The Optical Nanomaterial Group in the Physics Department at ETH Zurich is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher.
Quantum technologies promise to revolutionize multiple branches of science by solving problems that cannot be tackled by classical systems. While efficient and large-scale quantum computers are still far from being commercialized, quantum communication technologies have already made their mark in the market. Utilizing quantum states for sharing ultra-secure information is the only proven method to achieve true communication privacy. However, unconditional security necessitates the use of entanglement to establish non-classical correlations between communicating nodes, paving the way for robust quantum networks and a future quantum internet.
Commercial solutions often avoid entanglement-based methods due to technical challenges, limiting the impact of such technologies. Our project aims to further develop photonic integrated circuits for quantum communication, already demonstrated by our group, to address performance limitations and realize integrated quantum transmitters and receivers of time-bin entangled photonic qubits. The lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) platform holds a distinct advantage over other integrated optics platforms due to its high second-order nonlinearity, which facilitates efficient entangled qubit generation and high-speed signal modulation.
This project aims to develop quantum communication units on the LNOI platform, including qubit generation, transmission, measurement, and drivers, as a prototype for entanglement-based high-speed photonic integrated circuits for quantum communication and networking. This involves designing high-speed electronics to operate circuits, read, and process data. The advertised position focuses on the design and testing of custom radio-frequency electronic circuits based on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA, up to 20GHz) to drive high-speed electro-optic modulators, enable quasi-static thermo-optic qubit phase tuning, and process transmitted quantum information in real time.
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher or scientific assistant with a proven track record in FPGA programming and high-speed electronics circuit design and testing. Experience in quantum information processing, quantum communication algorithms, and fiber optics instrumentation is a significant advantage.
The successful candidate should be highly motivated and innovative, possessing a PhD in physics, quantum engineering, electrical engineering, photonics, or related fields. Alternatively, a Master's degree combined with 3+ years of hands-on experience will be considered. The candidate must excel in an interdisciplinary environment at the intersection of quantum information science and integrated photonics, demonstrating a keen interest in applied research with a strong focus on translating ideas into commercially viable products.
ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology, renowned for its excellent education and cutting-edge fundamental research. Our institution is located in the heart of Europe, fostering connections globally to address today's and tomorrow's challenges.
In line with our values, ETH Zurich fosters an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity, valuing diversity, and nurturing a respectful working and learning environment. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to learn how we maintain a fair and open environment that encourages everyone to thrive.
We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
For further information, please reach out to Dr. Robert Chapman at rchapman@phys.ethz.ch or Giovanni Finco at gfinco@phys.ethz.ch. More information about the group can be found here.
Location : Zürich
Country : Switzerland