PREP0004289 Quantum Photonics Researcher

Quantum Photonics Integration Researcher

Project Description:

We are looking for a postdoctoral scholar to design, fabricate, and/or test integrated photonics for one or more of the following application areas: 

• Meta-optics for coupling to free-space optical modes, e.g., interfaces to atomic systems 
• High-Q optical microcavities for laser frequency stabilization and precision sensing 
• Electro-optics for light modulation and/or phase control 
• Robust test structures for characterizing nanofabrication accuracy, identifying optical losses, etc.

This work will be highly collaborative with interactions spanning multiple labs across NIST. The postdoc will work with a team to carry out the design/fabricate/test workflow, where “design” entails simulating integrated photonic structures to estimate optical properties such as loss and dispersion, and creating GDS layouts of designs; “fabricate” entails using tools supported by the NIST Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, such as EBL and LPCVD, to realize designed structures; and “test” entails performing measurements of the fabricated structure’s optical properties using lasers, spectrometers, etc. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Analyze heterogeneous data sources
• Use analysis to iterate on device designs and collaborate with others to do so
• Present results at internal meetings and occasional meetings with external stakeholders
• Publish results in the relevant scientific literature when appropriate

Desired Qualifications: 

• U.S. Citizen Preferred
• Ph.D. in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience, as evidenced by publications or recommendations, with integrated photonics
• Familiarity with electromagnetics simulation software such as COMSOL or Lumerical
• Familiarity with nanofabrication techniques such as EBL and LPCVD
• Familiarity with optical measurement techniques for loss, dispersion, noise, etc.
• Ability to develop prototypes of tools needed to analyze data 
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Other Details:

• Full-time: the participant is expected to work 40 hours a week
• Location: the participant will work at the NIST Gaithersburg Campus.
• Duration: this is expected to be a nine-month position. Extensions are sometimes granted depending on the availability of funds.