PhD: Electro-optical control of chip-based quantum systems
Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology
Apply for this jobTemporary contract | 48 months (first contract of 14 months) | Belvaux
Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us
The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.
Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/
Discover our Materials department: https://www.list.lu/en/materials/
How will you contribute?
You will be part of the LIST Materials Research and Technology department, where you will carry out your work in the Quantum Materials Group, led by Dr. Florian Kaiser.
Context
Quantum technologies have the potential to revolutionise the world in many aspects. Quantum colour centres in in wide bandgap semiconductors have recently emerged as a promising platform, since they can incorporate quantum systems, which can be scaled up by industrial processing.
Along these lines, we have recently shown for the first time that individual colour centres can be integrated into silicon carbide nanophotonic waveguides to improve their optical efficiency. Another recent milestone experiment demonstrated that colour centres in bulky p-i-n diodes can be electrically tuned, stabilised, and read out.
These findings define the strategy for developing a scalable quantum technology architecture. Our strategy is to combine both photonic and electric concepts on a nanoscale silicon carbide chip architecture. This will allow us to achieve an ultimate level of control on individual colour centres regarding all relevant quantum properties. The goal is to precisely adjust the individual properties of dozens of colour centres on a chip, e.g., in terms of their emission wavelength. This then maximise the number of operational quantum systems towards a deterministic use of devices, which is crucial for a large-scale quantum technology architecture.
Mission
The objective of your PhD thesis is to simulate and optimise the properties of quantum colour centres within electro-optic nanophotonic silicon carbide devices. This goal also comprises the experimental demonstration of these techniques on a chip-scale, which will define the turning point towards scalability of quantum technologies based on colour centres.
The initial part of this thesis investigates the design of waveguides, Bragg couplers, beam-splitters, photonic cavities, and other photonic structures, while considering the capabilities of our cleanroom fabrication team. Subsequent simulations investigate the application of additionally electric structures that operate in a tandem configuration with the photonic devices. You will be involved in testing these devices in the temperature range 0K to 300K, which will allow implementing a feedback cycle towards further optimisations. The second step of this thesis includes simulations of the behaviour of nanoscopic p-i-n diodes in the temperature range 0K to 300K, highly localised generation of electric and magnetic fields, and potentially mechanical tuning mechanisms based on capacitor-like structures. Here it is crucial to ensure the compatibility with the nanophotonic devices. You will be involved in testing these devices across temperatures of 0K to 300K. Finally, you will implement several first-time demonstrator experiments with electro-optic nanophotonic silicon carbide chips. In particular, you will demonstrate that most of the colour centres within nanophotonic structures can be made operational thanks to electric tuning. This marks the central building block of a scalable quantum technology architecture.
How to apply
Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague?
Education
⢠MSc degree in physics, quantum technology, materials science, or electronic engineering
Experience and skills
⢠Excellent written and oral communication skills e.g., in publications, reports, and/or presentations
⢠Collaborative skills, initiative, result oriented, organisation, and capacity to work in an interdisciplinary environment
⢠Team spirit is a critical requirement.
⢠Demonstrated ability to work with simulation software such as Lumerical and/or Comsol.
⢠Ability to effectively and reliably coordinate with the supervisor and multiple collaborators.
Language skills
⢠English (proficient)
Your LIST benefits
⢠An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects
⢠Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society
⢠Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do
⢠An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
⢠Personalized learning programme to foster our staffâs soft and technical skills
⢠Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce
⢠Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions
⢠Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science
⢠32 daysâ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance
⢠Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers
Apply online
Your application must include:
⢠A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience
⢠A scientific CV with contact details
⢠List of publications (and patents, if applicable)
⢠Contact details of at least one reference
Application procedure and conditions
We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes (optional), as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.
LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.
Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.
PhD additional conditions:
⢠Supervisor at LIST: Dr. Florian KAISER ( florian.kaiser@list.lu )
⢠Work location: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
⢠PhD enrolment: University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
Candidates shall be available for starting their position in summer/autumn 2024. Please note the universities costs are at the charge of the student.
Your master diploma must be recognized in Luxembourg. Please refer to:
Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology
41 Rue du Brill
4422 Belvaux, Luxemburg
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