PhD position in trapped ion quantum technology and nanoscience at the University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
A
three-year PhD position is available in the Ion Quantum Technology
Group in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of
Sussex. The position is funded in conjunction with an EPSRC funded £1.4M
Leadership fellowship for the development of quantum technology with
nanofabricated ion trap chips.
Application deadline:
please apply preferentially by 20 December 2012 and no later than
January 30 (applications after 20 December and until January 30 will be
considered if position is not filled)
Research in novel
quantum technologies will likely lead to step changing innovations which
will affect many areas of modern sciences. Implementing such
technologies with trapped ions quantum bits has been widely accepted as
one of the most promising pathways. The aim of this studentship is to
produce advanced nano-fabricated ion chips and to carry out entanglement
experiments with trapped ions in order to build a practical ion trap
quantum computer.
One of the main aims of the project is to develop ion chips that
feature on-chip digital signal processing and specialized architectures
for large scale entanglement generation. Furthermore, you will also
carry out studies to implement on-chip cavities, fibre interconnects to
the ion trap array for advanced ion quantum state detection capabilities
and other advanced features. You will create microchips for large scale
entanglement creation of trapped ions on a chip. Once suitable ion
chips are available you will carry out entanglement experiments and
create practical quantum simulators.
You will learn all the
experimental skills and theoretical background needed in this emerging
field of science. Some of the skills you will acquire include
nano-fabrication, lasers and optics, ultra-high vacuum techniques,
quantum information science, electronics and many other skills. You will
spend your first year primarily at Sussex where you will become an
expert in ion trapping. Following that you will spend some periods of
time at clean room facilities carrying out microfabrication in
state-of-the-art clean rooms. Once the first chips have been created,
you will carry out quantum information experiments with trapped ions.
The position consists of current UK/EU fees and a yearly stipend of £
13590 which can be supplemented by tutoring.
The city of
Brighton & Hove has everything - sun, sea, brilliant clubs, great
places to eat, fabulous shops, a truly cosmopolitan vibe and is located
only 50min from central London. Located on the beach, Brighton boasts
beautiful seaside views and beaches, boating, sports and beach
activities. The South Downs provide breathtaking views, tranquil walks
and plenty of opportunities for mountain biking, hiking or picnics.
You can find out more about the group here (including a BBC documentary about our research group):
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/physics/iqt/
The
‘Research’ section of the website features specific information for
prospective PhD students. You can also take a virtual lab tour.
Detailled reading about some of our research directions can be found here:
- Microfabricated Ion Traps, Marcus D. Hughes, Bjoern Lekitsch, Jiddu
A. Broersma and Winfried K. Hensinger, Contemporary Physics 52, 505
(2011)
- Microwave ion-trap quantum computing, Winfried K. Hensinger, Nature 476, 155 (2011)
For more information, please email the head of group,
Dr Winfried Hensinger
(Reader in Quantum, Atomic and Optical Physics)
(w.k.hensinger@sussex.ac.uk).
To apply please email a CV, and your degree results preferentially before 20/12/12 or the latest by 30/1/2013
to the email address above. Note in order to qualify for this position
you must have resided in the UK or Europe for three years prior to the
start of the position.
