Research Associate in Experimental Quantum Optomechanics

Backward Brillouin scattering in optical microresonators offers an exciting approach for quantum optomechanics applications owing to the combination of severable favourable properties. In particular, the high mechanical frequencies, strong optomechanical coupling, and low optical absorption and heating, provides a path to overcome current hindrances for the generation and characterisation of non-classical states of motion of macroscopic...

Job listing information

• Reference NAT01202
• Date posted 12 July 2022
• Closing date 12 August 2022

Key information about the role

• Location South Kensington Campus (map)
• Position type Full time, fixed term
• Salary £41,593 – £49,210 plus benefits
• Department Department of Physics
• Category Researcher / Non Clinical Researcher

Job description

Job summary

Backward Brillouin scattering in optical microresonators offers an exciting approach for quantum optomechanics applications owing to the combination of severable favourable properties. In particular, the high mechanical frequencies, strong optomechanical coupling, and low optical absorption and heating, provides a path to overcome current hindrances for the generation and characterisation of non-classical states of motion of macroscopic degrees of freedom.

Our team—the Quantum Measurement Lab (qmeas.net)—together with our collaborators, are currently exploring Brillouin scattering in whispering-gallery-mode resonators for near-future quantum technologies and to perform tests of the fundamentals of physics. Three of our key recent results in this direction include the observation of Brillouin optomechanical strong coupling [Optica 6, 7 (2019)], single-phonon addition and subtraction to a mechanical thermal state [Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 033601 (2021)], and the creation and characterisation of non-Gaussian mechanical states via single and multi-phonon operations [Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 243601 (2021)].

We pursue these experiments in newly refurbished basement lab space specifically designed for optical and cryogenic experiments. Following significant recent external funding, major equipment items we operate include superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors, an ultra-low vibration 4 Kelvin cryostat, and a low-vibration dilution refrigerator will be commissioned in late 2022.

Duties and responsibilities

The postholder will utilise these equipment items and work closely with our team and collaborators to help drive our team’s experimental activities. In particular, building on the recent results cited above, this post will help our collaboration pursue the generation and characterisation of non-classical states of motion for quantum technology, such as quantum memories, and studies of fundamental physics, such as the quantum-to-classical transition.

The postholder will assist with day-to-day supervision of PhD students and enjoy working in a team environment.

Essential requirements

You must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field of experimental physical science or related discipline

You must also be able to demonstrate all the following essential criteria:

• Strong record of experimental work in optomechanics/quantum optics/Brillouin scattering/nonlinear optics or a related field
• Knowledge and experience in modelling and data analysis is desirable
• Proven ability to work in experiment-centred teams is desirable

Further information

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £36,694 - £39,888 per annum.

Please contact Michael Vanner (m.vanner@imperial.ac.uk) for more information on the post

Queries relating to the application process should be directed to Judith Baylis (Senior Section Administrator),  j.baylis@imperial.ac.uk

For any technical queries during the application process please contact - recruitment@imperial.ac.uk

Thank you for your interest in this post.  We look forward to receiving your application.

Documents

• JobDescription - NAT01202.pdf