Fully Funded PhD Opportunity in Superconducting Nanowire Photon Detectors at EPFL

University: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

Country: Switzerland

Deadline: Not specified

Fields: Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Quantum Engineering

Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of quantum technology and eager to contribute to the next generation of ultra-sensitive photon detection systems? If your academic ambitions include hands-on work at the interface of nanofabrication, superconducting materials, and advanced electronics, this PhD project at EPFL’s Advanced Quantum Architecture Lab (AQUA Lab) could be the ideal next step in your research career.

About The University Or Research Institute

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is one of Europe’s most prestigious science and technology institutions, located in Lausanne, Switzerland. Renowned for its cutting-edge research and vibrant international community, EPFL offers a stimulating academic environment and access to world-class facilities. The AQUA Lab, housed within EPFL, is a leader in quantum engineering, superconducting devices, and advanced nanofabrication, providing an exceptional platform for groundbreaking research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research Topic and Significance

The focus of this PhD project is the advanced fabrication of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) and the development of superconducting digital processing electronics. SNSPDs are pivotal in a range of scientific and technological domains, from quantum communication and cryptography to deep-space imaging and fundamental physics experiments. These detectors are prized for their extraordinary sensitivity, low noise, and ultra-fast timing capabilities. By integrating SNSPDs with cutting-edge superconducting digital logic circuits, the project aims to unlock new possibilities in data processing, quantum information science, and sensor technology, addressing challenges that conventional CMOS technologies cannot meet.

Project Details

Also See

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• PhD Position in Power Electronics and Energy Systems at University of Pavia
• PhD Opportunity in Luminescence Upconversion Nanoscopy (LUNA) at Freie Universität Berlin
• PhD Position in Nanoscale Light-Matter Coupling and Quantum Materials at Freie Universität Berlin
  
  

The Selected PhD Candidate Will Join The Superconducting Technology Section Of The AQUA Lab At EPFL, Supervised By Dr. Gregor Taylor And Co-supervised By Professor Edoardo Charbon. The Project Leverages The State-of-the-art Facilities At The EPFL Center Of MicroNanoTechnology (CMi) Cleanroom And AQUA’s Extensive Cryogenic Infrastructure. Research Activities Will Include

– Developing fabrication processes for innovative Josephson junction architectures to enable integration of digital processing circuits with SNSPDs.

– Advancing fabrication procedures for SNSPDs, building upon the group’s established expertise, to optimize detector performance for various applications.

– Testing and characterizing novel devices to validate circuit and detector performance metrics.

– Exploring methods for tightly integrating multilayer superconducting circuits (including those fabricated at partner foundries) with SNSPDs, utilizing advanced techniques such as flip-chip bonding.

A notable aspect of this project is the opportunity for close collaboration with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, offering unique training and development experiences in their research cleanroom.

Candidate Profile

Ideal Applicants Will Demonstrate

– A strong academic background in electrical engineering, physics, materials science, nanotechnology, or a closely related field.

– Keen interest in nanofabrication, superconducting materials, and quantum device technology.

– Practical skills or a willingness to develop expertise in cleanroom processes, device fabrication, and cryogenic testing.

– Motivation to work in a multidisciplinary, collaborative research environment.

– Analytical mindset, problem-solving skills, and a drive for innovation in experimental science.

Application Process

For more information and to apply, interested candidates should contact Dr. Gregor Taylor directly at gregor.taylor[at]epfl[dot]ch.

Conclusion

If you are motivated to advance the frontiers of quantum engineering and superconducting device technology, this fully funded PhD opportunity at EPFL offers an unparalleled environment for impactful research and professional growth. Don’t miss the chance to become part of a world-leading team and contribute to innovations with far-reaching implications. For more opportunities like this, be sure to follow updates and explore similar openings.

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