Diamond has unsurpassed properties for quantum technologies such as quantum sensing and quantum computing, and point defects in the material can act as trapped atoms with properties ideal for the storage and manipulation of quantum states. A major challenge is the efficient coupling of these atom-like systems with optical systems, so that quantum states can be transferred between electrons (or nuclei) and photons to enable the construction of scalable networks.

This doctoral project will involve the coupling of single nitrogen-vacancy defects in diamond to optical microcavities in order to maximise the efficiency of quantum state transfer and facilitate scalable networking. You will be part of a small team working towards this goal, which will involve a range of techniques including optical characterisation and spectroscopy, fabrication and handling of diamond microstructures and optical devices, and lasers and cryogenic instrumentation. As such the project is well suited to an energetic and hands-on student who enjoys building apparatus and has a good working knowledge of optics. This funded project is part of a substantial new program in Oxford to build scalable quantum networks involving matter systems and photons.

Candidates are considered in the January 2015 admissions cycle which has an application deadline of 23 January 2015.  This 3.5 year EPSRC DTP studentship will provide full fees and maintenance for a citizen of the UK or for a citizen of the EU who has spent the previous three years (or more) in the UK undertaking undergraduate study. The stipend is expected to be at least £15,000 per year. Other EU citizens should read the guidance at http://www.materials.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate/eu.html for further information about eligibility.

Any questions concerning the project can be addressed to Professor Jason Smith (jason.smith@materials.ox.ac.uk).  General enquiries on how to apply can be made by e mail tograduate.studies<στο>materials.ox.ac.uk.  You must complete the standard Oxford University Application for Graduate Studies and further information and an electronic copy of the application form can be found at http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/postgraduate_courses/apply/index.html.