Chip-based photonic devices for quantum technology

Supervisory Team: Dr Peter Horak, Dr James Gates

Project description

We are looking for a PhD student to join our interdisciplinary team of students, postdocs, and senior researchers developing chip-based, microscale optics for advancing quantum technologies.

Many quantum technologies, such as quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing, often rely on optics for the preparation, transmission, and read-out of quantum states. If we want to scale up the quantum information processing power of these devices, we therefore need to integrate a range of optical components onto the chip.

In this project you will contribute to the design and numerical simulation of advanced photonic devices tailored for quantum applications, working in close collaboration with fabricators and experimentalists. If you are interested in a PhD combining computer modelling and lab work and have the required skills, the project can also be adjusted for this. Potential areas of research include:

• Integrated optical waveguides and large area Bragg gratings: Investigate the incorporation of tilted Bragg gratings to couple light out of integrated waveguides and form beams of well-defined shape and polarisation for interaction with stationary trapped quantum particles (e.g. atoms or ions). The light can be used to laser cool the particles and/or for optical manipulation of their internal quantum states.
• Integrated photon collectors: Similar devices as above can be designed to collect photons emitted from trapped particles, either to read out their quantum state, or for coupling photons into optical fibres for long-distance transmission and the generation of remote quantum entanglement.
• Freeform micro-optics: Develop innovative freeform micro-optic lenses, mirrors, and resonators for enhanced beam shaping, enabling the creation of more compact and more efficient quantum photonic systems.

If you have an interest in photonics, quantum technology, and computer-based modelling, you would be highly suitable for this project. You will benefit from our world-leading expertise in these fields and enjoy working in a highly supportive environment in our group in Southampton and collaboration with partner groups around the country within the UK National Quantum Technology Programme.

Find out more about:

Our department and research group:

   https://www.southampton.ac.uk/about/faculties-schools-departments/zepler-institute

   https://www.southampton.ac.uk/research/groups/computational-nonlinear-optics

The PhD programme:

   https://www.southampton.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/photonics-optoelectronics

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2_6yNQamkU

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Peter Horak, email: [Email Address Removed]

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date

Applications are accepted throughout the year. The start date will typically be late September, but other dates are possible.

Funding

For UK students, tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate plus £2,000 ORC enhancement tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years (totalling around £21,000 for 2024/25, rising annually). EU and Horizon Europe students are eligible for scholarships. CSC students are eligible for fee waivers. Funding for other international applicants is very limited and highly competitive. Overseas students who have secured or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD ORC”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor.

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: [Email Address Removed]