PhD position: Nano Photonics with Fibre Cavities (P2605)

The Photonic Ultrafast Systems Group headed by Prof. Bojan Resan develops ultrafast lasers and photonic systems targeting applications in biomedicine, micro-material processing and optical communications. By de-ploying our developed application-driven custom-tailored ultrafast lasers, we advance the application perfor-mance and potential. Our group is interdisciplinary with projects spanning from ultrafast laser technology to biomedical imaging and optical telecommunication systems.
The Nano-Photonics Group headed by Prof. Richard Warburton applies the concepts of quantum optics to solid-state emitters. The overriding goal is to create useful hardware for quantum information applications: a single photon source and a spin qubit. The single photon source should be a fast and bright source of indis-tinguishable photons on demand. The spin qubit should retain its coherence over many quantum operations. An outstanding goal is to develop a scalable approach to control multiple qubits.
We aim to develop micron-scale fibre cavities with excellent in-and-out coupling efficiencies and with designer nano-structured mirror profiles. Rapid, flexible and scalable nano-fabrication techniques will be developed based on femto-second laser ablation. Two light sources will be developed with the same fibre cavity: a high-repetition rate pulsed laser for optical telecommunications, and a single-photon source for quantum technology.

Your aim will be to:

• generate and characterize sub-micron size Bessel beams
• perform nano-machining trials of glass samples with a femtosecond pulsed laser and optimize laser parameters for the optimal mirror template
• design and build open micro-cavities with nano-machined fibres for quantum communications
• design and build a micro-cavity femtosecond laser for high data rate telecommunications

Work places:

• Nano-machining and micro-cavity fs laser tasks at University of Applied Sciences and Arts Nortwestern Switzerland in Windisch/Brugg, ~30 minutes from Zürich, ~45 minutes from Basel
• Fibre cavities for quantum communications at University of Basel in the center of Basel

• BS or MS degree in physics, photonics, engineering, or a related field
• Highly motivated for applied experimental laboratory work
• Experience with femtosecond lasers and/or quantum optics is a plus
• Experience with scientific programming and data analysis (Python, MATLAB, or similar) is a plus
• Communication and team-working skills

• Interdisciplinary work in a highly collaborative environment
• A unique environment combining state-of-the-art ultrafast experiments at University of Applied Sci-ences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland with state-of-the-art experiments in quantum optics at University of Basel
• Close collaboration with internationally recognized experts in ultrafast optics, micromachining and quantum communications
• The opportunity to pioneer innovations in the emerging field of fibre cavities with applications ranging from fundamental quantum physics to future photonic telecommunications

The successful candidate will become a member of very active research groups and of the Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI) PhD school with ~30 currently supported scientists. The SNI covers a wide variety of topics, including cutting edge quantum physics and chemistry, material science, nanotechnology, biochemistry, cell biology, or medical research. The SNI PhD programme includes multiple social events, trainings in soft skills and highly competitive Swiss PhD salary.
Application / Contact
More information and the online application platform can be found at www.phd.nanoscience.ch. For questions, please contact the head of the SNI PhD programme, Dr. Andreas Baumgartner ([email protected]), or directly the project leaders. The application has to be completed before 31 December 2026. Please note that the vacancy can be filled any time from now.