PhD - Leuven | Just now
Abstract: What is limiting the upscaling of current quantum computing technologies? One might correctly point out to the maturity of the qubit and that this is a question that needs to be answered specifically for each individually quantum computer technology ranging from superconducting qubits over ion trapping to optical quantum computing. A well-functioning electro-optic device technology will be key to each of those quantum computing technologies. For example, the optical readout of superconducting quantum computer requires a single photon up-conversion from the RF-domain to the optical domain. Or optical and ion quantum computing require highly efficient EO-devices for entangling or routing photons via an electrically controlled high-speed optical switching network.
In this PhD, we will explore the limits of novel materials [1-3] that are key to realize our vision of the next generation electro-optical devices. The crystallinity of these material is inherently associated to their performance and ideally, we would like to incorporate perfect crystals into our electro-optical devices. During your PhD you will explore and push the limits of material growth by means of MBE, PLD, etc. Part of the work will also focus on the various experimental characterization methods. Beyond the material growth you will also be part of our team and learn more about device fabrications and characterization, modelling quantum systems and performing classical electromagnetic simulations.
The research environment provides unique opportunities
for your personal and professional development by exploring academic research
within IMEC - an organization that has a strong drive to enable fundamental
research to solve society ’s challenges.
[1] Ulrich, et al (2025), Engineering high Pockels coefficients in thin-film strontium titanate for cryogenic quantum electro-optic applications, arXiv preprint arXiv:2502.14349
[2] Boelen, et al (2024), Stoichiometry and Thickness of Epitaxial SrTiO3 on Silicon (001): an Investigation of Physical, Optical and Electrical Properties, arXiv preprint arXiv:2412.07395
Required background: Material science, physics, electrical or mechanical engineering or equivalent
Type of work: 70% Experiments (Material Growth & Characterization), 30% Theory,
Supervisor: Clement Merckling
Co-supervisor: Christian Haffner
Daily advisor: Christian Haffner
The reference code for this position is 2026-026. Mention this reference code on your application form.