Integrated solid-state quantum memories for light

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Patrick Ledingham

About the project

The future Quantum Internet requires efficient devices that store and recall arbitrary quantum states of light. These devices, known as quantum memories, can synchronise entanglement operations between distant locations. This project focuses on the development of novel quantum memory protocols within an integrated solid-state device.

Light is the underpinning platform for realising future quantum-enhanced technologies such as quantum computers and the quantum internet. Quantum information can be encoded into particles of light, photons, that can travel long distances in low-loss telecommunication fibers under ambient conditions, without noise, at high bandwidth, and at light speed. Optimising the efficiency of the memory is crucial for successfully operating the quantum network, and miniaturising form factors enable the industrial-scale rollout of devices.

In this project, you will develop integrated solid-state quantum memories based on femtosecond laser-written photonic waveguides.

You will design and implement novel quantum memory protocols that exploit enhanced light–matter interactions within rare-earth-doped crystalline hosts. By integrating memory media directly into photonic circuits, the project aims to realise miniaturised, stable, and scalable memory modules compatible with telecommunication technologies.

As a PhD candidate, you will gain hands-on experience in waveguide fabrication using femtosecond laser micromachining via external collaborators, spectroscopic characterisation of rare-earth-ion ensembles, and quantum optical measurements of memory performance.

You will also engage with our advanced cleanroom facilities for further device fabrication and collaborate with materials and photonics researchers to optimise device efficiency and stability.

Within this project, you will have the flexibility to follow your particular interests and determine your own direction of travel.

There will be opportunities to engage with industrial partners and collaborators in the UK and abroad.

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

Ideally you will have:

• a strong background in quantum physics
• familiarity with solid-state physics, quantum optics and photonics
• a keen interest in experimental development

Fees and funding

Full scholarships include tuition fees, a stipend at the UKRI rate plus 10% ORC enhancement tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years (totalling £22,858 for 2025/26, rising annually) and a budget of £4200 for things like conference travel. UK, EU and Horizon Europe students are eligible for scholarships. Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) students are eligible for fee waivers.

Funding for other international applicants is very limited and highly competitive. Overseas students who have secured or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.

How to apply

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD ORC (7097)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)