Postdoctoral Fellow in Integrated Photonic Quantum Technologies

Stockholms universitet · Stockholm, Sweden

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The Department of Physics is one of the biggest departments within the Faculty of Science and supports a broad range of basic research in experimental and theoretical physics. It has about 250 employees of which 95 are PhD students. Many have been internationally recruited. The Department is part of the AlbaNova University Center, which apart from the Department of Physics houses the Department of Astronomy, the Physics Departments at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), and the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics (Nordita). More information about us, please visit: www.su.se/department-of-physics/.

The Department of Physics and Stockholm University is affiliated to Stockholm Dual Career Network (SDCN) that supports expat partners with professional events, career-related advice and by building a social network in their new hometown. www.sdcn.se.

Project description

The position is part of a research programme on integrated photonic quantum technologies. The project rests on two complementary fabrication routes: femtosecond laser direct writing, which makes it possible to inscribe optical waveguides and photonic circuits in three dimensions inside transparent materials such as glasses and crystals, and cleanroom lithographic nanofabrication of planar, high-index-contrast photonic integrated circuits. Together they give access both to circuit geometries that planar platforms cannot realise and to the density and functionality that lithography offers, as well as to hybrid devices combining the two.

The aim of the project is to develop photonic circuits – laser-written, lithographically fabricated and hybrid for the generation, manipulation and detection of quantum states of light, and to use them as building blocks for quantum communication, quantum sensing and photonic quantum information processing.

Depending on the background and interests of the candidate, the work may include three-dimensional waveguide circuits and programmable interferometers, lithographically defined waveguides, resonators and grating couplers, low-loss coupling between photonic circuits and optical fibres or single-photon detectors, the integration of quantum emitters and non-linear elements, and the characterisation of quantum states on chip. The project is carried out in a collaborative environment with a femtosecond laser writing facility, access to cleanroom nanofabrication and well-equipped quantum optics laboratories, together with national and international partners.

Main responsibilities

The position involves independent and collaborative research within the project, including:

design and numerical modelling of photonic integrated circuits and waveguide devices, in two and three dimensions
fabrication of photonic structures by femtosecond laser direct writing, including the development and optimisation of writing parameters, beam shaping and sample preparation
nanofabrication of planar photonic structures in a cleanroom environment (e.g. electron-beam lithography, thin-film deposition, dry etching and materials characterisation)
optical characterisation of the fabricated structures (propagation and coupling loss, mode profiles, birefringence, dispersion) and the associated post-processing such as annealing, polishing and fibre pigtailing
analysis and interpretation of experimental data, and development of instrument control and data analysis software
publication of results in leading international journals and presentations at conferences.

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills and to the applicant’s ability to carry out the project described above.

The doctoral degree should be in physics, electrical engineering, photonics or a closely related subject.

The following are required:

a doctoral degree in physics, electrical engineering or a closely related field
documented experimental experience of quantum optics and of integrated/guided-wave optics
documented experience of fabricating photonic devices, by laser writing and/or lithographic micro- and nanofabrication
very good ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing.

The following are considered advantageous:

hands-on experience of femtosecond laser direct writing or other ultrafast-laser micromachining of transparent materials
experience of cleanroom nanofabrication (electron-beam or deep-UV lithography, dry etching, thin-film deposition, polishing and metrology)
experience of the design, fabrication and characterization of waveguides and photonic integrated circuits on laser-written and/or lithographic platforms (e.g. fused silica, borosilicate glass, silicon nitride, silicon-on-insulator, thin-film lithium niobate or III–V semiconductors)
skills in optical simulation and design (e.g. BPM, FDTD, FEM, Lumerical, COMSOL) and in programming and instrument control (e.g. Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW)
demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team, and to take initiative and responsibility.

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Mohamed Borennane, phone: +46 8 5537 8736, boure@fysik.su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

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