OPEN POSITIONS

Photonic Ultrafast Systems Group (https://photonicultrafastsystems.com/) headed by Prof. Bojan Resan is developing ultrafast lasers and photonic systems targeting applications in biomedicine, micro-material processing and optical communications. By deploying our developed application-driven custom-tailored ultrafast lasers, we advance the application performance and potential. Our group is interdisciplinary with projects spanning from ultrafast laser technology to biomedical imaging and optical telecommunication systems.

Nano-Photonics Group (https://nano-photonics.unibas.ch/) headed by Prof. Richard Warburton apply the concepts of quantum optics to solid-state emitters. The overriding goal is to create useful hardware for quantum information applications: a single photon source and a spin qubit. The single photon source should be a fast and bright source of indistinguishable photons on demand. The spin qubit should retain its coherence over many quantum operations. These are challenging goals. Rich and varied solid-state physics enters into the work via our design work – control of charge states, photonics, and phononics environments – and via the complex dephasing mechanisms. In fact, by quantum control of the solid-state emitter, we are able to probe the underlying interactions in the solid-state – examples include the central spin problem, the electron-phonon interaction and Kondo-like interactions – with unprecedented resolution. The goals are to understand what limits these devices and to come up with creative ideas to circumvent the main problems. An outstanding goal is to develop a scalable approach to couple multiple qubits.

PhD Project description:

We aim to develop micron-scale fibre cavities with excellent in-and-out coupling efficiencies and with designer nano-structured mirror profiles. Rapid, flexible and scalable nano-fabrication techniques will be developed based on femto-second laser ablation. Two light sources will be developed with the same fibre cavity: a high-repetition rate pulsed laser for optical telecomunications, and a single-photon source for quantum technology.

Job description:

1. Generate and characterize sub-micron size Bessel beams,
2. Perform nano-machining trials of glass samples with femtosecond pulse laser and optimize laser parameters for the optimal sample profile
3. Design and build fibre nano-cavities with obtained nano-machined fibre sample for quantum communications
4. Design and build micro-cavity femtosecond laser for high data rate telecommunications

Profile:

1. BS or MS degree in physics, photonics, mechanical engineering, or a related field,
2. Highly motivated for applied experimental laboratory work,
3. Experience with femtosecond laser and/or quantum optics is a plus,
4. Experience with scientific programming and data analysis (Python, MATLAB, or similar) is a plus,
5. Communication and team-working skills.

Workplace:

1. Nano-machining and micro-cavity fs laser tasks at University of Applied Sciences and Arts Nortwestern Switzerland in Windisch/Brugg, ~30 minutes from Zürich, ~45 minutes from Basel
2. Fibre nano-cavities for quantum communications at University of Basel in the center of Basel

We offer:

1. Interdisciplinary work in a highly collaborative environment.
2. A unique environment combining state-of-the-art ultrafast experiments at University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland with state-of-the-art experiments in quantum optics at University of Basel
3. Close collaboration with internationally recognized experts in ultrafast optics, micromachining and quantum communications.
4. The opportunity to pioneer innovations in the emerging field of nano-cavities with applications ranging from fundamental quantum physics to future photonic telecommunications,
5. SNI PhD program includes multiple social events, trainings in soft skills and highly competitive Swiss PhD salary.

For more information or to apply, please contact:

Prof. Dr. Bojan Resan: bojan.resan@fhnw.ch

or

Prof. Dr. Richard Warburton: richard.warburton@unibas.ch