PhD studentship on Developing Silicon Microchips for Ion Trap Quantum Computers

Ion microchips are the core of any trapped-ion quantum computer. We recently published the blueprint for constructing a large scale quantum computer including specialized design specifications for microchips. The group produces state-of-the-art microchips and holds the world record for a number of chip specifications. You will further develop, together with industrial partners, ion microchips for the quantum computing demonstrators at Oxford and Sussex. In particular, you will develop microchips featuring arrays of ion traps giving rise to x-junctions and as well as geometries suited for superior optical access. In addition, this work will include the development of through silicon vertical interconnects, through holes for high optical access and on-chip features such as photon detectors, and integrated digital-to-analogue converters. This project involves designing, fabricating, characterizing and operating complex quantum microchips to be used in trapped-ion quantum computing, simulation and sensing quantum devices. The work will focus on silicon manufacturing. 

The Ion Quantum Technology Group is one of the world’s leading centres for the implementation of trapped-ion quantum computing and simulation. The group is part of the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Quantum Computing and Simulation. The group currently spans the head of group, a senior scientist, 5 PDRAs, 14 PhD students and 6 undergraduate students.