PhD Studentship: Integrated Photonics for Ion-Trap Quantum Computing

Project title: Integrated photonics for ion-trap quantum computing  

Supervisory Team: Dr Peter Horak, Dr James Gates

Project description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.

We are looking for a PhD student to join our interdisciplinary team of students, postdocs, and senior researchers developing chip-based, microscale optics for advancing quantum technologies.

Many quantum technologies, such as quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing, often rely on optics for the preparation, transmission, and read-out of quantum states. If we want to scale up the quantum information processing power of these devices, we therefore need to integrate a range of optical components onto the chip.

In this project you will contribute to the design and numerical simulation of advanced photonic devices tailored for quantum applications, working in close collaboration with fabricators and experimentalists. We can also offer a project that combines modelling with experiments if you have the required skills. Potential areas of research include:

• Integrated optical waveguides and large area Bragg gratings: Investigate the incorporation of tilted Bragg gratings to couple light out of integrated waveguides and form beams of well-defined shape and polarisation for interaction with stationary trapped quantum particles (e.g. atoms or ions). The light can be used to laser cool the particles and/or for optical manipulation of their internal quantum states.
• - Integrated photon collectors: Similar devices as above can be designed to collect photons emitted from trapped particles, either to read out their quantum state, or for coupling photons into optical fibres for long-distance transmission and the generation of remote quantum entanglement.

If you have an interest in photonics, quantum technology, and computer-based modelling, you would be highly suitable for this project. You will benefit from our world-leading expertise in these fields and enjoy working in a highly supportive environment in our group and collaboration with partner groups across the University of Southampton and around the country.

If you are interested, please contact the supervisor for more information: Peter Horak peh@orc.soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 August 2024.  Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships.  For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton  Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk). Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD PhD iMR (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Peter Horak

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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