Quantum communications are revolutionising the way we transmit information and connect remote parties. Leveraging on the quantum properties of photons and on the tools developed for optical communications, it is now possible to create a quantum network that distributes confidential information to distant users with the highest level of security and creates strong quantum correlations - or entanglement - at its nodes, thus shaping the future quantum internet.

To enable quantum communications, bright high-purity and compact sources of single and entangled photons are most needed and research is ongoing to explore new materials that can provide better sources than the existing ones.

Among all possible options, 2D van der Waals materials are of particular interest owing to the plethora of quantum phenomena that emerge from their atomically thin nature, such as massless Dirac fermions, anyons, and the quantum spin Hall effect. Strain and defect engineering in 2D materials can result in in-gap discrete energy levels in the electronic structure of the material, leading to the creation of single and entangled photon sources. The wavelength can vary from visible to near IR depending on the chosen material. Once the photo-emitters are generated in the 2D materials, they can be transferred onto almost any arbitrary substrates including silicon photonic circuits (waveguides, couplers, photonic crystal cavities, etc.), making them an even more attractive candidate for on-chip photon sources.

In this project, the candidate will contribute to investigate sources of single and entangled photons in 2D van der Waals materials, at near-infrared wavelengths, potentially useful for quantum communications [1-3]. Key challenges will be understanding the nature of the single and entangled photon emission in this family of materials and tailoring their properties to their potential usage in quantum communications.

We are seeking PhD candidates with suitable undergraduate training in physics, engineering or related subjects who are keen to research in quantum optics and its applications to communications. The applicants should be willing to spend most of their time in the lab. However an inclination for theory or simulations will be positively considered during the interview. This position will be based at the University of York.

For informal enquiries please contact Prof. Marco Lucamarini (marco.lucamarini@york.ac.uk) or Dr. Yue Wang (yue.wang@york.ac.uk).

How to Apply: Applicants must apply via the University’s online application system at https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/apply/. Please read the application guidance first so that you understand the various steps in the application process. To apply, please select the PhD in Physics for September 2024 entry. Please specify in your PhD application that you would like to be considered for this studentship.

Funding Notes: This PhD studentship will cover the tuition fee at the home rate (£4,712 in 2023/24), an annual stipend at the standard research council rate for a period of up to 3.5 years (£18,622 in 2023/24) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). UK and international students are eligible to apply. Please refer to UKRI website (https://www.york.ac.uk/physics-engineering-technology/study/funding/) for full eligibility criteria.

Applications for this studentship will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable applicant is identified.

References:
[1] https://arxiv.org/abs/2201.11882
[2] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41699-023-00366-4
[3] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/qute.202200059