This exciting Applied Quantum Technologies PhD project harnesses new developments in nanotechnology and superconducting materials to engineer next generation quantum technologies. Superconducting materials and devices underpin many rapid advances in the quantum technology arena [1]. Superconducting thin films and precision nanofabrication allow a range of devices to be engineered, from superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors for sensing and communications [2], to superconducting qubits and quantum processors [3]. These components are the building blocks of 21st century quantum networks. However, current generation devices suffer from losses due to uncontrolled interface states and surface damage, necessitating the use of more advanced fabrication techniques. Atomic Layer deposition (ALD) and atomic layer etching (ALE) allow key superconducting materials to be added or removed with nm-scale precision. This exciting PhD project builds on a strong partnership between the University of Glasgow and Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology [4]. The University of Glasgow hosts the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre with state-of-the-art electron beam lithography. Superb facilities for superconducting device characterization are available in the University of Glasgow Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre. Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology offers cutting edge techniques and hardware for ALD and ALE [1], [7]. This project is suitable for a talented and motivated candidate with a background in engineering, materials science, physics or chemistry.
First supervisor Professor Robert Hadfield is a leading expert in superconducting single-photon detectors [8]. Co-supervisor Professor Martin Weides is Director of the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre and an authority on superconducting qubits. Industry supervisor Dr Ciaran Lennon completed his PhD through the CDT-ISM and the University of Glasgow and is Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology Researcher-in-Residence at the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre.