Organic molecular heterostructures for quantum technologies

Organic molecular heterostructures for quantum technologies

Are you interested in doing a PhD in the burgeoning field of quantum technologies? This project, ‘Organic molecular heterostructures for quantum technologies’ is part of five fully-funded studentships available across a number of potential research areas within University of Bristol’s Quantum Engineering Technology Labs (QET Labs), to commence September/October 2024. To view the additional PhD projects available and apply, please visit the QET Labs website via this link.

Project description

Single organic molecules, when cooled to low temperature, can make excellent photon emitters. The emitting molecules are often included in organic crystals to protect them from environmental interactions that can cause decoherence, and the molecular transitions explored do not allow control of the spin of the electron involved. This project aims to investigate the inclusion of organic molecules in heterostructures made from different layers of organic material that can act as donor, insulator, and acceptor layers, similar to those used in organic light emitting diodes. The materials will be chosen to be compatible with cryogenic operation and will be integrated with control electrodes, used to tune molecule emission and inject or remove electrons from a single molecule. Such heterostructures hold promise for electrically-triggered single photon emission, investigations of the absolute and relative energies of ground and excited states in organic systems, including triplet states, and the possibility to deterministically create radical molecular states that can enable entirely new functionality for organic spin-photon interfaces. This cross-disciplinary PhD project will make use of advanced tools in quantum optics including photon counting and microwave control, cryogenic laser spectroscopy and microscopy, visible- and terahertz-range ultrafast spectroscopy, as well as the use of nanofabrication facilities and associated characterization tools such as the nanoESCA facility.

To apply for this project, or any of the other projects available within QET Labs, please use our online application form, and select “Physics (PhD)” as the programme. You will need (1) a CV, (2) a Personal Statement, which is a one- to two-page document introducing yourself and outlining your motivation for PhD research, and (3) a transcript of any qualifying degrees (completed and/or underway). Whilst a research proposal is not required by the School of Physics, it is a required document on the application portal and therefore a blank document can be uploaded instead. We strongly encourage applications from home candidates and candidates from underrepresented groups. At the top of your personal statement, please state clearly that you are applying for a PhD within the Quantum Engineering Technology Labs, and state which of the PhD projects you are interested in. QET Labs supports Diversity and Equality, and we invite all eligible candidates to apply. We encourage applications from under-represented groups. Within the School of Physics, we hold a Silver Athena Swan award and a Physics Juno Champion award.

Early application is encouraged. The closing date for applications to this call is midnight Monday 3^rd June.

QETLabs: A world-class research environment

The Quantum Engineering Technology Labs has the broad remit of accelerating application of quantum technologies, developing new capabilities and hardware that use quantum phenomena, and to explore fundamental quantum information science with new technology. QET Labs benefits from state-of-the-art facilities, including fully equipped quantum optics laboratories in the School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering and the School of Physics, integrated quantum photonics characterisation suites, ultra-low vibration noise facilities in the Nanoscience and Quantum Information building and device nano-fabrication in the University cleanroom.

Physics at Bristol was ranked 5^th for Research in the 2022 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results, and the University of Bristol is truly world-leading: 55^th in the QS World University Ranking (2024) and 81^st in the Times Higher Ranking (2024).

What does a Scholarship cover?

For successful students, the scholarships will cover living expenses (UKRI rate), University tuition fees (see PhD Physics Study at Bristol University of Bristol) and consumables.

The Bristol Graduate Research Community

If successful, you will become a member of either the Physics or Engineering Graduate School, vibrant and diverse communities of 200-plus research students from a wide range of countries and backgrounds. The Graduate Schools run comprehensive induction programmes to get you off to the best possible start in your research, and rolling programmes of targeted skills training in writing, presenting, project-planning, etc. The Schools operate a “one-stop shop” approach to help you navigate through the University procedures, organise meetings for postgraduate opportunities and support in transitioning to post-PhD careers, connecting you to the wider University, including the Bristol Doctoral College, www.bristol.ac.uk/doctoral-college/.

What are the candidate requirements?

A first degree in physics, engineering, chemistry, computer science, or a related subject, normally at a level equivalent to at least UK upper second-class honours, or a relevant postgraduate master’s qualification. Please see Applying from your country International students University of Bristol on the International Office website.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you need to meet English Language Profile F. Further information about this can be found here: English language requirements Study at Bristol University of Bristol

Admissions Statement: https://bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2023/phd-physics.pdf

Contacts and further information

Please contact the QET Labs enquiries mailbox (qetlabs-enquiries@bristol.ac.uk).