The advanced photonic solutions lab (APSL) at the Electro-Optics Communication (ECO) group at Eindhoven University of Technology is recruiting for a PhD position to research the use of integrated photonic devices for the building of a scalable quantum computer using cold-atoms.

The electro-optical communications (ECO) group in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at TU/e is a globally recognized, leading scientific and applied research group focused on exploiting light for communication and quantum systems. We apply our knowledge in collaboration with other scientists at TU/e and more recently within the newly formed Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute (EHCI) to develop the required solution for many of the relevant challenges in communication and sensing systems. The group expertise spans from the fundamentals and physics of photonics, optics, the design and fabrication of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) systems to exploiting optical linear/non-linear signal processing to unlock fiber capacity and relevant higher layer protocols required to operate modern optical communication networks.

Based in the purposely built FLUX building at the TU/e Campus, the ECO group has access to 300m2 of labs for conducting experimental research and is supported by a state-of-the-art 800m2 cleanroom. With 11 tenured scientists and as many as 70 PhDs, postDocs and senior researchers, the ECO group is a vibrant and exciting research group perfectly suited for talented and ambitious scientists. The group is active in spin outs and starts-ups (e.g. Micro-align, PhotonX Networks and LuXisens Technology) and carries out bilateral industrial research with major stakeholders in the communications industry.

The project is a collaboration between the ECO group in the EE department and the CQT group in the Applied Physics department (APSE). The CQT group which holds relevant expertise in the area of atomic physics, the use of optical tweezers to capture cold atoms, the characterization of qubits the co-integration of quantum gasses, opto-electronics and electronics.

Responsibilities and tasks

Cold atom quantum computers employ optically captured atoms, arranged in a 2 or 3 dimensional grid, where every cold atom represents a Qubit. There are many different ways to create the optical traps to capture the atoms. In this project we will explore a specific innovative direction.

The core activity in this project involves the fabrication, testing and control of the innovative light source that will be used for the cold atom computer. The knowhow of design and fabrication of complex packaging for large arrays of light sources is existing in the APSL. Together with the experimental environment and knowledge on cold atom quantum computers, the student will be embedded in a strong research environment with all the required knowhow and infrastructure to accomplish the tasks. Those include (a.o):

1. Design, fabrication and testing of complex optical laser arrays for the use as optical tweezers
2. Modelling of optics at micro and macro level
3. Control of light sources via digital control schemes (FPGA or micro-controller based) including required code for control
4. Testing in collaboration with the CQT team of functionality and performance of novel optical tweezers system and created Qubits

Candidates must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree in Photonics, Electrical Engineering or, Applied Physics. Previous cleanroom experience will be considered an advantage but is not required. Knowhow in digital electronics (FPGA coding) is highly desired. In addition fluency in the use of MATLAB as well as physical modelling softwares (Comsol) will be positively evaluated.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.