Postdoc in integrated photonics for classical and quantum memories by nanoimprinting

The Optical Nanomaterial Laboratory at the Physics Department of ETH Zurich is looking for a Postdoc in integrated photonics for classical and quantum memories by nanoimprinting.

The preferred starting date for this position is between September 2023 and March 2024 for up to 3 years with the possibility of an extension.

Nonlinear materials used in telecommunication, laser and quantum applications are typically bulk metal-oxides single crystals. With this project, we want to establish a new family of nonlinear materials based on polycrystalline bottom-up assemblies to produce thin films and nano- to microstructures that can become agile photonic integrated chips (PIC) for classical and quantum devices.

This project aims to realize a quantum memory on chip using the same material to generate, guide and store few photons. Dopants will be incorporated into sol-gel of metal-oxides, typically lithium niobate, prior to nanoimprint the chip with the different building blocks.

The counter-intuitive perception that nonlinear optical effects are limited in random assemblies of nanocrystals give rise to puzzling questions that will be investigated. Can those assemblies be used as a testbed to demonstrate strong light confinement and efficient frequency conversion without phase matching? Is there a method to control the orientation of the crystals during the fabrication and to design quantum devices? Can we build scalable and efficient PICs for classical and quantum applications?

• You should be highly motivated and creative, and have a PhD in physics, photonics, or quantum engineering.
• You should be interested in working in an interdisciplinary environment at the interface of nanotechnology, classical or quantum optics and material sciences.
• Furthermore, the ideal skills needed for this project are in integrated quantum photonics, multiple scattering in disordered media, nonlinear optics, nanophotonics, bottom-up nanofabrication, or modelling of complex systems with the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.