Experimental PhD in quantum optomechanics (M/F)

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 30 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research organization in France is offering a PhD position focused on quantum optomechanics. The role involves experimental research in cooling techniques for mechanical membranes and will develop skills in both theoretical and experimental aspects. Candidates should have a Master's degree in Physics or a related field, with strong experimental skills and a passion for quantum research. The position starts on 1 Sep 2026, with a full-time commitment.

Qualifications

• Strong background in experimental physics, particularly in quantum mechanics.
• Experience with optomechanics or related research.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsabilités

• Conduct experiments on quantum optomechanics.
• Implement new cooling techniques for degenerate modes.
• Work closely with the research advisor on project development.

Connaissances

Experimental skills in optomechanics

Quantum physics knowledge

Spatial modulation techniques

Formation

Master's degree in Physics or related field

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Laboratoire ondes et matière d'Aquitaine Research Field Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country France Application Deadline 24 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The PhD will take place in the team "Photonique et Matériaux" at LOMA (University of Bordeaux). The student will join the group of Nicolas Bachelard, whose activty focuses on quantum optomechanics.

Optomechanics explores the interaction between light and mechanical vibrations [1]. As a typical example, one can consider a Fabry-Perot cavity (i.e., optical mode), in which one of the two mirrors is vibrating (i.e., mechanical mode). These devices serve as invaluable platforms for studying macroscopic quantum phenomena such as macroscopic quantum coherence and classical-to-quantum transition. In particular, macroscopic quantum entanglement involving two massive oscillators has recently been observed in optomechanical platforms [2]. Practically, the applicability of modern quantum technologies in optomechanical networks ultimately requires quantum entanglement of light and many vibrations—i.e., multiple degenerate mechanical modes (i.e., same frequency) used as nodes of the network [3].

To display quantum properties, a mechanical mode must be cooled down close to its ground state (i.e., down to a few quanta of vibrational energy), which is typically achieved by leveraging the optical field. Sadly, when considering multiple degenerate modes, one cannot apply conventional cooling techniques that have been devised for single modes. There, the challenge originates from the emergence of dark modes (i.e., hybridization of degenerate modes), which are decouple from the optical field and cannot be cooled (thus precluding any quantumness) [4].

Throughout this PhD, the candidate will experimentally implement a new cooling technique intended to achieve the first-ever cooling of degenerate modes of a mechanical membrane. Compared to former strategies, here, a spatial light modulator is used to spatially shape the wavefront of the light beam. Such a modulation enables to exert simultaneously adapted optical forces on each mode in order to reduce (i.e., cool) their individual vibrations. The student will be closely guided by the advisor and will acquire both theoretical and experimental skills on optomechanics, quantum physics and spatial modulation techniques.