PhD Student (a) – Thin Film Coatings for Quantum Applications

Topic

Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) are revolutionizing quantum technology. The aim of the project is to use ion beam sputter (IBS) techniques to optimize the quality of dielectric optical layer stacks and superconducting thin films for SNSPDs, thereby further increasing the performance of the detectors.

Your tasks

• Development and optimization of IBS processes for the deposition of optical and superconducting thin films for SNSPDs
• Characterization of optical properties using room-temperature and cryogenic ellipsometry
• Optical simulations with professional software (Lumerical) and evaluation of the results
• Manufacturing and validating IBS-optimized dielectric stacks and superconducting films for SNSPDs
• Collaborating with renowned research institutes (EPFL, etc.) and commercial project partners
• Dissertation in collaboration with the Department of Applied Physics, University of Geneva

Your profile

• Master's degree in physics, materials science, electrical engineering, optics, nanotechnology, or related subjects
• Experience with thin-film technologies is an advantage, ideally ion beam sputter technology
• Strong interest in applied research in the fields of quantum optics, detector physics, and materials science
• Experience in optical simulation (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL) and thin film characterization is an advantage
• Ability to work in a team, structured and independent working style, very good English skills, German an advantage

We offer

• A motivated and competent team
• Active involvement in a cutting-edge interdisciplinary research project with academic and industrial partners
• Excellent clean room facilities and access to state-of-the-art characterization tools
• Independent work in an international environment
• Opportunity to participate in international conferences, publications, and further training

Your application