Jobs

11/7/2024

Two PhD Positions focusing on magnetometry of spin waves in two dimensional magnets and of quantum circuits at Heriot-Watt University

The Quantum Photonics Laboratory, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland

PhD Project 1: Towards imaging propagating spin waves in 2D magnets using nitrogen vacancy spins in diamond

Recently a new group of magnets, called van der Waals magnets have risen to the forefront of condensed matter research. These magnets provide unprecedented opportunities for probing magnetism in the 2D limit. Many vdW magnets have been discovered with metallic to insulating electronic properties and continuous e?orts have focused on manipulating their static magnetization electrostatically, using strain and pressure. Despite the exciting progress, little is known about their magnetic excitations – spin waves. The goal of this research is to therefore determine the nature of spin waves in two dimensional magnets and control their transport for the ultimate goal of developing nanoscale spin-wave devices 

PhD Project 2: Superconducting qubit diagnostics: Unraveling noise sources for maximizing coherence times

Quantum computers based on superconducting circuits are lose their quantum properties on short timescales resulting limiting the potential of their applications. The presence of microscopic and non-optimal circuit design are major sources of noise leading to low fidelity operations and limiting the number of operations that superconducting circuit quantum computers can perform. The goal of this project is to use quantum magnetometry for investigate sources of noise in superconducting circuits for the ultimate goal of optimizing qubit fabrication for scaling up quantum computers. 

What you will gain: This is a multidisciplinary project encompassing various skills, which are beneficial in both academic and industrial environments. There are various growth and selfdevelopment opportunities via training and hands on experience, some listed below: 

• Technical skills: You will receive a solid training in quantum sensing, optics, radiofrequency engineering, magnetism, cryogenics, data analysis and programming. 

• Academic communication skills: You will be expected to disseminate your research outcomes in (inter)national conferences and public in peer reviewed journals. 

• Additional skills: By being part of an international environment, you will have the ability to collaborate with leading groups in the UK and Europe. In addition, you will gain experience in graphic design via preparation of scientific posters and scientific figures. 

In addition to your hands-on training, you will have structured learning opportunities – courses and master classes – via HWU’s Research Futures Academy which supports your skill and competence development spanning a range of topics including technical writing, public engagement, career development, ethics, business and IP and more. 

Facilities: These are cutting-edge projects making use of our newly developed state-of-the art “Quantum Magnetometry” facility which hosts a turn-key low temperature scanning nitrogen vacancy (NV) magnetometer (first of its kind globally) and a mK-dilution fridge for widefield NV sensing. You will have access to our other world class facilities including cryostats, tunable lasers, single photon detectors and radio-frequency equipment for spin manipulation. Additionally, we have access to a newly refurbished nano-fabrication facility. 

Our Laboratory: The Quantum Photonics Laboratory, jointly led by Profs. Cristian Bonato and Brian Gerardot, conducts cutting-edge research towards quantum technologies based on single photons and single spins, at the interface between quantum optics and condensed matter physics. Our work focuses on di?erent material platforms, from III-V quantum dots to atomic monolayers ‘beyond graphene’, to diamond and silicon carbide. We have recently initiated a new research direction towards using individual spins in diamond as very sensitive magnetic probes for probing spin and charge transport in quantum materials. This work makes use of our state-of-the art quantum magnetometry facility. 

What are we looking for? : Excellent candidates from any country are encouraged to apply. We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated students to join our Quantum Photonics Laboratory at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh with the following key technical requirements: 

Required skills

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as Physics, Material Science or Electrical Engineering (First honours). 

• Basic programming skills (e.g., python, MATLAB) 

Preferred skills (not required)

• Previous technical experience in optics, spin physics (e.g., ESR/NMR or nitrogenvacancy centres in diamond), nanofabrication, vdW heterostructures and cryogenics 

• Magnetism, qubit technology and solid-state knowledge experience 

Laboratory culture: Our lab has a core value system, encompassing continuous learning, open communication, teamwork and initiative. Because we work in diverse and stimulating international environment, we expect a high level of communication and teamwork skills. We o?er weekly group meetings in addition to ad hoc journal and book clubs for promoting continuous learning. 

More Information: If you are interested, please send an academic CV and motivation letter to Dr. Samer Kurdi at sk862@cantab.ac.uk. Please also direct any inquiries emails to Dr. Samer Kurdi. 

Please see our research group website for more information about equipment, research and publications: https://qpl.eps.hw.ac.uk/ 

Details about PhD studentships: https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/schools/engineeringphysical-sciences/research/phd/physics.htm 

Starting Date: June 2025 or as assigned.