Job Summary

A key challenge in quantum computing is dealing with errors that can arise from environmental noise or other sources. Error mitigation and correction strategies are essential to the development of practical quantum computing devices. In recent years, photonic quantum computing has emerged as a promising platform for quantum computing and demonstrating a genuine quantum advantage. Quantum states of light (QSoL) are robust to environmental noise and can be easily manipulated and measured using simple optical components at room temperature. Additionally, QSoL can be transmitted over long distances using optical fibres, which makes them an attractive option for quantum communication and networking.

Errors can arise from various factors, including imperfect state preparation, photon loss, and detector inefficiencies. The main source of error in photonic quantum information processing is due to photon loss which may occur due to mode-mismatch between media with dissimilar optical properties or imperfect fabrication of optical components. Thus, mitigating and correcting these errors is critical for the development of practical photonic quantum computers.

Error-mitigation techniques may involve modifying the quantum circuit to reduce the impact of errors on the computation or performing a number of measurements and post-processing of the outcomes to infer what the error-free outcome should be. One approach to error-correction involves using quantum error-correcting codes (ECCs). ECCs involve encoding the quantum state in a larger Hilbert space, which is protected against certain types of errors. Bosonic ECCs utilise the full harmonic-oscillator nature of light meaning that a single QSoL can encode the logical information and still have the redundancy necessary for error-correction.

Duties and responsibilities
The successful applicant will perform experiments to demonstrate error mitigation and error-correction. The post holder will work as part of a team to 1) build high-gain squeezed light sources, 2) work with collaborators in industry and academia to mitigate loss in integrated photonic circuits, 3) investigate error mitigation and correction strategies for near-term and forthcoming photonic quantum computing devices, 4) study the suitability of these strategies for specific use cases such as Gaussian Boson Sampling and its applications and measurement-based approaches to fault-tolerant quantum computing and 5) use squeezed light sources and photon-number resolving detection to engineer non-Gaussian states relevant to Bosonic error-correction codes.

Essential Criteria:

A PhD or equivalent in Quantum Optics
Proven research experience in experimental quantum optics
Strong track record in experimental photonics quantum information processing, relative to career stage
Ability to work with non-linear sources of squeezed light and photon detection
Further information
*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant, within the salary range £38,194 - £41,388 per annum.

Queries relating to the application process should be directed to Judith Baylis Senior Section Administrator – j.baylis@imperial.ac.uk;

Queries relating to the research project should be directed to Raj Patel – raj.patel1@imperial.ac.uk.

For any technical queries during the application process, contact recruitment@imperial.ac.uk