PhD on Optical Fibre Post Processing for Quantum Sensing

The electro-optical communications (ECO) group in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at TU/e is a globally recognised, 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.

Responsibilities and tasks

Quantum sensing offers the possibility to go beyond the precision and sensitivity of classical sensors. To further the development in the field of quantum sensing it is necessary to look at how quantum sensors can be connected and entangled to allow the sensitivity to move beyond the Heisenberg scaling. With these goals in mind, we can seek to leverage of the huge commercial success and large availability of optical fibres. Optical fibres provide inherent advantages for quantum sensing as a huge diversity of optical fibre architectures exist, are low loss and have large optical bandwidth. In addition optical fibres can be post processed to achieve optical fibre structures which can couple with quantum system such as atomic vapours and/or electrons. In this research project, the PhD candidate will address challenges around the following areas:

1. Novel Optical Fibre Post Processing for fabricating fibre devices sch as optical fibre tapers and optical fibre microknots.
2. Developing integration of optical fibre devices for coupling to quantized atomic vapour or electron systems. (e.g. Ultra-High Vacuum systems).
3. Developing Quantum Sensing techniques using Hong Ou Mandel interference based on two photon interference.

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, electro, applied physics or similar.

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.
• 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.