Electro-Optical Material investigation for quantum transducers

Introduction: The future of superconducting qubits hinges on efficiently and robustly interconnecting quantum processors.

Infrared light, used in global telecommunication systems with low-loss fibre optics, offers a solution. Superconducting qubits use microwave photons for entanglement, readout, and information transport.

If one can convert the superconducting qubit microwave photons (GHz) to infrared photons (THz) this would allow information from the ‘protected’ low-noise cryogenic environment of the lab to be accessed in the thermally noisy world for further computation, readout or connecting with another quantum processor.

At imec, we leverage high-quality materials grown on traditional silicon wafers to create advanced devices which might in the future be able to do this.

We are developing an electro-optic transducer to convert single microwave photons into single infrared photons, achieving unity efficiency in quantum transduction.

Objective:  For these transducer devices the performance of the incorporated electro-optical materials is crucial. The project would be about characterizing certain properties of the electro-optical material and modelling the acquired data. The goal is to gain a better physical understanding of certain behaviours to draw conclusion for next device iterations.  

Methodology: literature research, simulations & analytical modelling, setting up and performing experiments, analysing and interpreting data.

Expectations from the Candidate:

• Strong background in quantum optics & mechanics
• To bring a solution-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving ability.
• Independent way of working
  
   

Candidate Profile: A background in quantum engineering, physics or electrical engineering.

Support and Guidance: Your daily interactions will be support by a PhD student with hands on experience in the project. Further guidance will be provided by the PI and you are encouraged to reach out outside & within the team of strong PhDs and students to successfully complete the objectives.