PhD Studentship in Operation of an Ion trap Quantum computer (2018)
A 3.5 year PhD position is available in in the Ion Quantum Technology Group in the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies in the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Sussex. The position is part of the UK National Quantum Technologies programme. The position consists of current UK/EU fees and a yearly stipend of £14,553 (2017-18)which can be supplemented by tutoring. The position also includes an annual travel allowance. You should have a physics, or related degree.
We recently invented a method quantum gates with trapped ions are executed by the application of voltages to a microchip in the presence of a few global radiation fields analogous to the operation of transistors in a classical computer. As part of the UK Quantum Technology Hub on Networked Quantum Technologies, our group is developing a trapped-ion quantum computer prototype based on this new approach. You will work on operating this quantum computer prototype. This will include working on quantum gates towards increasing gate fidelities and gate speeds. You will work on implementing a full quantum information tool box ranging from optimal implementation of quantum gates, validation and verification as well as demonstrating key specifications of the device. Your project will culminate with the implementation of quantum error correction as well as some simple quantum algorithms.
The Ion Quantum Technology Group is one of the world's leading centres for the implementation of trapped-ion quantum computing and simulation. The group is part of the UK Quantum Technology Hub on Networked Quantum Technologies and the UK Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology. The group currently spans 4 Postdoctoral Fellows, 14 PhD students and 6 undergraduate students.
The city of Brighton & Hove has everything - sun, sea, brilliant clubs, great places to eat, fabulous shops, a truly cosmopolitan vibe and is located only 50min from central London. Located on the beach, Brighton boasts beautiful seaside views and beaches, boating, sports and beach activities. The South Downs provide breathtaking views, tranquil walks and plenty of opportunities for mountain biking, hiking or picnics.
What you get
£14,553 (2017-18) per year tax-free bursary plus the waiver of UK/EU fees each year for 3.5 years. Full-time study.
Type of award
Postgraduate Research
Eligibility
In order to qualify for this position you must have resided in the UK or Europe for three years prior to the start of the position. If you are from outside Europe, you may apply for a non-funded position in the group, however, you will need to have a funding source for tuition fees and living expense.
You should have a physics or related degree and you should enjoy interdisciplinary theoretical research with close connections to an experimental group.
Deadline
18 February 2018 23:59How to apply
To apply please email a CV, and your degree results as soon as possible or the latest by 18/2/18 to Prof. Winfried Hensinger at w.k.hensinger@sussex.ac.uk.
Sponsors
You can find out more about the group here (including a BBC documentary) here.
Detailled reading about our research can be found here, including:
- Microwave ion-trap quantum computing, W.K. Hensinger, Nature 476, 155 (2011)
- Trapped-ion quantum logic with global radiation fields, S. Weidt, J. Randall, S. C. Webster, K. Lake, A. E. Webb, I. Cohen, T. Navickas, B. Lekitsch, A. Retzker, and W. K. Hensinger, arXiv:1603.03384 [quant-ph] (2016)
- Blueprint for a microwave ion trap quantum computer, B. Lekitsch, S. Weidt, A.G. Fowler, K. Mølmer, S.J. Devitt, Ch. Wunderlich, and W.K. Hensinger, arXiv:1508.00420 [quant-ph] (2015)
Contact us
For more information, please email the head of group,
Prof. Winfried Hensinger (Professor of Quantum Technologies) at w.k.hensinger@sussex.ac.uk.
Timetable
Early application is advised as the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate can be found. The very latest we can accept applications is 18/2/18
Availability
At level(s):
PG (research)
Application deadline:
18 February 2018 23:59 (GMT)
the deadline has now expired