Fault-tolerant silicon-based quantum processors

UCL’s Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Delivering Quantum Technologies is pleased to announce a co-funded PhD studentship in partnership with industrial partner Quantum Motion Technologies Ltd.

This is a special type of studentship on our CDT programme which provides:

• Advanced Project Choice – The area of PhD research is agreed with the student on admission.
• Fully funded four-year studentships including fees, stipend and a generous training and research support package
• Enhanced Stipend (currently £19,685 per year)
• Innovative MRes in Quantum Technologies in first year of programme
• PhD, in years 2-4, in collaboration with a world-class commercial partner
• Open to UK-fee and EU-fee paying students*.
• Start date: September 28th 2020

Project Description

Supervisor: Prof. John Morton (UCL)
Research Area: Fault-tolerant silicon-based quantum processors

Silicon-based approaches to quantum information processors offer advantages such as high qubit density, record qubit coherence lifetimes for the solid state, and the ability to leverage the advanced nanofabrication methods of CMOS technologies. For example, we have recently made measurements of single electron spin relaxation times approaching 10 seconds in CMOS nanodevices fabricated at the 300mm wafer scale using an industrial-grade nanofabrication facility. This PhD topic will cover the design and measurement of silicon quantum devices, including spin qubits based quantum dots (QDs). Elements of the project can include cryoelectronics for qubit control, automated tune-up of quantum dots in multi-gate QD arrays, measuring basic qubit properties, as well as single- and multi- qubit gate fidelities, to help validate and refine fault-tolerant architectures based on spin qubits in silicon. The project could also develop robust and scalable ways to read out and manipulate spin qubits. Collaborations with the project will include theoretical groups on the design of fault-tolerant quantum architectures in silicon as well as nano-fabrication facilities. There will be opportunities to learn about advanced nanofabrication techniques as well as to develop experience of quantum transport, reflectometry, coherent control and measurements an milliKelvin temperatures in a dilution refrigerator.

Applicants should have a strong academic track record (to Masters level) in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Maths.

This studentship is open to students with Home-Fee and EU-Fee student fee status. See:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/fees-and-funding/pay-your-fees/fee-schedules/student-fee-status

Applications are now open. To apply, please see our web-site:
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/quantum/study-here/cdt-delivering-quantum-technologies

Application Deadline: 12th August 17:00 UK time


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between this studentship and regular studentships on the CDT?
In a regular CDT studentship, students select their research area for their PhD mid-way through the MRes year. With this special studentship the project area is agreed with the sponsor at admissions. Students with industrially co-funded projects in our CDT receive a stipend enhancement of £2,400 p.a. above the standard UCL EPSRC PhD stipend rate (£17,285 for 2020-21). Apart from these two differences, the student experience is the same as all other studentships on the CDT.

Where can I find out more about the CDT?

Please see our web-site: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/quantum/study-here/cdt-delivering-quantum-technologies

About Quantum Motion

Quantum Motion is a start-up founded in 2018 by Professor Simon Benjamin (University of Oxford) and Professor John Morton (UCL), developing new technology aimed at creating a quantum computer based on silicon.

How do I apply?

Please send an email consisting of your CV, Transcript and (1-page) Personal Statement directly to Prof. John Morton: [Email Address Removed]. You would also need to apply via UCL’s admissions portal; please see our web-site: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/quantum/study-here/cdt-delivering-quantum-technologies/how-apply-cdt