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PhD position : on quantum photonic networks - Prof. A. Fiore
The Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics group at the Eindhoven University of Technology (The Netherlands, www.phys.tue.nl/psn) has an open PhD student position on integrated quantum photonics.
Background
Quantum information processing enables new paradigms for computing and communication, leading for example to new algorithms for solving problems which are computationally difficult (quantum computing) and to physically-secure quantum cryptography. Photons are one of the preferred physical implementations of quantum bits, due to the long propagation distance, and several ideas and first demonstrations of quantum gates operating with photons are being investigated. However, any practical implementation of a small quantum circuit operating with photons faces the critical requirement of scalability: Present table-top experiments using bulky optical components or fibers cannot be practically scaled beyond few qubits due to the large number of components needed and to the high coupling loss. Our group is pursuing an alternative and potentially revolutionary approach to quantum networks, which is based on integrating single-photon components (sources, detectors, gates) on a single semiconductor chip. These solid-state optical circuits operating at the single-photon level are in principle scalable to hundreds and thousands of devices, opening the way to a small-scale quantum processor. We have already demonstrated some of the key building blocks (sources1, detectors2) of this integrated quantum technology, and we are planning to start investigating small circuits operating at the level of two or few photons.
Project description
The selected candidate will perform fundamental research at the interface between nanophotonics and quantum optics. He/she will conceive and fabricate solid-state nanophotonic devices and small optical circuits operating at the single-photon level, using advanced nanotechnology tools, and investigate the quantum optical photon-photon interactions in view of their application to quantum information protocols. Some examples include the coherent transfer of single photons between two network nodes constituted by quantum dots in photonic crystal cavities, the investigation of the stimulated emission process at the single-photon level, and the application of single-photon nonlinearities to quantum gates. This research will be carried out in collaboration with other European groups active in the field.
Requirements
We welcome applications from candidates with a Master degree in physics with top marks and with a background and interest in optics or photonics. Candidates must prove a strong attitude towards experimental physics and the drive and capacity to tackle different aspects of a complex problem with large independence.
Application
Please email (max 300 kB, no large attachments) a CV with name and address of two references to: Prof. Andrea Fiore, a.fiore@tue.nl
Candidates are urged to apply as soon as possible, as selection will start immediately.
References:
1 Hoang et al., to be published (arXiv:1201.2874)
2 Sprengers et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 99, 181110 (2011)
PhD position : on the physics of nanolasers - Prof. A. Fiore
The Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics group at the Eindhoven University of Technology (The Netherlands, www.phys.tue.nl/psn) has an open PhD student position on the physics of semiconductor nanolasers, within a joint project between the Departments of Applied Physics (AP) and Electrical Engineering (EE).
Background
The group of Prof. Smit in Eindhoven recently demonstrated the first electrically-pumped semiconductor laser with a size much smaller than the wavelength (down to 200 nm)1. This work initiated a large worldwide activity on nanolasers, in view of their potential application as ultrasmall and ultralow-power optical sources for photonic interconnects on silicon chips. The nanolasers use metals to ensure confinement on the subwavelength scale and a semiconductor active region to provide sufficient gain for lasing. While several demonstrations of lasing, up to room temperature, have been reported, the underlying physics of such a small laser is not yet understood. Key questions include the effect of modified spontaneous emission rates, the role of spatial hole burning and the modified electron-photon interaction in the limit where the photon is confined on a scale smaller than the electronic wavefunction. These physical effects play a major role in determining the efficiency and modulation speed and their understanding is therefore vital to the design of nanolasers for interconnect applications.
Project description
The selected candidate will perform cutting-edge fundamental research on laser physics at an unconventional scale. He/she will apply ultrafast, single-photon measurement techniques developed in our lab to perform electro-optical experiments on the nanolasers fabricated at the EE department. The spontaneous emission dynamics below threshold and the relaxation oscillation dynamics above threshold will be measured, enabling the determination of the fundamental device physical parameters such as carrier lifetime, differential gain and gain compression factor. Experimental data will be analyzed and compared to physical laser models developed starting from available software packages, and a dedicated nanolaser model will be developed. The results will be fed back to the design and fabrication of advanced nanolasers featuring optimized efficiency and speed. The project will be jointly supervised by Profs. A. Fiore (AP) and M.K. Smit (EE)
Requirements
We welcome applications from candidates with a Master degree and an excellent academic record in physics or electrical engineering, with a specialization in optics or photonics. Candidates must prove a strong attitude towards experimental physics and the drive and capacity to tackle different aspects of a complex physical problem with large independence.
Application
Please email (max 300 kB, no large attachments) a CV with name and address of two references to: Prof. Andrea Fiore, a.fiore@tue.nl
Candidates are urged to apply as soon as possible, as selection will start immediately.
References
1 Hill et al., Nature Photonics 1, 589 (2007)
PhD position: on nanoscale quantum optics - Prof. A. Fiore
In the framework of a new large research initiative on Nanoscale Quantum Optics, the Dutch FOM (Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter) has an open PhD position. The research will be carried out at the Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics group at the Eindhoven University of Technology (The Netherlands), see www.phys.tue.nl/psn. The selected candidate will perform cutting-edge fundamental research at the interface between quantum optics and solid-state nanophysics. The goal is to investigate the spontaneous emission of excitons in semiconductor nanostructures in the presence of strongly localised plasmonic resonances around metal nanoparticles. We wish to investigate the regimes of weak and strong coupling between excitons and plasmons, and evidence the breaking of the conventional dipole approximation in the presence of nanoscale optical confinement. The selected candidate will be involved in all aspects of the project, from the nanofabrication of metal nanostructures, to the advanced optical characterisation by far-field and near-field spectroscopy and scanning tunneling luminescence, and the theoretical modeling of the spontaneous emission process.
Requirements
We welcome applications from candidates with a Master degree and an excellent academic record in condensed-matter physics or optics. Candidates must prove a strong attitude towards experimental physics and the drive and capacity to tackle different aspects of a complex physical problem with large independence.
Application
Please email (max 300 kB, no large attachments) a CV with name and address of two references to: Prof. Andrea Fiore, a.fiore@tue.nl
Candidates are urged to apply as soon as possible, as selection will start immediately.
A 4 year PhD position is available in the area of nanowire photonics for solar cell applications in the Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics (PSN) group at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in The Netherlands. This long-term energy research project is intended to investigate novel III/V core-shell nanowire solar cells. It is the objective of this project to focus on the light management within the solar cell, by both calculating and measuring the solar light absorption, as well as the light scattering, light reflection and light emission losses in all directions. In addition, it is the objective to reduce the nanowire filling factor by tapering of the nanowires, by using plasmonic nanofocusing, or by using negative refractive index materials. The final objective is to develop efficient nanowire multi-junction solar cells embedded into a flexible polymer. Part of the work will be performed at Philips Research.
Requirements
We welcome applications from candidates with a Master degree and an excellent academic record in physics. Candidates must prove a strong attitude towards experimental physics. Previous experience in plasmonics or nanowire optical spectroscopy is desirable.
Starting date: As soon as possible.
Appointment
This position offers full-time employment for 3+1 years, with an initial evaluation period. The monthly (gross) salary will be approx. 2000 Euro in the first year and increase to approx. 2600 Euro in the fourth year, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities. The University offers an attractive package of fringe benefits such as excellent technical infrastructure, child care, savings schemes and excellent sports facilities.
Information and application
More information about the University can be found at: www.tue.nl. For more information on the position please contact: J.E.M.Haverkort@tue.nl