PhD Position in Optomechanical Quantum Sensing in Zürich

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Degen group at the Solid State Institute of ETH Zurich is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join us in our nanomechanical sensing team. Do you have a broad interest in physics and technology? Are you willing to learn about many topics, including optomechanics, radio frequency electronics, magnetism, laser optics, nuclear magnetic resonance, low temperature physics, vacuum technology, digital signal analysis, and pulse sequence programming? Are you persevering, independent, and a good team player? Get in touch with us!

You can expect a cutting-edge research project that is very challenging due to the many aspects of science and technology that are involved. For the same reason, it is a highly rewarding experience if you enjoy expanding your knowledge beyond textbook physics. We look forward to meeting you!

Is it possible to build a sensor that can detect a spin state within its coherence time, or a microscope that can look below surfaces and image materials and molecules with atomic resolution in three dimensions? In our group we try to realize exactly that using an optomechanical force sensor.

The magnetic resonance force microscope (MRFM) is an ultrasensitive variety of the atomic force microscope (AFM): A nanoscale sample, such as a large biomolecule, is placed on a micromechanical sensor made from silicon nitride. When approaching a tiny ferromagnetic tip to within 10-100 nm from the sample, the nuclear or electronic spins in the sample will feel a magnetic force. Although this force is minute, on the order of one attonewton, it leads to a slight mechanical force on the sensor. Through magnetic resonance pulses, the state of the spin can be periodically inverted to generate resonant oscillations of the mechanical sensor that can be precisely measured by laser interferometry.

The PhD position we are announcing here will merge state-of-the-art quantum cavity optomechanics and ultrasensitive force microscopy, with the aim of detecting individual spin states within their decoherence time. To do so, we will explore techniques that have never before been considered for scanning force microscopy.

The ideal candidate for this position has a degree in physics and prior experience in experimental cavity optomechanics, force sensing, nanophotonics, or magnetic resonance. We are searching for an independent, open-minded, and highly motivated researcher with a pragmatic approach to overcoming challenges.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.