PhD student to work on waveguide integrated single photon detectors

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Optical Nanomaterial Group & The Advanced Semiconductor Quantum Materials Group at ETH Zurich is looking for a PhD student to work on waveguide integrated single photon detectors.

Project background

Quantum computers have the potential to outperform classical computers for specific important tasks. Photonic quantum information processors include single photon sources, programmable interferometric circuits, and single photon detectors. Lithium niobate on insulator photonics is a leading technology that can generate and encode quantum states of light on centimeter-scale nanofabricated chips. Integrating single photon detectors on the lithium niobate chip is an outstanding challenge, that would enable all-on-chip quantum information processing.

We are hiring a team to develop superconducting single photon detectors integrated on lithium niobate photonic devices, that will include nonlinear photon-pair sources, programmable waveguide circuits and detectors, all on a single chip. This is an ambitious and challenging research project that will advance the state of the art in integrated quantum photonics.

Job description

PhD Position: We are looking for a PhD student to work on the fabrication of superconducting nanowire single photon detectors integrated with lithium niobate on insulator waveguide circuits. This project will include the development of a nanofabrication workflow for depositing and testing superconducting thin films, electron beam lithography and etching to define structures, and optical and electrical characterization. This will involve development of clean room processes, training in advanced nanofabrication, and characterization techniques. This PhD will be co-supervised by Prof. Werner Wegscheider for the superconductor deposition and Dr Robert Chapman / Prof. Rachel Grange for the integrated photonics.

Your profile

The successful candidate should be highly motivated, organized and keen to work in a team to solve the challenges faced during this project. There is a strong emphasis on nanofabrication in this position, and a candidate with experience in the cleanroom and with nanofabrication would be ideal, however, is not a requirement. The candidate should have a Master’s degree in physics, quantum engineering, electrical engineering or related fields.

Your workplace

Your workplace

We offer

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich
We value diversity

In line with

our values

, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our

Equal Opportunities and Diversity website

to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving

• your cover letter
• CV
• transcripts (BSc and MSc) 
• contact details for two referees

For further information please contact Dr Robert Chapman ([email protected] ).

More information about the groups can be found here:

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.