The European EIC Pathfinder QuGANTIC project aims to realize a photonic quantum computer, based on so-called QuDits. To realize such photonic quantum computers, novel photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technologies need to be realized. Most notably, there is a need for integrating ultralow-loss passive components, such as delay lines and multiplexers, with high-bandwidth modulators and low-noise lasers. A heterogeneous PIC platform, integrating III-V based actives (such as indium phosphide) on silicon nitride passives would be an interesting candidate for such a photonic quantum processor.
As a PhD student in our group, you will be responsible for realizing such a novel PIC platform, with an unprecedented combination of high-bandwidth and low-loss performance. Such a technology is the missing link in the photonic quantum technology toolbox, and will have a wide range of applications, in quantum computing and communication, but also in other fields, like microwave photonics and optical communications. The work includes the design of novel modulators, new pulsed laser sources, and the development of the heterogeneous process to realize all on a single PIC. The latter will be done in our NanoLabTUe cleanroom, a globally-leading facility for III-V fabrication (e.g.,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0268-1242/29/8/083001).
The work in our group will be highly collaborative and complementary to the work done by our Partners in this project. These include SMEs QuiX (the Netherlands) and Kvantify (Denmark), Leibniz University Hannover (Germany) and Aarhus University (Denmark). The work at TU/e will focus on the technology development. Since Eindhoven is located in the heart of the leading semiconductor and photonics ecosystem 'Brainport' (
https://brainporteindhoven.com/en/), close collaboration with a wider range of academic and industrial partners can also be anticipated.
The team
As a PhD student, you will be part of a dynamic and ambitious environment, with plenty of opportunities to develop yourself. Our
Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute at TU/e consists of many closely-cooperating research groups, focusing on integrated photonics, semiconductor technology and quantum technology. You will be part of the Photonic Integration group (PhI) at Electrical Engineering which has about 55 members, 20 of which are PhD students. Our laboratory facilities are extensive and state of the art.