Research Studentship in Quantum Networks

3.5-year D.Phil. studentship 

Project:

Supervisors: Dr Sarah Thomas and Prof Dominic O’Brien

Quantum technologies have immense potential to benefit society in exciting and diverse ways. The future of this field is likely to be based on quantum networks, which enable secure long-distance quantum communication, and allow smaller quantum processing units to be connected to create powerful quantum computing systems. A key component of future quantum networks is a quantum memory – a device that enables on-demand storage and retrieval of quantum states of light. Quantum memories are necessary for entanglement distribution across large-scale quantum networks and for synchronizing probabilistic operations for photonic quantum computation.

This project will focus on the development of quantum memories using light-matter interactions in atomic systems. In particular we will develop a quantum memory that can store high-bandwidth photons at telecommunication wavelengths, and focus on optimizing the efficiency and storage time of the system as well as exploring its multi-mode capability. We will also explore how this same system can be used as a fast, low-loss switch for quantum data centres. The development of a multi-mode quantum memory at telecommunication wavelengths would be a key component for distributing entanglement across quantum networks.   

Eligibility

This studentship is funded through the Department of Engineering Science and open to home and overseas students (full award –fees plus stipend).

Award Value

Course fees are covered at the level set for overseas students c. £33,370 p.a. The stipend (tax-free maintenance grant) is c. £19,237 p.a. for the first year, and at least this amount for a further two and a half years. 

Candidate Requirements

Prospective candidates will be judged according to how well they meet the following criteria:

• A first class or strong upper second-class undergraduate honours degree in Physics or Engineering
• Excellent English written and spoken communication skills

The following skills are desirable but not essential:

• A distinction or first class honours Masters degree in Physics or Engineering
• Knowledge of quantum optics and atomic physics
• Experience working with lasers and/or optical experiments
• Programming skills in Python and/or Matlab

Application Procedure

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be addressed to Dr Sarah Thomas (sarah.thomas@eng.ox.ac.uk).

Candidates must submit a graduate application form and are expected to meet the graduate admissions criteria.  Details are available on the course page of the University website.

Please quote 25ENGEL_ST in all correspondence and in your graduate application.

Application deadline: noon on 4^th March 2025 (In line with the University admissions deadline set by the University)

Start date: October 2025

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