PhD Studentship: Optical Quantum Circuitry (971918EH)

Supervisor:  Prof Peter Smith

Co-Supervisor:  Dr Devin Smith, Dr James Gates, Dr Corin Gawith

Research Group (for the web):  Optical Engineering and Quantum Photonics Group

Project title:  Optical Quantum Circuitry

Project Description

Manipulation of quantum states of light is important, but difficult problem, especially on-chip.   Active devices are a particularly important problem that can be addressed using technologies present in our group, in collaboration with the ultrafast quantum optics and optical metrology group in Oxford.

The goal of this project would be to integrate a fast modulator design with existing quantum light devices in UV-written waveguides on chip, in order to allow for on-the-fly adaptive measurement and control of quantum light.

Historical approaches to fast quantum control have relied on large bulk optics and high voltages, while this studentship will focus on bringing those modulators on-chip using poled glass and organic polymer EOMs. 

This project will involve designing and optimising the EOMs themselves, as well as the fabrication process and integration into the existing quantum networks for any desired quantum operation to be performed.  While this project is quantum-technology focussed, a background in quantum physics is by no means required: a student in electronics or engineering interested in quantum technology would do well to apply.

The PhD programme

The Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) PhD provides a solid education for a research career. The structured first year combines our training programme with carrying out your research project. To provide a smooth transition from your degree course towards the more flexible research that takes place in the following years under the guidance of your project supervisors. We expect our students to present their work at international conferences and to write papers in leading academic journals as their research progresses. Students will emerge from the PhD with skills at the forefront of future fibre laser research and will benefit from the many opportunities to interact with the wider community of PhD students across the Southampton Campus.

Candidate Requirements:

Applications would be welcome from candidates holding good degrees (1st class or 2:1 honours) in physics, materials science, mechanical or electronic engineering. Experimental skills are essential. In addition to the standard EPSRC PhD studentship, this position includes an annual allowance to enable attendance at international conferences. This post is open to UK and EU citizens only, due to standard EPSRC eligibility requirements.

How to apply:

To apply for this studentship please submit an application for a PhD in the Optoelectronics Research Centre to the University of Southampton including the fact that you wish to do a PhD within Prof. Peter Smith’s group. Please see the following address for more details: http://www.orc.soton.ac

Closing date: applications should be received no later than 30th April 2018 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Duration: typically three and a half years (full-time)

Funding: full tuition plus, for UK students, an enhanced stipend of up to £18,000 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years. www.orc.southampton.ac.uk/phd_funding.html

Start date: typically September

Closing Date: 30 Apr 2018
Post Type: PhD Studentship (Funded)