PhD-position: Quantum acoustics for enabling silicon quantum technology

at  AMOLF

WORK ACTIVITIES

The Photonic Forces group at AMOLF is looking for a PhD student to join our team working on nanomechanical systems in the quantum regime. Our group is fascinated by the ability of light to measure and control mechanical motion in new and powerful ways. In a new project, in collaboration with multiple European partners, we seek to investigate how phonons in mechanical resonators and waveguides can be used to mediate the coupling between silicon spin qubits. Such qubits are known to have exceptional coherence times. This, together with the advanced capabilities of silicon technology, make them an appealing platform for quantum computing and sensing. In this project, you will develop novel nanomechanical systems which could couple such qubits to each other, thereby addressing one of the main physical bottlenecks towards advancing this platform.
The project is at the interface of multiple fields: quantum physics, nano-engineering, and optomechanics. It has a highly experimental character, but features strong ties to the rich theoretical background.
Our group offers an open and collaborative environment in which we focus on hands-on learning and personal growth of all group members. We are looking for excited and talented students, who are eager to develop new skills and engage new experimental and theoretical challenges.
The fact that mechanical motion can couple to various types of forces makes it interesting to use acoustic waves at the nanoscale to mediate quantum information between different quantum systems. We aim to use state-of-art design and fabrication techniques to confine phonons to the smallest possible scales, and optimize their coupling to spin qubits in silicon. We involve optomechanical coupling and high-precision optical measurements to characterize our systems.
During your PhD, you will thus learn and employ all aspects of quantum acoustics research: from conceptual design and modelling to nanofabrication in the cleanroom, and from high-precision optical interferometry at cryogenic temperatures to writing papers and presenting your results at international conferences. You will collaborate closely with our project partners in Finland, on design and experiments.

QUALIFICATIONS

We seek an excellent candidate with a background in physics or nano-engineering, with relevant experience (preferably in quantum optics, photonics, (nano)mechanics or general AMO physics). You will need to meet the requirements for an MSc-degree, to ensure eligibility for a Dutch PhD examination. We strongly believe in the benefits of an inclusive and diverse workplace, and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

Please refer the Job description for details