Doctoral student in Physics on experimental quantum technology

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

The research at the division of Atomic Physics concerns various applications of optics and lasers, for example quantum information, atomic and molecular physics with ultrashort light pulses, high-intensity laser plasma physics and biophotonics. The division is part of a large interdisciplinary research environment within Lund University, Lund Laser Center, LLC. The division is also heavily involved in undergraduate education, especially within LTH’s photonics program.

The quantum information group (~10 people) at the division has several different projects related to quantum technology with rare-earth-doped materials. With these materials, one can accurately program the atomic states and spectral profile of the atoms, e.g. for quantum computing, quantum communication and application based on both slow and fast light. The group has recently coordinated an international effort to compile a roadmap (https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/2103/2103.15743.pdf) that describes how these materials can be successfully used for quantum technology.

This position is supported by the Wallenberg Centre for Quantum Technology (WACQT), which receives funding from Knut & Alice Wallenberg Foundation. WACQT is a 12-year, billion-SEK initiative with the purpose of advancing Swedish academia and industry to the forefront of quantum technology, and to build a Swedish quantum computer. WACQT is committed to promoting career development, diversity, and gender equality through networking and supporting activities.

Work duties

The focus of this project is to realize a small quantum communication node, based on qubits consisting of individual ions of rare earth’s (Lanthanides). Such a communication node can later store entangled quantum states and send out photons that can entangle several other such nodes with each other. This node is a key component for several quantum technologies, also extending to quantum computing and quantum optics. In order to be able to detect individual ions, the project uses an optical micro-cavity to amplify the interaction.

A particular strength of these materials for quantum technology is that they have very long coherence times and that different ions can be distinguished by light, interacting at slightly different frequencies. This means that many qubits can be uniquely identified even if the node has a size of only a few nanometers. This leads to a high density of qubits and strong capacity to integrate the processor into optical systems.

As a PhD student in this project, you will work with realizing these ideas. In practice, it includes, for example, using and continuing to develop an experimental system consisting of a micro-cavity, cryostat and lasers for interaction with the ions. It also includes programming to control the equipment and understanding theory to analyze the obtained data and develop new ideas.

Specific goals in the project are to identify individual ions as qubits and make operations on them, optimized for high fidelity, as well as sending out photons using the amplified (Purcell enhanced) light from the cavity, that can be used to entangle other ions. Later, one could also work to scale up the node by connecting more ions/qubits or exploring new materials with even better properties.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects, described above, and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third-cycle studies in Physics if he or she has:

• at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or
• an MSc in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Equivalent knowledge acquired through corresponding programmes will be assessed individually. In order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and important specialisations in certain areas, students with qualifications in subjects other than Physics may be considered for admission.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Other assessment criteria

• The undergraduate degree should include courses that are close to the topic of this position, e.g. quantum mechanics, light-matter interaction, quantum information, optics, lasers, etc.
• Ability to work in a laboratory will be essential and experience of experimental work is a merit.
• Experience in programming is a merit.

Basis of assessment

Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills
4. Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications should be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

The applicant is asked to answer selection questions included in the first step of the application process.

Welcome to submit your application!

The English version of this announcement is an interpretation of national formalities expressed in the Swedish text. In case of uncertainties, the Swedish text applies.

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