Are you a talented and ambitious researcher? Are you excited about quantum science and technology? Do you enjoy finding working solutions to great challenges? You are then welcome to apply for an open Ph.D. position on "Optomechanics with Quantum Emitters" in our group at DTU Fotonik.
Our research aims at exploring quantum information science at the nanoscale and developing novel quantum photonic devices. Such quantum devices are central for quantum information networks, quantum computation, and quantum cryptography systems, and lie at the basis of a forthcoming Quantum Internet. We focus on quantum control and manipulation of novel nanostructures at the single-photon and single-electron level, using nanowires, quantum dots, and hybrid semiconductor-atomic systems.
This Ph.D. project is focused on experimental investigation and realization of advanced quantum photonic devices, based on photon-phonon coupling in nanowire quantum dots. A semiconductor nanowire with embedded quantum dots represents a highly controllable platform for studying photon-phonon interactions at the nanoscale. Mechanical vibrations in the nanowire can induce a shift in the frequency of the single photons emitted from the quantum dot. In this project, we plan to realize such a system by exploiting GaAs quantum dots controllably grown in AlGaAs nanowires. Our quantum dots will also be frequency-locked to one of the optical transitions of rubidium atoms. We are at the very forefront of international research in this area, and the topic is new, creating ample opportunities for the Ph.D. student to push the state-of-the-art significantly and define new standards in the field.
Our group works in a new state-of-the-art quantum nanophotonics lab and in the national center for nano- and micro-fabrication. We work in tight collaboration with a team of quantum nanophotonics theorists and a team of nanofabrication experts. We have established an effective in-house collaboration that covers all aspects of our research: theory and modeling, sample growth and fabrication, experiments and demonstrations. We have created a dynamic research environment of young and senior scientists aimed at excellent science. We are part of Quantum DTU — the Center for Quantum Technologies at DTU.
Read more about the research in our group here (https://nikaakopian.wordpress.com/research/).
This Ph.D. position is part of QUDOT-TECH (http://www.qudot-tech.eu/)— the Europian Innovative Training Network “Quantum Dots for Photonic Quantum Information Technologies” — which will engage 15 Ph.D. students in five countries working in close collaboration on optical quantum information technologies.
Responsibilities and tasks
You will find working solutions to major research challenges in an ambitious field of quantum technologies. In particular, you will be:
- Building advanced optical setups for cutting-edge experiments in quantum photonic technologies,
- Realizing first nanowire devices for quantum non-demolition measurements of single photons,
- Exploring the boundary between classical and quantum worlds.
As part of the Danish Ph.D. program, you will follow a number of Ph.D. courses as well as take part in teaching and supervision of students. Furthermore, there will be the opportunity to carry out a longer external research stay. We have close collaborations with numerous internationally leading universities and research organizations.
Qualifications
Candidates should have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) in physics or electrical engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see the DTU PhD Guide. (http://www.dtu.dk/english/Education/PhD/Rules/PhDguide)
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Nika Akopian.
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 appointment terms
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 3 years. The expected start date is March 1, 2020.
The workplace will be at DTU Fotonik, Department of Photonics Engineering, at the Kgs. Lyngby Campus.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here. (http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths)
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Nika Akopian: nikaak@fotonik.dtu.dk, nikaakopian.wordpress.com.
You can read more about DTU Fotonik at www.fotonik.dtu.dk.
Application
Please submit your online application no later than 30 November 2019 (local time). Apply online at www.career.dtu.dk.
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", 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
- Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here) (http://www.dtu.dk/english/Education/phd/Applicant/Pre_acceptance-1-)
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. In addition, candidates must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and not yet have been awarded a Ph.D. degree.
Due to the mobility requirement of the European Commission for Innovative Training Network projects, we can only accept Ph.D. candidates that have not been working/living in Denmark for more than a total of 12 months within the 3 years prior to employment start.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.
DTU Fotonik has 220 employees with competences in optics. In a typical year, DTU Fotonik educates 55 Ph.D. students from more than 25 countries and our student numbers are constantly growing. As one of Europe’s largest public photonics research departments, DTU Fotonik covers a multitude of optical disciplines ranging from fundamental light-matter interaction and optical telecommunications to applied research and innovation. Our research topics include optical sensors, lasers, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high-speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, nano-optics, and quantum photonics.
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 vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 11,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. Our main campus is in Kgs. Lyngby north of Copenhagen and we have campuses in Roskilde and Ballerup.
