PhD-student: Quantum optomechanics

Job description

The Photonic Forces group seeks a talented PhD student in the field of nano-optomechanics. We study new ways to control nanomechanical vibrations at the quantum level, by making them strongly interact with light through radiation pressure forces in engineered on-chip nanophotonic systems. In this project, we will explore the use of such systems as sources, waveguides, and detectors for phonons. These form the basic components for ‘quantum acoustics’, which aims to gain a similar control over mechanical vibrations and waves as the field of quantum optics offer for photons. Such control offers fascinating possibilities to study the quantum decoherence of ‘macroscopic’ mechanical vibrations, and develop mechanisms that could be useful in quantum technology: for storage, transduction, and manipulation of information encoded in photons and phonons. In this project, you will learn advanced optical measurement techniques and nanofabrication, as well as the rich background theory of the topic. You will work in close connection to other group members, and be involved in all aspects of design, realization, and optical experiments.

Requirements

You will need to meet the requirements for an MSc-degree, to ensure eligibility for a Dutch PhD examination. We seek an excellent candidate with a background in physics, preferably with relevant experience in e.g. quantum optics, quantum technology, nanomechanics, nanophotonics, or AMO physics.

Conditions of employment

The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of four years, with a starting salary of gross € 2,441 per month and a range of employment benefits . After successful completion of the PhD research a PhD degree will be granted at Eindhoven University of Technology. Several courses are offered, specially developed for PhD-students. AMOLF assists any new foreign PhD-student with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

Department
Photonic Forces
The Photonic Forces team at AMOLF studies light-matter interactions at the nanoscale, in particular the coupling between photons and phonon in nano-optomechanical systems. We seek to understand how the behavior of light and sound in nanoscale devices is governed by fundamental principles such as spatiotemporal symmetries and quantum mechanics. We explore how suitable system design and control over light-matter interactions can engage the conventional limits to nanophotonic and nanomechanical functionality, in application domains from quantum sensing and metrology to communication. All projects in the group involve the use and development of advanced optical measurement techniques and nanofabrication, with extensive support from the group leader and AMOLF technical staff. Within the group and the Center for Nanophotonics, we have a strong focus on stimulating development of young researchers in all professional aspects, as well as collaborations with other researchers at AMOLF and in national and international contexts. For more information, see www.optomechanics.nl.
Additional information

Prof.dr. Ewold Verhagen

Group leader Photonic Forces

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: +31 (0)20-754 7100

You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.
Please annex your:
–  Resume;
–  Motivation on why you want to join the group (max. 1 page).
It is important to us to know why you want to join our team. This means that we will only consider your application if it entails your motivation letter.
Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and as soon as an excellent match is made, the position will be filled.
Online screening may be part of the selection.

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