QUROPE Quantum Information Processing and Communication in Europe

Location

Led by the University of York, the Quantum Communications Hub is a partnership of eight universities and numerous private sector companies http://www.quantumcommshub.net/. The overall aim of the Hub is to develop a range of new, secure, quantum communications technologies. A PhD studentship, supported by EPSRC funding through York, is available to work on photonic systems metrology for quantum communications hardware, based at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in Teddington. 
The student will participate in a large scale project, in which NPL is developing leading-edge instrumentation and techniques for the accurate characterisation of quantum communications hardware. The student will join the existing team at NPL developing state-of-the-art metrology for a range of different components and systems developed by Hub partners; this covers short-range, free-space systems, as well as the optical fibre systems to be used in the Hub’s quantum communications network. The student’s research will focus on metrology of quantum photonic devices, with an emphasis on the parameters relevant to quantum communications. The majority of the work will be conducted at NPL, but will also involve working with Hub partners to conduct measurement trials on component and system hardware. Participation in field trials of these new technologies is also expected. The student will be able to gain valuable experience in the fast-growing field of quantum communications. 
Initial quantum expertise is not essential for the role, although an interest in it would be beneficial, coupled with an enthusiasm for experimental work. Some software-writing skills for data analysis and simulation would enhance the role. Finally, the role will require strong interpersonal skills, as the activities will require considerable interaction with local colleagues and various partners.

Eligibility: UK and EU students. View Website 
Funding: 3 years tuition fees plus stipend (at least £14,057 for 2016/17) for UK students. Students from EU countries other than the UK are generally eligible for a fees-only award. Academic entry requirements: at least a class 2:1 MSc or MPhys degree in Physics.

This PhD project, funded by EPSRC, is available from October 2016. Please contact Professor Tim Spiller (timothy [dot] spiller [at] york [dot] ac [dot] uk) for further information about the Quantum Communications Hub, and Drs Alastair Sinclair (alastair [dot] sinclair [at] npl [dot] co [dot] uk) and Christopher Chunnilall (christopher [dot] chunnilall [at] npl [dot] co [dot] uk) for further information about this specific PhD project.