Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Experimental Photonics at the Emergent Photonics Centre in the Department of Physics at Loughborough University. The duration of the position is originally for 1 year with the possibility of an extension for a further 2 to 4 years based on research requirements. The position is part of the Chip-scale Atomic Systems for a Quantum Navigator (for a value of about £10,000,000). This collaborative project involves the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, University of Birmingham and Loughborough University. It envisions to pioneer a mobile phone sized quantum navigator by combining chip-scale quantum clocks, accelerometers and rotation sensors (gyroscopes) that can be manufactured on silicon chips to be used for position, navigation and timing without reliance on signals from satellites. This project aims to take photonic integrated circuit and MEMS technologies to develop chip-scale atomic clocks, quantum rotation sensors / gyroscopes and quantum accelerometers to build much smaller and more practical quantum navigators that will have many applications and benefits to UK and global society.
The specific aim of this post involves the development of novel approaches towards the realisation of compact optical frequency combs in microresonators. Key to the project success are elements directly inherited from nonlinear photonics, fibre photonics, mode-locked lasers and optical frequency combs. This project transversely intersects the kernel of our research interests. The outcomes will have a key impact in several domains, from quantum technologies to environmental sensing, metrology, manufacturing, and others.
The successful applicant should have a PhD in a field related to our research areas, nonlinear photonics, ultrafast photonics, nonlinear wave propagation, and background preferably intersecting soliton and optical complexity with a good publication record. Previous experimental experience with photonic benches implementation would be desirable, along with basic knowledge of ultrafast laser operation and a history of international involvement and aggressive publication strategy. Evidence of potential leadership, independence and a strong motivation are also essential. Some of the typical tasks for this position include the operation of ultrafast lasers and optical frequency combs, the design of optical benches, the acquisition of data using fast electronics and their analysis.
The project will take place at the Emergent Photonics Research Centre of Loughborough University (https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/emergent-photonics/),that is a ~500sqm university research facility completely dedicated to complexity in Photonics within the domains of Ultrafast Photonics, Optical Frequency Combs in Microresonators, Artificial Intelligence for Photonics and Terahertz technology. The Centre hosts a multi-million portfolio of facilities and running research grants from several funders including the European ERC, EPSRC, DSTL, Innovate-UK, The Leverhulme Trust. These include several early career Fellowships and PhD studentships.
Loughborough University is committed to promote diversity of experience, thought and perspective and committed to comprehensive EDI strategies covering several aspects of being part of the university, including staff recruitment. As such, we welcome applications from under-represented groups, request to fit specific need in any phase of the selection, and any discussion regarding work and workload arrangements.
Reference Literature
Cutrona, et al., Stability of laser cavity-solitons for metrological applications, Appl. Phys. Lett., 122, 121104 (2023)
Rowley, et al., Self-emergence of robust solitons in a microcavity, Nature, 608, 303 (2022)
Bao et al., Laser cavity-soliton microcombs, Nat. Photon., 13, 384 (2019)
Visa Sponsorship:
For candidates who would require sponsorship to work in the UK to achieve sufficient points under the Points Based Immigration System, it is likely that you will either need to:
OR
Closing date for applications 3 July 2023