Infrared superconducting single-photon detector arrays

The School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow is seeking a highly motivated graduate to undertake an exciting 3.5 year PhD project ‘Infrared superconducting single-photon detector arrays’

One of Einstein’s key contributions to modern science was the insight that light, at a fundamental level, is comprised of packets of energy known as photons.  A century later, a host of new applications at the frontiers of science hinge on the ability to detect these individual quantum objects. Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors are a highly promising infra-red photon counting technology.  Current device active areas are limited to 10’s of micrometres diameter, suitable for single-mode fibre coupling but not well matched to the demands of many other photon counting applications. 

This project aims to develop highly uniform large area arrays of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors. Nanofabrication will be carried out using state-of-the-art electron beam lithography facilities in the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre at the University of Glasgow.  The devices developed in this project will be tested using low temperature electrical and optical characterization facilities  and optically coupled for use in advanced photon-counting applications  Potential applications for these next generation detector arrays include atmospheric remote sensing, infrared astronomy and  quantum imaging using orbital angular momentum states.  

Key Publications

• C.M. Natarajan et al ‘Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors: physics and applications’Superconductor Science and Technology 25 063001 (2012) 
  • Available Open Access:  http://iopscience.iop.org/0953-2048/25/6/063001

Other information:

Funding

This studentship is supported by the EPSRC, and will cover home tuition fees and provide a stipend of £13,590 per annum for 3.5 years.

Start date

This position will be filled as soon as possible.

Qualifications

First class Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics or Materials Science.  Additional research experience is welcomed.

How to Apply

Applicants should send a CV, contact details and 2 references on headed paper, to Robert Hadfield.

To gain admission to our postgraduate programme an application for admission as a postgraduate research student must be made to the Graduate School of the College of Science and Engineering:

http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/applyonline/