Internship: Probabilistic computing in nonlinear optical resonators

AMOLF; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 7,800 - 11,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Involvement in cutting-edge research

Opportunities for learning and development

Inclusive and diverse work environment

Job summary

AMOLF in Amsterdam is offering an internship/master project focused on probabilistic computing using nonlinear optical resonators. You will investigate experimental implementations of optical p-bits and their performance metrics.

The ideal candidate is currently enrolled in a relevant Master's program and is available for at least 5 months. This opportunity is part of a leading research group in the Netherlands, promoting a diverse work environment.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a Master's program.
• EU nationality or university enrollment in the Netherlands.
• Availability for at least 5 months.

Responsibilities

• Explore implementation of optical p-bits experimentally.
• Investigate energy efficiency, speed, and precision.
• Conduct experiments and simulations related to stochastic systems.

Skills

Research in probabilistic computing

Understanding of nonlinear optical resonators

Familiarity with physics, chemistry, or materials science

Effective communication

Education

Master's program in physics, chemistry, materials science or related field

Tools

Python

Lab equipment

Job description

Internship/Master project: Probabilistic computing in nonlinear optical resonators

In conventional computers, information is encoded in bits that can take a value of 0 or 1. Quantum computers extend this idea by using qubits, which can exist in superpositions of 0 and 1. A third paradigm, known as probabilistic computing, uses probabilistic bits (p-bits): binary units that randomly fluctuate between 0 and 1 with a controllable probability. Rather than avoiding randomness, this approach uses noise as a computational resource. Probabilistic computing is actively investigated in the context of Boltzmann machines and neural networks, where stochastic binary units can efficiently perform computational tasks that naturally involve randomness, often more efficiently than deterministic hardware.

In this project, you will explore how nonlinear optical resonators can be used for probabilistic computing. Our group recently realized, theoretically, a new way to make a p‑bit in a nonlinear optical cavity. Building on this result, you will investigate how to implement this optical p‑bit experimentally. You will investigate what determines its energy efficiency, speed, and precision, and how these performance metrics inter‑relate.

Qualifications

You are currently enrolled in a Master’s program in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field. You have a nationality of an EU member state and/or you are a student at a university in the Netherlands. The internship has to be a mandatory part of your curriculum. We expect you to be available for at least 5 months, although longer is preferable.

Work environment

AMOLF is a part of NWO-I and initiates and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees. In the Interacting Photons group, we search for new physics emerging from photon interactions. As a testbed for new ideas, we use optical microcavities with nonlinear materials inside. We are driven by fundamental physics questions relevant to improving the energy efficiency, speed, and precision of optical technologies such as sensors and novel computers. The two projects we offer are at the frontier of nanophotonics, statistical physics, and condensed matter. Both projects involve experiments and computer simulations of stochastic nonlinear dynamical systems, with a balance to be determined by your interests and skills. For both experiments and simulations, you will learn all the necessary methods and techniques in our group, and a PhD student or postdoc will be your daily supervisor.

Working conditions

At the start of the traineeship your trainee plan will be set out, in consultation with your AMOLF supervisor.

AMOLF Energy Research Academy

AMOLF offers a special program for research internships in sustainable energy science. It is composed of a research project in one of AMOLF’s research groups, combined with a series of dedicated tutorials on fundamental aspects of the science behind sustainability technology. Admission to this Academy is only possible in combination with a research internship project at AMOLF.

More information

For further information about the position, please contact prof. dr. Said Rodriguez or dr. Tom Veeken.

Application

You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below. Please annex your:

• Motivation letter
• Resume
• List of followed courses plus grades

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code

AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

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