Ph.D. position in Microcombs for atomic clocks

Your mission

The Hybrid Photonics Laboratory at EPFL is seeking for talented and motivated candidates to work in the field of Integrated Photonics for building fully integrated microcombs for atomic clocks.
This is a part of a European consortium (with UK and Germany) within the QUANTERA funding network.

Atomic clocks are used for precise timing where an accurate knowledge of the absolute time is needed. Based on ultraprecise transitions in atoms, these devices require precise laser control. At the same time, their deployment requires miniaturization away from table-top laser systems towards compact, on-chip laser sources. The aim of this project is a butterfly packaged, soliton-based optical frequency comb (OFC) device which will be used to interrogate a 2-photon Rb based quantum optical clock. Its stabilization requires f-2f frequency locking, and our lab will contribute thin film lithium niobate for this task. Our lab has been making significant progress in developing TFLN photonics for various applications. Building upon these demonstrations, we want to develop periodically poled lithium niobate devices for these metrology tasks.

You will exploit the low-loss thin film lithium niobate photonics platform, which we can fabricate in-house, at EPFL, to realize efficient and low-foot print frequency converters. In parallel, you will study the performance of these devices at frequencies away of the telecom C-band. You will fabricate these hybrid devices in-house at EPFL cleanroom using newly developed fabrication protocols available in the group.

As a successful candidate of a dynamic team, you will shape the future of photonics-based atomic clock technology in our young and dynamic lab. You will push forward our TFLN technology.

You will kick off diverse aspects of the experimental effort: technical (setting up an optical measurement setup design, including multi-frequency setups and custom-tailored mechanical components) and conceptual (develop the theory of frequency conversion inside photonic chips). In the lab, you will learn about integrated and free-space quantum optical technologies and engineering, and nonlinear optics. You will contribute to the automatisation of measurement routines, comprehensive characterisation of fabricated samples and to bridging the area of microwave/terahertz-optical science and technology with the most modern integrated photonic techniques.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Develop miniaturised frequency converters and apply them to microcombs within the consortium, together with their driving software/hardware, automatize measurement procedures.
• Simulate optical properties using simulations software such as COMSOL or CST.
• Characterize samples in the lab.
• Model experimental data from first principles using Matlab/Python codes.
• Write scientific publications, file patents, disseminate work at national and international conferences.
• Maintain collaborations and deliver periodic reports that describe your progress within the project.

Profile

• M.Sc. in Physics or related fields, strong interest in high-frequency electronics and integrated photonics, nonlinear optics, high-frequency electronics, metrology and/or electro-optic transduction are mandatory.
• Knowledgeable in Python, Matlab, Labview, Inventor, Illustrator, CST Microwave studio and Comsol (or willingness to learn).
• Enjoy thinking about difficult problems and solving them step by step.
• Hands-on attitude and an interest for taking on new challenges are mandatory for this group. In return, you get to witness setting up experiments from scratch!
• Enjoy collaborations with various other scientific groups, take on a leading junior role in international teams.

We offer

• A unique opportunity to contribute and take on entirely new avenues in the field of quantum photonics in a young and dynamic team.
• Excellent infrastructure through the cleanroom at EPFL, the Lausanne center for ultrafast science, and the Quantum Science Center at EPFL
• Competitive salary, coverage of conference costs, a dynamic and inspiring scientific community.

Informations

The selection process involves multiple stages, and short-listed candidates will be requested to apply to a specific EPFL Doctoral Program to qualify for a PhD at EPFL, (see STI doctoral programs).
Please check this page for additional information on admission.

Please note that this is a separate application process necessary to be eligible to complete your PhD at EPFL.

Your application should contain:

• A motivation Letter (a statement, max. one page, where you outline why you want to join this group, what your specific interests are, how your skills can contribute to the mission of the lab and how you think you can advance in your own academic/scholarly pursuit while being a part of the Hybrid Photonics Laboratory)
• Your detailed CV
• Contact information
• The names and contact information of 3 references willing to write a recommendation letter
• Transcript of records (Bachelor and Master)

Contract Start Date: 09/01/2026

Activity Rate : 100.00

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year, renewable

Reference: 2337