PhD on continuous superradiance on the clock transition of ytterbium

FEMTO-ST; France; Sur place; EUR 25 000 - 30 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research institute in France seeks a doctoral candidate for a PhD position in Quantum technology. The role involves developing superradiant lasers based on cold atoms and requires a Master's degree in Physics. Ideal candidates have a background in AMO physics and experimental laser physics. The position offers opportunities for international training and collaboration within the QuRIOUS Doctoral Network.

Qualifications

• Desirable background in atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) physics.
• Basic experience with cold atoms, laser systems, or metrology.
• Strong educational background in AMO experimental physics.

Responsabilités

• Develop a new experimental platform for superradiant lasing.
• Implement controlled superradiant lasing and state preparation of atoms.
• Conduct metrological characterization of the source.

Connaissances

Atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) physics

Cold atoms

Laser systems

Optical frequency combs

Metrology methods

Teamwork

Formation

Master's degree in Physics

Description du poste

Organisation/Company FEMTO-ST Department Time and Frequency Research Field Physics » Quantum mechanics Physics » Optics Physics » Metrology Technology » Quantum technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country France Application Deadline 31 Mar 2026 - 00:00 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 38.5 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101227522 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Optical atomic clocks represent the most precise measurement devices ever built, reaching stabilities and accuracies at the 10⁻¹⁸ level. They are enabling new applications ranging from fundamental tests of physics to relativistic geodesy and improved timekeeping. However, their performance is presently limited by the need for ultra-stable reference cavities. Superradiant lasers, based on collective emission of atoms on ultra-narrow transitions, offer a promising route to overcome this limitation and provide a novel type of ultrastable optical source.

Our research project at FEMTO-ST

At FEMTO-ST, we are developing a new experimental platform for superradiant lasing on the ytterbium clock transition. The setup includes a cold ytterbium magneto-optical trap (MOT) and a high-finesse Fabry–Perot cavity that are currently under characterization. The next milestones are to transport cold atoms into the cavity and observe the first superradiant pulses. The doctoral candidate will play a central role in advancing the system from pulsed to continuous operation.

The project is structured around two main objectives. First, the candidate will implement controlled superradiant lasing, ensuring the continuous injection and state preparation of atoms in the cavity, as well as repumping schemes to recycle atoms from the ground state back to the metastable 3P0 level. Success will enable semi‑continuous emission, limited mainly by heating and atomic lifetime.

Second, the candidate will develop continuous operation with sequential reloading. This approach relies on alternating between two ensembles of atoms: while one ensemble lases inside the cavity, the other is prepared for the next cycle. A key scientific challenge will be the synchronization of the atomic dipoles between ensembles, in collaboration with theory groups from QuRIOUS network. Achieving this goal would represent the first demonstration of a continuous superradiant laser on a clock transition. The doctoral candidate will also conduct metrological characterization of the source, including stability measurements.

The QuRIOUS doctoral network program

This PhD position is part of the QuRIOUS Doctoral Network (www.quriousclocks.eu ), funded by the European Union’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. QuRIOUS brings together leading European groups in physics, engineering, and metrology to train the next generation of researchers in quantum clocks and sensors. The network offers international secondments, joint training events, and close interaction with an international cohort of doctoral fellows. The doctoral candidate will have the opportunity to do secondments in partner laboratories and will receive training in several European universities and private companies from the QuRIOUS network.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Physics » Metrology Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Physics » Quantum mechanics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Technology » Quantum technology Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, preferably with a background in atomic, molecular and optical (AMO) physics, quantum optics, or experimental laser physics.
• Basic knowledge or experience with one or more of the following: cold atoms, laser systems, optical frequency combs or metrology.
• Motivation to acquire expertise in detection and frequency metrology methods, including spectral measurements and comparisons with ultra‑stable frequency references.
• Ability to work in an international and interdisciplinary research environment, with good communication skills in English.

Specific Requirements

• Strong educational background in AMO experimental physics and cold atom physics.
• Previous hands‑on experience in experimental physics (at minimum in optics; experience with cold atoms, atomic clocks, or quantum optics is highly valued).
• Excellent aptitude for teamwork in collective experimental efforts.
• Strong personal qualities of curiosity, intellectual honesty, perseverance, and scientific rigor.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Additional Information

Eligibility criteria

Eligibility (MSCA mobility rule): Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. They must also not already hold a doctoral degree.