PhD student positions in quantum engineering

Information about the research and the division
The Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2) focuses on research, innovation and education within the fields of future electronics, photonics, bio- and nanosystems. A close collaboration with Swedish and international partners within academy, industry and society enables scientific excellence and creates an innovative environment. In addition to the 200 researchers and PhD students, MC2 houses a state of the art cleanroom for micro- and nanofabrication with the latest equipment.

At the Quantum Device Physics Laboratory (QPD Lab) at MC2, we make novel electronic and photonic components on the micrometer and nanometer scales. We study low- and high-critical-temperature superconducting devices, metallic and semiconducting nanodevices, graphene, oxide materials, and spin-active materials. We use these devices to explore and exploit the quantum nature of electric charge (electrons), magnetic flux (fluxoids), spin, electromagnetic fields (photons), surface-acoustic waves (phonons), molecules, and materials. We use our devices for applications in, e.g., quantum computing, ultrasensitive amplification of microwaves, magnetic sensing in biology, and space-based radiation detectors for cosmology. We collaborate strongly with the theory group at Applied Quantum Physics.

We are seeking applicants to fill two open PhD positions - one project aims at studying two-level flutuators that limits the performance of superconducting devices and the other project aims at studying interactions between artificial atoms and microwave radiation.

Two level fluctuators:
Two level fluctuators (TLFs) in the materials surrounding superconducting devices can severely limit the performance of the devices. For instance, they can cause decoherens in quantum bits, limit the sensitivity of single electron electrometers, and limit the accuracy of single electron pumps.

The behavior of these TLFs has been studied in quite some detail, but the microscopic nature of these TLFs is still not known. We have recently found a new way to study these TLFs using Single Electron Transistors (SETs). The method relies on applying a sudden electrical field to the material close to the SET. This brings the TLFs out of equilibrium and as they return to their ground state, over a period of several hours, we study the charge that they induce on the SET. The aim of the project is to study both this step response and the noise that the TLFs gives rise to in the SET and to make a connection between the two.

The project involves advanced nanofabrication in the Chalmers clean room, and low frequency measurements of noise and step response of the SETs.

Artificial atoms:
We fabricate superconducting circuits containing Josephson junctions on chip that can operate as superconducting quantum bits as well as artificial atoms. During some time we have studied the physics of such artificial atoms and we have investigated their interactions both with microwave photons and with surface acoustic waves. The purpose of this project is to use the artificial atoms to generate single photons or phonons. The work includes nanofabrication in the Chalmers clean room and advanced microwave measurements, including correlation measurements.

Major responsibilities
The successful candidate for the position will contribute to and develop the laboratory's expertise in several areas: the physics of nanoscale devices and generally solid-state physics and quantum optics, nanofabrication processing techniques, device modeling, electrical low-noise and microwave measurement techniques, low-temperature techniques, quantitative data analysis and theory, and research communication.

Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
Required qualifications:
-Master level degree in Physics, Applied Physics, or equivalent corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits.
-Fluency in English, oral and written; interest and skills in working collaboratively as well as independently.

Desired qualifications:
-Experience in nanofabrication techniques, microwave design and measurements, electronics, cryogenic techniques, computerized modeling and data analysis, quantum physics, solid-state physics, superconductivity, quantum information science.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20160170 and written in English.
Application deadline: May 31, 2016.

For questions, please contact:
Professor Per Delsing, MC2/QDP, per.delsing@chalmers.se, +46-31-772 33 17