PhD student position in quantum nanophotonics technology

Information about the research 
The Photonics laboratory at the Microtechnology and Nanoscience Department (MC2) is a dynamic and creative group with about 30 members working in an international and collaborative atmosphere. We perform both curiosity-driven and applied-research in the areas of silicon photonics, optoelectronics, nonlinear optics and fiber optic systems. We enjoy a state-of-the-art laboratory for nanophotonic characterization and have access to in-house cleanroom facilities to manufacture photonic devices.

The past decade has witnessed impressive advances in technologies for quantum computing based on trapped-ion systems as well as superconducting circuit boards. These quantum computer systems can perform certain operation tasks at a rate exceeding what is possible with state-of-the-art classical hardware. An alternative technology for realizing quantum computation is based on photonics. Photonic quantum computing relies on a different class of algorithms and uses multi-photon squeezed states of light as the fundamental resource to implement Gaussian boson sampling.

At the photonics laboratory at Chalmers, we have developed a dispersion-engineered strong-confinement silicon nitride platform, primarily for (classical) optical signal processing applications based on the Kerr effect. Our state-of-the-art waveguide technology features record loss of ~1.4 dB/m. We have expanded the suite of available components in our library with Mach-Zehnder interferometers, spiral waveguides, nanotapers and couplers. The aim of this project is to investigate the scalability of this emerging nanophotonics technology for practical quantum computing.

The project is partly financed by the Knut and Wallenberg foundation through the newly established Wallenberg center for quantum technology (WACQT).

Major responsibilities
The majority of your working time is devoted to your own research project. The work involves numerical modeling, testing of silicon nitride nanophotonics technology and validation in the context of quantum simulation and computing. You will have plenty of room to develop and contribute with your own ideas. The devices will be fabricated in our world-class nanofabrication facilities at Chalmers. We will also collaborate with colleagues at Chalmers and KTH. In addition, the position will include around 10% departmental work, mostly teaching duties. 

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 4 years.  

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree (or equivalent) in Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering or similar. Experience with photonic integrated circuits (either simulation, fabrication or testing) is meritorious. 

The position requires excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20220087 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Learn more and apply on Chalmers website: https://www.chalmers.se/sv/om-chalmers/Arbeta-pa-Chalmers/lediga-tjanster/Sidor/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10264&rmlang=SE

Application deadline: 15 April 2022. 

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!