Fully industry funded PhD Position: Superconducting qubit diagnostics: Unravelling noise sources for maximizing coherence times using nitrogen vacancy (NV) centres in diamond

About the Project

Project Description:

Quantum computers based on superconducting circuits are lose their quantum properties on short timescales resulting limiting the potential of their applications. The presence of microscopic and non-optimal circuit design are major sources of noise leading to low fidelity operations and limiting the number of operations that superconducting circuit quantum computers can perform. The goal of this project is to use quantum magnetometry for investigate sources of noise in superconducting circuits for the ultimate goal of optimizing qubit fabrication for scaling up quantum computers. It will involve developing a mK-widefield quantum sensing tool in our Blufors dilution refrigerator in our newly built state-of-the art “Quantum Magnetometry” facility (see below for more information).

The industrial sponsor, QZabre AG:

QZabre AG is an ETH Zurich SpinOff focused on commercializing diamond technology based on NV centres for applications in quantum sensing. QZabre’s goal is to make quantum sensing with NV centres easy and accessible to the scientific and industrial communities by providing innovative products to perform novel measurements and unique analysis. Their product line currently includes diamond tips with single or multiple NV centres, diamond membranes with and without pillar arrays, turnkey scanning NV magnetometers at room and cryogenic temperatures and a quantum confocal microscope for colour centres in diamond. With more than 60 customers worldwide, QZabre AG counts 21 employees with diverse backgrounds and expertise covering - among others - physics, nanofabrication and software engineering.

What you will gain:

This is a multidisciplinary project encompassing various skills, which are beneficial in both academic and industrial environments. There are various growth and self-development opportunities via training and hands on experience, some listed below:

• Technical skills:You will receive a solid training in quantum sensing, optics, radio-frequency engineering, magnetism, cryogenics, data analysis and programming.
• Academic communication skills:You will be expected to disseminate your research outcomes in (inter)national conferences and public in peer reviewed journals.
• Other skills:By being part of an international environment, you will have the ability to collaborate with leading groups in the UK and Europe. In addition, you will gain experience in graphic design via preparation of scientific posters and scientific figures.

In addition to your hands-on training, you will have structured learning opportunities – courses and master classes – via HWU’s Research Skills Development which supports your skill and competence development spanning a range of topics including technical writing, public engagement, career development, ethics, business and IP and more.

Facilities:

These are cutting-edge projects making use of our newly developed state-of-the art “Quantum Magnetometry” facility which hosts a turn-key low temperature scanning nitrogen vacancy (NV) magnetometer (first of its kind globally) and a mK-dilution fridge for widefield NV sensing. You will have access to our other world class facilities including cryostats, tunable lasers, single photon detectors and radio-frequency equipment for spin manipulation. Additionally, we have access to a newly refurbished nano-fabrication facility.

Our laboratory

The Quantum Photonics Laboratory, jointly led by Profs. Cristian Bonato and Brian Gerardot, conducts cutting-edge research towards quantum technologies based on single photons and single spins, at the interface between quantum optics and condensed matter physics. Our work focuses on different material platforms, from III-V quantum dots to atomic monolayers ‘beyond graphene’, to diamond and silicon carbide.

We have recently initiated a new research direction towards using individual spins in diamond as very sensitive magnetic probes for probing spin and charge transport in quantum materials. This work makes use of our state-of-the art quantum magnetometry facility.

What are we looking for?

Excellent candidates from any country are encouraged to apply. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated students to join our Quantum Photonics Laboratory at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh with the following key technical requirements:

Required skills:

• Master’s degree in physics or electrical engineering (First honours).
• Skills: programming skills (e.g., python, MATLAB), optics knowledge, CAD-design, RF/DC-electronics

Preferred skills, but not required:

• Previous technical experience in spin physics (e.g., ESR/NMR or nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond), nanofabrication, and cryogenics
• Magnetism, qubit technology and solid-state knowledge experience

Laboratory culture

Our lab has a core value system, encompassing continuous learning, open communication, teamwork and initiative. Because we work in diverse and stimulating international environment, we expect a high level of communication and teamwork skills. We offer weekly group meetings in addition to ad hoc journal and book clubs for promoting continuous learning. Please see our research group website for more information about equipment, research and publications: https://qpl.eps.hw.ac.uk/

To apply:

If you are interested, please send an academic CV and motivation letter to Dr. Samer Kurdi s.kurdi@hw.ac.uk.