High-performance single-photon sources for fibre-based quantum technologies

In this fully funded PhD project commencing in October 2023, you will develop high-performance single-photon sources for the next generation of photonic quantum technologies.

Creating single photons reliably is one of the most difficult challenges in the race to develop photonic quantum computers. You will tackle this challenge by harnessing the unique capabilities of bespoke optical fibre that you will fabricate in the cleanroom facility in Bath. Integrating this with advanced optical switching and fibre Bragg gratings will enable you to realise the full potential of fibre as an ultra-low-loss platform for nonlinear photon-pair generation.  Your work will lead to a new generation of high-efficiency sources of heralded single photons that can couple efficiently to atomic quantum memories for storage and retrieval in photonic quantum processors.

The PhD studentship is associated with the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Quantum Computation and Simulation (QCS) – a large national collaboration focused on developing technologies for quantum computation and quantum networks. Based in the Centre for Photonics and Photonic Materials (CPPM) at the University of Bath, you will contribute to this collaborative effort with the opportunity to present your results at Hub meetings as well as high-profile international conferences. Supervised by Dr Peter Mosley and Dr Josh Nunn, you will be integrated into the cohort of graduate students in the CPPM with direct support from post-doctoral researchers working on related projects.

We are seeking applicants who are keen to develop their laboratory skills through working with high-power short-pulse laser systems in a well-equipped lab. As part of the project, you will learn how to design and fabricate your own optical fibre using the state-of-the-art cleanroom facility in the CPPM. You will also enhance your theory and coding skills by modelling the structures you make. You will be expected to take part in weekly Centre meetings including giving research and journal club presentations as well as participating in “Quantum Club”, the CPPM’s journal discussion group focused on quantum optics.

Project keywords: single photons, quantum computing, quantum technologies, photonics, optical fibre.

 Candidate Requirements:

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class Honours degree (or the equivalent) in Physics or a related subject and enthusiasm for quantum photonics. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.

Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.

Enquiries and Applications:

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Peter Mosley, email: [Email Address Removed].

Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Physics.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.

Funding Eligibility:

To be eligible for funding, you must qualify as a Home student. The eligibility criteria for Home fee status are detailed and too complex to be summarised here in full; however, as a general guide, the following applicants will normally qualify subject to meeting residency requirements: UK and Irish nationals (living in the UK or EEA/Switzerland), those with Indefinite Leave to Remain and EU nationals with pre-settled or settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Additional information may be found on our fee status guidance webpage, on the GOV.UK website and on the UKCISA website.

Exceptional Overseas students (e.g. with a UK Master’s Distinction or international equivalent and relevant research experience), who are interested in this project, should contact the lead supervisor in the first instance to discuss the possibility of applying for supplementary funding.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.