Solid state emitters are a critical component of future integrated quantum systems, in particular, for realizing efficient single photon sources and quantum memories. On the other hand, it is unclear how these bottom-up solid state systems can be scaled and interfaced from the O(1) emitter in a cavity that is routinely achieved in laboratories worldwide to say O(10) spectrally identical solid-state emitters in cavities interconnected by waveguides on a chip. While most of the focus of the solid-state quantum photonics community has been devoted to finding an ideal solid-state emitter that exhibits atom-like properties, relatively little effort has been spent on figuring out how one can build complex opto-electronic systems around them enabling precise optical and spin control at scale without deleterious scattering and cross-talk. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that traditional (top-down) nanofabrication methods are not suited for this purpose. In this project, we address this issue of scaling of bottom-up quantum systems by demonstrating a scalable quantum optoelectronics platform controlling both the optical and spin degrees of freedom in nitrogen vacancy centres in nanodiamonds encapsulated in low-loss, low fluorescence nitrogen rich silicon nitride (Smith et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 134001 (2020)).
On the RF engineering front, the candidate will design and characterize (down to 4K) RF ASICs fabricated through Europractice for cryogenic spin control and manipulation, with an emphasis on low power (~µW /Rabi π-pulse) and low crosstalk (~ 10-5 at a qubit separation of 100 µm). In addition, the candidate will also get to work on techniques to interface these RF ASICs with photonic foundry chips in a flip-chip process that can successfully operate at low temperatures. During their PhD work, the candidate will pick up a diverse set of skills ranging from finite element simulation (using COMSOL and Lumerical FDTD), high frequency RF design and characterization, cryogenic device testing and nanofabrication methods for flip chip integration.
URL for further information: https://krishnacbalram.github.io/
Candidate Requirements
Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a master’s degree (or international equivalent) in electrical engineering or physics. Applicants without a master’s qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree.
If English is not your first language, you need to meet this profile level:
Profile E
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Basic skills and knowledge required:
· Essential:
§ Understanding Maxwell’s equations and simulating them using finite element methods.
§ An interest in nanoscale device engineering and optimising device performance.
§ Labwork / hands-on experiments especially involving challenging low SNR regimes.
§ Exposure to high-speed circuits.
§ Programming in Python / Matlab.
· Desirable:
An interest in quantum engineering, exposure to spin physics, prior experience with numerical simulation tools: COMSOL, Lumerical, MEEP etc.
Scholarship Details
Stipend at the UKRI minimum stipend level (£15,609 in 2021/22). The scholarship will also cover the amount of tuition fees associated with UK-based students. Funding is subject to eligibility status and confirmation of award.
Funding is open to EU applicants who have no restrictions on how long they can stay in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the studentship (with some further constraint regarding residence for education).
For EPSRC funding, students must meet the EPSRC residency requirements.
Informal enquiries
For questions about the research topic please contact Prof Krishna Balram at [Email Address Removed]
For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact SCEEM Postgraduate Research Admissions [Email Address Removed]
Application Details
Prior to submitting your application, please contact the academic listed above to discuss your research proposal and see if it aligns with their current research. No indication of an offer can be made until we receive your completed application.
To apply for this studentship, submit a PhD application using our online application system [www.bristol.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply]
Please ensure that in the Funding section you tick “I would like to be considered for a funding award from the Electrical Engineering Department” and specify the title of the scholarship in the “other” box below along with the name of the supervisor.
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