PhD Position Silicon Carbide Resonators as a Quantum Sensing Platform

TU Wien is located in the heart of Europe, in a cosmopolitan city of great cultural diversity. Our identity as a research university means that we build our reputation through our research. TU Wien combines basic and applied research and research-oriented teaching at the highest level.

The group of Prof. Ulrich Schmid at Institute of Sensor and Actuator Systems invites applications for a 3-year PhD position (starting September December 1, 2021) in the field of micro- and nanoelectromechanical system (MEMS/NEMS) for quantum sensing.

The Project

Quantum technologies currently transition from the laboratory into real-world applications. Part of this development is the field of quantum sensing which enables the measurement of physical quantities with unprecedented precision. In quantum sensing, micromechanical resonators play a central role, and today it is possible to measure and control the dynamics of mechanical resonators near the quantum regime at ultracryogenic temperatures. The use of silicon carbide (SiC) as resonator material has the potential to enable robust quantum operation of mechanical resonators even above ultracryogenic temperatures. In this project, we will take the foundational steps to establish SiC resonators as a platform for quantum sensing. We will fabricate SiC resonators with state-of-the-art deposition methods and systematically characterize their mechanical properties. Furthermore, we will utilize multiscale finite element simulations and stress-strain colocalization designs to optimize resonator performance beyond present limitations. For more information about the project, please contact the principal investigators Dr. Daniel Platz ([email protected] ) or Prof. Ulrich Schmid ([email protected] ).