PhD Project on Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics in Sub-Wavelength Nanostructures – DTU Electro

At the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), we have established a Center for Nanophotonics (NanoPhoton) to perform fundamental research on semiconductor nanocavities that confine light to length scales below the conventional diffraction limit. Such extreme confinement of light opens new possibilities for realizing a regime of strong light-matter interaction, with various important applications within quantum technology and integration of photonics and electronics. NanoPhoton is a collaboration between several Departments at DTU, enabled by a Center grant from the Danish National Research Foundation.

We are now looking for a PhD student who has excelled in their studies and has a strong interest in exploring and understanding the quantum optics of emitters embedded in semiconductor nanostructures. The strong spatial localization of light in a nanocavity enhances the coupling to emitters in the nanocavity as well as material nonlinearities. We want to explore, experimentally as well as theoretically, the opportunities it offers for realizing single-emitter or few-emitter devices, such as nanolasers, single-photon sources and quantum gates. Control of the quantum statistics of the generated photons and realization of a regime of intensity noise squeezing in nanolasers is of particular interest. The project is curiosity-driven, but the physics and structures to be explored are very relevant for a new generation of lasers and devices for quantum technology.

The project will involve theoretical analysis of quantum dynamics in nanocavities as well as experimental characterization of nanostructures fabricated in DTU’s cleanroom. As a specific topic, we wish to pursue the possibility of enhancing and controlling the light-matter interaction in structures where both the optical cavity field and the electronic wavefunctions are determined by nanostructuring. Such structures are of interest for realizing various types of cavity QED systems. We wish to understand the fundamental limitation to the degree of light-matter enhancement that can be achieved in such structures and the degree of quantum noise control that can be exercised.

NanoPhoton emphasizes close collaboration between experimentalists and theoreticians, and there is significant freedom for taking the PhD project in the direction of interest. Important research diections of NanoPhoton include nanolasers with intensity-squezed quantum noise, few-photon nonlinear gates and quantum dynamics, and information transfer between electronic and photonic quantum states using nanocavities.

Responsibilities and tasks
The project will center around experimental characterization of advanced nanostructures and their theoretical analysis. The student is also expected to contribute to design and optimization of the nanostructures and may also, depending on interest, contribute to specifc tasks in the cleanroom.

As part of the Danish PhD program, the student will follow several PhD courses, take part in teaching and conduct an external research stay.

Qualifications
Candidates should 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. Candidates with a strong background in photonics, quantum optics, laser physics and numerical techniques are preferred. Only candidates with a GPA belonging to the very top can expect to be called for interview.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education .

Assessment
Candidates will be assessed by Center Leader Prof. Jesper Mørk.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognised for the excellence of its research, education, innovation, and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterised by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about being a PhD student at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Jesper Mørk, [email protected] . tel.: +45 2082 4576.

You can read more about DTU Electro and the Quantum and Nanophotonics Section here .

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 16 February 2024 (23:59 Danish time) . Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale.

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Electro has 270 employees with competences in physics, photonics and electrical engineering. Research is performed within nanophotonics, lasers, quantum photonics, optical sensors, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, and bio-photonics.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

Kilde: Jobnet.dk