This PhD project will develop quantum opto-electronic devices in silicon carbide, combining advanced semiconductor engineering with quantum optics and quantum information science. Silicon carbide hosts quantum states that can act as qubits while simultaneously interacting with both light and electrical signals, making it a particularly attractive platform for scalable quantum technologies. The project will explore novel approaches for controlling and reading out quantum states using integrated electrical and optical techniques.
The ultimate goal is to develop technologies that can be manufactured using industrial semiconductor processes, helping bridge the gap between fundamental quantum science and real-world quantum networks.
Why join this project?
This PhD offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of several rapidly growing fields:
- Quantum technologies
- Semiconductor physics
- Photonics and optoelectronics
- Quantum communication and networking
- Advanced materials and nanotechnology
You will gain experience with state-of-the-art experimental techniques including optical spectroscopy, microwave control, cryogenic measurements, semiconductor devices, nanofabrication, and scientific data analysis.
Graduates with expertise at the interface of quantum technologies and semiconductor engineering are highly sought after across academia, national laboratories, and the growing quantum technology industry.
A nationally important research programme
The project is part of the “Integrated Quantum Networks” (IQN) Hub, one of the UK's flagship quantum technology initiatives developing the technologies required for future quantum communication networks, and it is further aligned with the EU project QuSPARC (“Quantum Technology with a Spin-Photon Architecture for Thousand-Qubit Chipsets at Telecom Wavelengths”, led by the Austrian Academy of Sciences)
Through IQN and QuSPARC, the student will interact with leading academic and industrial partners across the UK and EU quantum ecosystems, providing excellent opportunities for collaboration, training, and career development.
Research environment
You will join the Quantum Photonics Laboratory (https://www.qpl-hwu.co.uk/) at Heriot-Watt University, an internationally recognised research group working on quantum sensing, quantum communication, quantum materials, and quantum information technologies.
Located in Edinburgh, one of Europe's most vibrant and attractive cities, Heriot-Watt offers an outstanding environment for doctoral research and student life.
Candidate profile
We welcome applications from students with, or expecting to obtain, a First-Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, or a related discipline.
Previous experience in laboratory research and programming is desirable. We are primarily seeking highly motivated students who enjoy solving challenging interdisciplinary problems.
This fully funded position is available to UK students only.
Informal enquiries
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Professor Cristian Bonato (c.bonato@hw.ac.uk) for an informal discussion about the project before applying.
