About the Project
Quantum networks rely on spin-photon interfaces to enable quantum-based communications. In recent years, our group has successfully pioneered, the use of isoelectronic centers (ICs), an optically-addressable semiconductor defect composed of a few impurities, for applications as efficient spin-photon interfaces. This original approach provides new and unexplored mechanisms through which longer spin coherence times and simultaneously compatible optical initialization, control, and single-shot read-out can be achieved.
This thesis project consists in evaluating the performances of ZnSe:Te2 as an optically addressable qubit by quantifying the spin relaxation and decoherence mechanism through spin-manipulation experiments. The candidate will develop an experimental protocol for measurement of the characteristics times describing the interactions of a single spin with its environment (T1, T2* and T2) with the objective of determining the nature and strength of the deleterious interactions and establishing the relevance of various ICs. These measurements will take advantage of the proven protocols developed for semiconductor quantum dots, but will need to be adapted to take advantage of the particular characteristics of various isoelectronic centers.
The student will become an expert in 1) optics through the use of ultrafast and narrow-linewidth lasers and pulse shaping techniques, 2) quantum optics through the implementation of optical control schemes including for example Ramsey interference, dressed states and stimulated Raman transitions, 3) condensed-matter physics and elementary semiconductor excitations like excitons and charged excitons, and 4) spectroscopy instrumentation for manipulating light at the single photon level.
During his Ph.D, the student will have the opportunity to teach at the undergraduate level, and will develop numerous skills relating to leadership, publication and grant writing, and ressource and people management skills. The student is expected to present his research result at international conferences and publish several research articles. Through the extraordinary funding received from a number of equipment grants dedicated to optical spectroscopy (more than 10M$ in the last five years at Polytechnique and U. Montréal), the student will have access, on campus, to a broad array of state-of-the-art techniques and will have the opportunity to acquire a unique instrumental and experimental expertise.
The candidate should have a strong background in physics, materials, or engineering. Please submit your application to Professor Sebastien Francoeur ( [Email Address Removed] ). It should include a cover letter, a detailed CV, GPA records, a publication list, and contact information for at least two references. This search will remain open until the position is filled. Les applications en français sont aussi bienvenues.
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