This position is part of the National Institute of Standards (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
Research Title:
Research Physicist Spectroscopy and applications of color centers in wide-bandgap semiconductors for quantum information science
The work will entail:
Quantum sensing based on optically active defects (color centers) is an emerging opportunity to deploy SI-traceable measurements in widespread application industries, including transportation, medicine, and resource exploration. The Nanoscale Spectroscopy Group seeks a research physicist to conduct optical spectroscopy experiments of single photon emitters and to control emission with optical and magnetic spectroscopies. The successful candidate will study the physics and control of nano-and micro-scale color centers using a combination of tools, including optical and magnetic spectroscopies, advanced microscopies, and simulations to develop quantum sensing platforms. With limited supervision, the candidate will develop high-resolution spectral characterization of NV diamond and other deterministic color centers; interrogate promising new materials such as color centers in GaN, Si, and SiC, etc.; use judgment and literature precedents to research, interpret, and apply available guiding principles to characterize nanoscale optical property measurements including single center spin-based emission, time-resolved detection, stroboscopic and heterodyne optical methods and nanoscale magnetometry using quantum readout of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. The work impacts the goals of the nanoscale
spectroscopy program to advance the development of engineered artificial atoms for nanoscale sensing and quantum applications. The candidate will interact with a broader team consisting of spectroscopy and materials chemistry expertise. Disseminate research results through open literature publication and technical talks at conferences.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Perform and analyze time-resolved detection of color center excited states with optical and microwave control
- Develop scanning confocal microscopy setups incorporating optical, electric-field, and magnetic-field stimulation.
- Develop cryogenic testing apparatus capable of specialized spectroscopy of color centers
- Presenting results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders.
- Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization.
Qualifications
- A Ph.D. in physics or related field.
- At least 2 years of relevant experience.
- Familiarity with color centers, including NV centers in Diamond, and Si vacancies in SiC.
- Ability to build complex spectroscopic systems with optical and microwave control of spins.
- Ability to work well in a group.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.