PhD fellowship in Quantum Photonics
The Niels Bohr Institute invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in nanomechanical quantum photonic devices for single-photon quantum communication. The project is part of the research project “NANOMEQ”, which is financed by Horizon2020 ERC starting grant. Start date is (expected to be) July 1st 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project
The goal of the project is to develop a platform for photonic quantum information processing based on nano-opto-electro-mechanical systems (NOEMS) [1]. NBI has developed state-of-the-art deterministic single-photon sources [2] using semiconductor quantum dots integrated in photonic nanostructures.
To fully harness the potential of integrated photonic quantum technologies, it is necessary to scale it up, i.e. to perform operations on many photonic quantum bits (or ‘qubits’) simultaneously to generate and manipulate entangled photons. The overarching goal is to demonstrate the seamless integration of single-photon sources with the quantum gates required for building truly scalable quantum photonic micro-processors.
In this project we will pursue a novel approach to control light-matter interaction and quantum gates based exclusively on electro- and opto-mechanical interactions. The emphasis of this project will be in the design and fabrication of nanophotonic devices for scaling single-photon sources [3], with a focus on applications within quantum communication [4].
The PhD student’s tasks will include:
- Learn and understand solid-state quantum emitters and the fundamentals of quantum optics (MSc and PhD level courses are offered at NBI).
- Acquire the fabrication skills required to build nano-mechanical devices and single-photon sources in gallium arsenide (GaAs).
- Perform optical characterization of nano-mechanical devices and photonic integrated circuits at cryogenic temperature.
- Characterize the single-photon sources in our optical laboratories.
- Perform numerical simulations (finite difference time domain or finite elements) of the devices.
[1] L. Midolo et al, “Nano-opto-electro-mechanical systems,” Nat. Nanotechnology 13, 11-18 (2018).
[2] R. Uppu et al, “On-chip deterministic operation of quantum dots in dual-mode waveguides for a plug-and-play single-photon source,” Nat. Commun. 11, 3782 (2020).
[3] C. Papon et al., "Independent operation of two waveguide-integrated single-photon sources," arXiv:2210.09826 (2022).
[4] M. Zahidy et al., “Quantum Key Distribution using deterministic single-photon sources over a field-installed fibre link,” arXiv:2301.09399 (2023).
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of Applied Physics, Optical or Electrical Engineering, or similar. Applicants should have:
- Backround in optics, solid-state physics or optoelectronics, including experimental skills.
- Basic knowledge of quantum physics and numerical methods for phsyics.
- Interest in doing nanofabrication (previous experience working in cleanrooms is a plus) and experimental work.
- Ability to work independently and in collaboration with other scientists and researchers.
Our group and research- and what do we offer?
The quantum photonics group is developing a new set of nano-scale devices for controlling and manipulating light-matter interaction in a quantum photonic integrated circuit.
The position will be part of the Center for Hybrid Quantum Neworks (Hy-Q, https://hy-q.nbi.ku.dk/). The center is a collaboration between the quantum nanophotonics group of Prof. Peter Lodahl, Assoc. Prof. Leonardo Midolo, and the groups of Prof. Anders Sørensen (www.tqo.dk) and Prof. Albert Schliesser. In total the center employs approximately 50 scientists working on quantum networks.
The group is a part of the Niels Bohr Institute, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.
We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories at the Niels Bohr Instiute, and cleanroom facility at the H.C. Ørsted building.
Principal supervisor is Associate Prof. Leonardo Midolo, Niels Bohr Institute, midolo@nbi.ku.dk
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is 26 (day) 03 (months) 2023 (year), 23:59 GMT +1.
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
<< Read more and apply the position online here >>
Emner
Kontakt
Principal supervisor is Associate Prof. Leonardo Midolo, Niels Bohr Institute, midolo@nbi.ku.dk
The deadline for applications is 26 (day) 03 (months) 2023 (year), 23:59 GMT +1.
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
Niels Bohr Institute as a workplace
The Niels Bohr Institute has a strong cultural heritage accumulated from our 100 years of internationally high level of research and teaching. The initiator of our Department, Niels Bohr, had an international mindset about scientific collaboration as well as a desire for an open and open-minded atmosphere for all. 100 years later, we still have an informal and open international research environment that strives to promote research, teaching and innovation at the highest level with respect and helpfulness towards students, colleagues and all other stakeholders.
Our students, staff and partners are the source of our success and at the same time our best ambassadors. As a Department, we want to create an inspiring and challenging work environment with a good balance between work and private life. We want the Niels Bohr Institute to be a place where people are proud of and happy to work, study and collaborate with.