - October 2025

Providing strategic consulting for quantum technology startups, including feasibility studies on quantum key distribution systems, protocol feasibility analysis, hardware design, noise budgeting, and policy standardization for quantum technologies.

Education

PhD in Quantum Optics and Quantum Information

Australian National University, Canberra, Australia

November 2018 - May 2023

Thesis: "Experimental and theoretical investigation of quantum communication resources: A study on squeezing, entanglement and entropic accord"
Advisors: Dr. Jiri Janousek, Dr. Syed M Assad, Prof. Elanor Huntington, and Prof. Ping Koy Lam

Master of Science in Photonics (Five Year Integrated Programme)

Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala, India

July 2013 - June 2018

Specialisation in Nonlinear optical materials and Whispering gallery mode heralded single photon sources under Prof. Frank Vollmer, University of Exeter, United Kingdom
Received Prof. Leggett Award (Five Year Integrated Programme topper) - CGPA: 9.33/10

Skills & Technologies

Quantum Technologies

Quantum Information Theory Experimental Quantum Optics Squeezed Light Sources Quantum Metrology Quantum Entanglement Quantum Key Distribution Systems

Optical Systems

Free Space and Fiber Optics Nonlinear Optics Laser Systems (1550nm, 1064nm, 775nm, 532nm) Optical Instrumentation and Interferometry Homodyne and Heterodyne Detection Second Harmonic Generation and Optical Parametric Amplifiers

Electronics & Control

RF Electronics FPGA-based Automation Analog Circuits Balanced Detector Design Analog and Digital Feedback Control Noise Budgeting and Phase Noise Measurements

Software & Programming

MATLAB Mathematica LabView Python Numpy, Pandas, Seaborn, SciPy Julia Autodesk Fusion and FreeCAD C, C++, SQL, HTML5

Selected Publications

12.6 dB squeezed light at 1550 nm from a bow-tie cavity for long-term high duty cycle operation

B. Shajilal, A. Tranter, O. Thearle, Y. Lu, E. Huntington, S. M. Assad, P. K. Lam, and J. Janousek

Optics Express. 2022 Oct 10; 30(21): 37213-23

Improving Gaussian channel simulation using nonunity-gain heralded quantum teleportation

B. Shajilal, L. O. Conlon, A. Walsh, S. Tserkis, J. Zhao, J. Janousek, P. K. Lam, S. M. Assad

Physical Review Applied 22.5 (2024): 054070

Verifying the security of a continuous variable quantum communication protocol via quantum metrology

B. Shajilal, L. O. Conlon, A. Walsh, J. Zhao, J. Janousek, P. K. Lam, S. M. Assad

npj Quantum Information. 2024 Apr 4; 10(1): 35

Non-Gaussian Mechanical Motion via Single and Multiphonon Subtraction from a Thermal State

G. Enzian, L. Freisem, J. J. Price, A.O. Svela, J. Clarke, B. Shajilal, J. Janousek, B. C. Buchler, P. K. Lam, M. R. Vanner

Physical Review Letters 127, 243601 (2021)

Satellite-to-Ground Continuous Variable Quantum Key Distribution: The Gaussian and Discrete Modulated Protocols in Low Earth Orbit

M. Sayat, B. Shajilal, S. P. Kish, S. M. Assad, T. Symul, P. K. Lam, N. Rattenbury, J. Cater

IEEE Transactions on Communications, doi: 10.1109/TCOMM.2024.3359295

Enhancing quantum teleportation efficacy with noiseless linear amplification

J. Zhao, H. Jeng, L. O. Conlon, S. Tserkis, B. Shajilal, K. Liu, T. C. Ralph, S. M. Assad, P. K. Lam

Nature Communications. 2023 Aug 7; 14(1): 4745

Surpassing the repeaterless bound with a photon-number encoded measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution protocol

O. Erkilic, L. O. Conlon, B. Shajilal, S. P. Kish, S. Tserkis, Y.S. Kim, P.K. Lam, S. M. Assad

npj Quantum Information, 2023 Mar 28; 9(1): 29

View all publications on Google Scholar →

Recent Talks and Presentations

International Network in Space Quantum Technologies Workshop 2024

Mar. 20 – 22, 2024, Ahmedabad, India

The International Network in Space Quantum Technologies is led by the Department of Physics, University of Strathclyde and funded by the UK Engineering Physical Sciences and Engineering Council (EPSRC) and the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Invited talk on "Continuous variable quantum communications: Resources, Gaussian Channel Simulation and Verification through Quantum Metrology"

American Physical Society Annual March Meeting 2024

Mar. 03 - 08, 2024, Minneapolis, United States

American Physical Society March Meeting is a scientific research conference that brings together more than 13,000 physicists

Talk on "12.6 dB squeezed light at 1550 nm from a bow-tie cavity for long-term high duty cycle operation"

Institute of Physics Singapore Meeting 2023

Sep. 27 – 29, 2023, Singapore

Organized by the Institute of Physics Singapore, the meeting brings together active researchers in physical sciences across Singapore