"PhD Position in Rare-Earth Ion Emitters for Quantum Networks (Experimental)"

Come join QuTech and create the Quantum Future! Are you interested in experimental quantum optics and information science? Would you like to work on groundbreaking physics experiments with real-world applications for quantum networks? In the future, quantum networks could change the way we communicate, run apps in the cloud, and help scientific tools and sensors. To build such quantum networks, nodes based on solid-state emitters are promising contenders. One specific type of solid-state emitters, rare-earth ions (REIs) in host crystals, are particularly interesting. Because of their internal atomic structure, REIs can serve as excellent qubits, with long coherence time and emission in the visible and NIR spectrum. In the last few years, a lot of research has been done on proving REIs as qubits, including showing remote entanglement and quantum teleportation.

We are looking for PhD students to join the Hermans Lab and take the next step and build a next-generation quantum network. Can we control multiple of these REIs within the same chip and perform two-qubit gates between them? Using such coupled emitters, is it possible to run advanced entanglement protocols that can generate better entangled states faster? This research will open up many new interesting physics experiments, for example, generating spin-photon cluster states.

What will you be doing? As a team member of Hermans Lab, you will be involved in all parts of the experimental process: From designing and fabricating nanophotonic structures, building an optical low-temperature setup, to performing experiments and simulating spin dynamics. Next to this, you will have the opportunity to build expertise in quantum optics and information, and to develop mentorship skills by guiding MSc and BSc students. You will be part of a collaborative and supportive research environment at the heart of the Delft University campus. Our team values diversity and fosters an inclusive, international culture.

Requirements: We are seeking not only dedicated future scientists but also individuals who thrive in a team-oriented environment, where passion and commitment go hand in hand. MSc degree in (Applied) Physics or Quantum Science and Technology. Strong interest in quantum optics and information science. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Ability to collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Conditions of employment: Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from Promovendus gross per month from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School.