PhD Studentship: Scalable heralded single-photon sources (972018EH)

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:  Scalable heralded single-photon sources

Project Description

The single-photon source is the fundamental building block for quantum technologies in photonics, particularly for quantum computing.  Currently, no one can run more than a handful of such sources at a time, and their efficiency is limited.  In collaboration with the University of Oxford and Imperial College London, this project aims to tackle that problem.

It is an open question how to scale up from 3-4 sources to 20, or even 100.

There are several possible approaches to the problem possible in a planar waveguide chip, where we currently make state-of-the-art sources, which must be evaluated for feasibility and performance. The leading contenders will then be designed, fabricated, and evaluated in practice over the course of the PhD project.  

The project will involve theoretical calculations, computer models, device specifications, and device fabrication in the cleanroom, leading to a broad base of skills upon completion.  Students with strong background in any of these areas would be suitable candidates for the position.

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)