PhD in Quantum Dot Emitters Integrated with SiN Devices for Remote Quantum Computing – DTU Electro

Are you interested in contributing to the future of quantum technology? The Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering (DTU Electro) at the Technical University of Denmark is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled PhD student to join our team for the project QPIC1550, funded by the European Union. 

The primary objective of QPIC1550 is to create a universal, scalable platform operating at 1550 nm by integrating deterministic quantum light sources, active components and detectors onto SiN quantum photonic circuitry together for the first time. This will combine the best features of two mature technologies: active functionalities of InP-based devices, such as classical and quantum light sources, high-bandwidth modulators, and photodetectors, with ultra-low loss SiN passives, such as delay lines, performant splitters, resonators and high-extinction filters, required for any quantum circuit. This new platform has the potential to revolutionize quantum photonics by enabling the creation, manipulation and detection of on-demand single photons and entangled photon pairs. Critical to this platform is its compatibility with existing optical fiber networks, which makes this a cost-effective solution for quantum communication, computing, and quantum metrology applications. The aim is to demonstrate the flexibility of the QPIC1550 platform in three key different use cases which require the cooperation of multiple integrated optical devices: Quantum Key Distribution, Remote Quantum Computing, and Quantum Clock Synchronization experiments. 

At DTU Electro, we are at the forefront of the epitaxial growth of quantum dots (QDs) operating in the telecom C-band as well as device nanofabrication [1] and their characterization and operation [2,3] for several applications in quantum information technology. As a PhD, you will play a crucial role at the interface between the development of deterministic on-chip quantum light sources operating at the telecom C-band and the development of proof-of-concept schemes and experiments in the field of distributed quantum computing and quantum communication. This research will be conducted within the framework of an exciting EU project, providing you with unique opportunities for collaboration and international exposure.

References:
[1] Holewa, P., Vajner, D.A., Zięba-Ostój, E. et al.  High-throughput quantum photonic devices emitting indistinguishable photons in the telecom C-band.  Nature Communication 15, 3358 (2024).
[2] Zahidy, M., Mikkelsen, M.T., Müller, R. et al. Quantum key distribution using deterministic single-photon sources over a field-installed fibre link. npj Quantum Information 10, 2 (2024).
[3] Vigliar, C., Paesani, S., Ding, Y. et al. Error-protected qubits in a silicon photonic chip. Nature Physics 17, 1137–1143 (2021). 

Responsibilities and qualifications
As a PhD, you will be working closely with other members of the QPIC1550 team and other members of the DTU Electro department. The PhD project focusses on Remote Quantum Computing applications realized by interfacing QD devices and SiN devices. Your overall responsibility within the project will be developing both numerical methods and experimental validations to address some of (but not limited to) the research topics listed below: 

• Develop a theoretical framework for the mapping of quantum circuits designed for monolithic computing schemes, to a QD-based multi-node remote quantum processing architecture.
• Experimentally characterize quantum emitters in InP-based material systems with a focus on telecom C-band wavelength. More specifically: 
  • perform spectroscopy and the optical imaging of various quantum emitters,
  • implement optical setups for optical device characterization at cryogenic temperatures,
  • perform full quantum optical characterization of the fabricated devices: purity (Hanbury Brown-Twiss), efficiency, and indistinguishability (Hong-Ou-Mandel),
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to design and characterize novel QD-based quantum light sources for remote quantum computing demonstrators in SiN at 1550 nm.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to design and characterize novel hybrid SiN-based integrated photonic devices with a focus on distributed quantum computing applications.
• Publish research findings in top-tier scientific journals and present at international conferences.
• Assist in the supervision of graduate students and experimental PhD students and contribute to the mentorship of junior researchers.
• Participate in project-related activities and meetings.

As a formal qualification, you must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

We are looking for a PhD student with a strong background in condensed matter physics and quantum information science who has excelled in their studies and is interested in working at the forefront of a new research field. Experience in integrated photonics and experimental quantum optics is an advantage. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Excellent communication and technical writing skills in English are mandatory.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. 

Salary and terms of employment 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is three years. The position is full-time and open from the 1 December 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Associate Prof. Battulga Munkhbat ([email protected] ) or postdoc Caterina Vigliar ([email protected] ). Applications submitted by email will not be considered. Instead, you should use the online portal described below.

You can read more about DTU Electro at www.electro.dtu.dk. 

Take a virtual tour in DTU Nanolab cleanroom facility: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=n7rBdnKvgxd .

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 September 2024(23:59 Danish time) . Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Contact information for at least two professional references

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Electro has more than 300 skilled researchers with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. As one of Europe’s largest public research departments, DTU Electro covers a multitude of research disciplines within nanophotonics, lasers, quantum photonics, optical sensors, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, acoustics, power electronics, robotics, and autonomous systems.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.