PhD student position

Project description

IBM Research in Zurich has been a leader in basic and applied research for many years; a prominent example being the invention of the scanning tunneling and the atomic force microscopes, awarded with the Nobel Prize in 1986. In recent years our group has matured a novel nanoscale fabrication technology based on heated scanning probes, see D. Pires et al., "Nanoscale Three-Dimensional Patterning of Molecular Resists by Scanning Probes" Science 328, 732–735 (2010). The technology employs custom made cantilevers which are fabricated in-house.

Based on this fabrication know-how we propose to implement monolithic single-electron-transistors (SETs) on cantilever. SETs are known to be extremely sensitive to charges and electric fields and can be operated near the fundamental quantum limit of sensitivity. They have been used to read-out spin qubits and to detect hydrodynamic electron flow in graphene devices. Compared to previous implementations we aim for monolithic devices with better resolution and higher bandwidth. In a still ongoing European project, we developed the fabrication process and are currently close to demonstrating first functional devices. The goal of the current project is to finalize and stabilize the process, to fabricate first devices in silicon and on cantilever, and to implement them into a mK dilution fridge system to perform measurements at mK temperatures. With the high resolution and bandwidth at hand we will gain more insight into electronic transport in 2D devices and to measure and investigate materials noise that is known to be detrimental to quantum systems.

The successful candidate will be embedded into a multidisciplinary team comprising experts in probe microscopy, nano-fabrication, MEMS fabrication, mK experiments and low temperature physics. The device fabrication will be done in the Binnig and Rohrer Nanotechnology Center in close collaboration with experienced staff.

The goal is to investigate if these circuits can be used for the control of our qubits, and to study the performance improvements of these circuits at cryogenic temperature compared to room temperature.

Requirements

Candidates applying for this position should fulfil the following requirements:

• Masters degree in physics or a related subject.
• Fascination for fabricating devices and exploring the world at the nanometer scale.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Eagerness to collaborate with teams in IBM and in Europe.
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and oral).

Diversity

IBM is committed to diversity at the workplace. With us you will find an open, multicultural environment. Excellent flexible working arrangements enable all genders to strike the desired balance between their professional development and their personal lives.

How to apply

Please submit your application below. Include a detailed CV and a cover letter to motivate your interest and to describe your experience related to the field.