PhD Supervisor: Dr Patrick Ledingham
Supervisory Team: Dr Patrick Ledingham & Alberto Politi
Project description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.
Quantum photonic networks enable powerful technologies like quantum computing, unprecedented sensing capability, and guaranteed secure communication, operating at high bandwidth. This PhD project, in the Southampton group of Dr Patrick M Ledingham, concerns the development of a quantum optical memory – a device that stores and recalls on-demand quantum photonic states – to allow for synchronisation capability that will be crucial to scale up a future quantum photonic network.
A quantum memory must be capable of efficient storage and recall of broadband single photons, by mapping them into and out of atomic ensembles, in a way that is compatible with high-speed telecommunication networks. Your project will aims to combine the excellent coherent properties of rare-earth ion doped solids with state-of-the-art silicon nitride photonic integrated circuits.
Photonics is emerging as a strong platform for realising quantum-based technologies, since quantum information can be encoded into photons and travel long distances in low-loss telecommunication fibres under ambient conditions, without noise, and at high bandwidth. This opens the possibility for you to explore and exploit quantum phenomena without the need for ultrahigh vacuum components or ultracold cryogenic systems. This practical project will enable you to develop experimental skills in laser spectroscopy, quantum and non-linear optics, cryogenics, RF electronics, data analysis, control programming and single photon counting. You will present your work at national and international conferences, and there are plenty of chances for local and international collaboration.
If you are interested, please contact the supervisor for more information: Patrick Ledingham [email protected]
Entry Requirements
A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).
Closing date : 31 August 2024.
Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.
Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
How To Apply
Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk) . Select programme type (Research), Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD iMR”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor.
Applications should include:
- Research Proposal
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two reference letters
- Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date
For further information please contact: [email protected]
The University of Southampton is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking to study part time. The University of Southampton takes personal circumstances into account, has onsite childcare facilities, is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.