Department of Applied Physics invites applications for

Doctoral Candidate in Shortcuts to Abiabatic Control of Quantum State Physics at the PICO Group (https://www.aalto.fi/en/department-of-applied-physics/pico-quantum-phenomena-and-devices) headed by Prof. Jukka Pekola

Adiabatic control of a quantum state has been one of the central processes in quantum mechanics since its infancy. The quantum technological revolution, that is currently ongoing, is defined by its ability to develop technologies that generate, manipulate, and readout individual quantum states. In order to have error-free adiabatic manipulation of these states, the process must be infinitely slow. This places limits on such quantum devices, such as increasingly long operation times to improve the fidelity of quantum logic operations (e.g., for quantum computing), and/or low outputs when transferring charge (e.g. electronic current metrology) or producing work (in heat engines). Fortunately, quantum control protocols that preserve the favourable properties of adiabatic processes up to high operation speeds exist (see [1] for a recent review), commonly known as Shortcuts to Adiabaticity (STA).

In our group, we have been investigating driven superconducting quantum systems, both theoretically and experimentally, with the aims of achieving accurate current sources for metrological purposes [2] and efficient cyclic refrigerators using superconducting qubits [3]. Recently, we have been involved in developing theoretically counter-diabatic STA protocols for both systems [4,5], and they look extremely promising for the purpose of retaining accurate control and efficient transfer at finite rates.

The project of the doctoral candidate will be the experimental implementation of these STA protocols. The candidate will be trained in the nanofabrication and design of the relevant superconducting quantum circuits, as well as measurement techniques in microwave and DC domains, including cryogenic refrigeration and nanoelectronics. The candidate will additionally be supported in becoming a recognised expert in this fast-developing field of superconducting quantum technologies, will have full access to the OtaNano research infrastructure, and the opportunity to work in a multi-national research group with strong international collaborations, as part of the Finnish national Centre of Excellence in Quantum Technologies. The skills acquired during the D.Sc. are currently in very high demand both in academia and in high-tech companies, with significant levels of investment from private and governmental funding agents in the field.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send the following documents as a single PDF file (all documents in English).

(1)   Letter of motivation (1-2 pages)

(2)   CV including list of publications

(3)   Degree certificates and academic transcripts

(4)   Contact details of at least two referees (or letters of recommendation, if already available) 

Apply through the link “Apply now!” at the bottom of the page.

The deadline for applications is the 30.11.2019. The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. Aalto University reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, to extend the application period and to consider candidates who have not applied during the announced application period.

[1] D. Guery-Odelin et al., arXiv:1904.08448

[2] J. Pekola et al., Rev. Mod. Phys. 85, 1421 (2013).

[3] B. Karimi and J. Pekola, Phys. Rev. B 94,184503 (2016).

[4] K. Funo et al., arXiv:1905.03480

[5] P. Erdman et al., arXiv:1909.13627