Piezoelectric Switches for Optically Addressable Qubits

The realization of large-scale quantum computers and quantum communication networks will require the efficient optical control of thousands to millions of optically addressable qubits. Current approaches often rely on dedicated optical hardware and laser resources for individual qubits, resulting in substantial challenges related to scalability, cost, system complexity, footprint, and power consumption. Overcoming this optical interconnect bottleneck is therefore essential for the practical deployment of future quantum technologies.

This PhD research aims to develop a new generation of piezoelectrically actuated optical switching devices based on imec's high-permittivity oxide material platform. The central objective is to dynamically route laser light to selected quantum nodes through compact switching networks, thereby enabling resource-efficient optical control architectures for large-scale quantum computing and quantum networking systems.

The research will investigate the fundamental interactions between piezoelectric actuation, mechanical deformation, and optical signal propagation in suspended photonic structures. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding electro-mechanical-optical coupling mechanisms and translating this knowledge into manufacturable device concepts. The work will combine multi-physics modeling, advanced nanofabrication, materials characterization, and photonic device testing to establish design rules for scalable piezoelectric optical switching technologies.

Desired Background

We are looking for a motivated student who has:

• Strong knowledge of micro/nano-mechanics, photonics, electronics, and semiconductor and quantum devices.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, Lumerical and/or Comsol for simulation and data analysis.
• Experience with microfabrication, electro-mechanical and cryo measurements, or material characterization is beneficial but not required

This topic offers an excellent opportunity to work at the frontier of quantum technologies and integrated photonics while addressing a key scalability bottleneck for future quantum systems. You will gain hands-on experience across simulation, nanofabrication, device physics, characterization, and quantum-photonic system thinking within imec's industrial R&D ecosystem.