PhD position in Experimental Solid State Nano-Optics: Technical University of Denmark · Department of Physics

Description

DTU Physics is seeking a PhD student for 3 years to work on a recently initiated project interfacing solid state light emitters with nano-optical components, where we aim to control the optical transition using metallic nano-structures.

The project will be hosted in the section for Quantum Physics and Information Technology (QPIT) at DTU Physics and is carried out in collaboration with partners from Ulm University/Germany, Humboldt University Berlin/Germany, Leipzig University/Germany and Harvard University/USA. In QPIT we conduct widely recognized research within a range of diverse topics such as continuous-variable quantum information processing, quantum enhanced sensing, and engineering of solid state quantum systems.

Project description
In plasmonics, metallic nano-structures allow to confine the electromagnetic field to the size of the structure. This confinement can be used to control a light emitter placed in the close vicinity of the metal (see e.g. Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 053002 (2006) for a theoretical description of the approach). We will experimentally explore this effect using a radically new configuration with the ultimate goal to increase the collection efficiency of photons from a single colour defect in diamond, the nitrogen vacancy center, in a single spatial mode and to approach the fundamental limit provided by the chosen geometry (see e.g. Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 096801 (2011) and Nano Lett. 13, 1221 (2013) for our recent experimental approach). The aim of this PhD project is to develop and characterize a tailor-made system for extremely strong light-matter coupling. The system will comprise an optimized plasmonics nano-circuit and a designed diamond crystal containing nitrogen vacancy centers. Such a system will empower the capabilities of quantum electro-dynamics from single photon generation to the coherent control of propagating single photons. This will have profound uses in quantum information science and will impact fundamental physics.

Responsibilities and tasks
The successful candidates will be part of a team dedicated to the design and development of solid state platforms for quantum information processing and sensing.

Some of the tasks involved are

• experimental planning, design, and implementation
• development of electronics in close collaboration with our electronic engineer
• theoretical and numerical simulation and analysis
• programming of experimental control software

A limited amount of supervision of student projects will also be expected.


Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
We offer
QPIT's vision is to understand, engineer and control complex quantum systems of light and matter, and to exploit these systems for quantum information processing and quantum metrology.

We are a medium-sized, highly international research group of students and staff with diverse backgrounds. We have a friendly and dynamic research environment with close, daily interaction among all group members and strong collaborations with many academic and industrial partners. Technical support is excellent with electronics and process engineers embedded in the section and a large capacity, skilled mechanical workshop at the Department.

We are situated just north of Copenhagen at the Lyngby campus of DTU, one of the leading technical universities of Northern Europe, where we enjoy newly renovated office and lab space.

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years, starting as soon as possible.

Application
To submit your application, please click on the "Apply through website" button.

Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in 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 (an official translation into English)
• If applicable: List of publications
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
Further information
The project is funded by the Danish council for Independent research under the Separé Aude top-researcher program.

For further information, please contact the project and section leader Prof. Ulrik Lund Andersen at ultrik.andersen@fysik.dtu.dk or Asst. Prof. Alexander Huck at alexander.huck@fysik.dtu.dk
Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.
Learn more about QPIT, the Department of Physics, and DTU at http://www.fysik.dtu.dk/english/Research/QPIT.

Desired skills and experience

Qualifications
The PhD candidate should have a master degree within optics/photonics, physics or engineering, or a similar degree with an equivalent academic level. He or she should be highly motivated and dedicated to work on challenging experiments. A background in quantum and/or nano-optics is an advantage.

We expect the successful candidate to have very good communication skills in English, to be able to work closely with other team members, and we highly value scientific curiosity and creativity.

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