09/12/2024

Actualités > Emploi > Offre de post-doc
Postdoctoral position in quantum inertial sensing with cold atoms

Laboratoire : ONERA / LCM LNE-Cnam
Référent : Malo CADORET and Yannick BIDEL

Our research group focusses on harnessing the wave-like properties of cold atoms to realize quantum inertial sensors based on cold atom interferometry for real-word applications such as gravity mapping or navigation.


Our team is at the international forefront in developing cold atom gravimeters for onboard applications [1-3]. Currently, we are working on the development of a compact and complete hybridized cold atom
inertial measurement unit (IMU). Our goal is to have a single atomic sensor that will alternately measure each inertial component (3 accelerations and 3 rotations), instead of having six independent atomic sensors each measuring one inertial component. Every atomic measurement will be hybridized with its corresponding classical sensor in order to benefit from the advantages of both technologies.
To date, our experimental setup can measure the vertical and the horizontal accelerations with hybridized cold-atom interferometric sensors [4-5]. We are looking for an experienced researcher to aid the ongoing development of the compact cold atom gyroscope [6] of the IMU. The postdoc project aims to push further the development the metrological characterization of the cold atom gyroscope in terms of sensitivity, long-term stability and accuracy. Additionally, the technique of Bloch oscillations will be implemented on the setup to increase the performance of the cold atom gyroscope.

Responsabilities:

  • Development of the cold atom gyroscope using Bloch oscillations.
  • Develop simulations to predict the performance of the sensor.
  • Work with Ph.D. students and other members of the group.
  • Actively participate in the publication of research results in high-quality scientific journals and their
    presentation at national and international conferences

Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in physics
  • Strong background in cold atom interferometry.
  • Experience with cold atom experiments.
  • Experience with simulation software.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team.

[1] Y. Bidel, N. Zahzam, C. Blanchard, A. Bonnin, M. Cadoret, A. Bresson, D. Rouxel, and M-.F. Lalancette. « Absolute marine gravimetry with matter-wave interferometry ». Nature Communications, 9, 02 2018
[2] Y. Bidel, N. Zahzam, A. Bresson, C. Blanchard, M. Cadoret, A. V. Olesen, and R. Forsberg. « Absolute Airborne Gravimetry with a Cold Atom Sensor ». Journal of Geodesy, 94, 02 2020.
[3] Y. Bidel, N. Zahzam, A. Bresson, C. Blanchard, A. Bonnin, J. Bernard, M. Cadoret, et al. « Airborne Absolute Gravimetry With a Quantum Sensor, Comparison With Classical Technologies ». Journal of Geophysical Research : Solid Earth, 128, 4, 04 2023.
[4] I. Perrin, J. Bernard,Y. Bidel, A. Bonnin, N. Zahzam, C. Blanchard, A. Bresson, and M. Cadoret. Zero-velocity atom interferometry using a retroreflected frequency-chirped laser. Phys. Rev. A 100, 053618, 2019.
[5] J. Bernard, Y. Bidel, M. Cadoret, C. Salducci, N. Zahzam, S. Schwartz, A. Bonnin, C. Blanchard and A. Bresson ”Atom interferometry using σ+ − σ− Raman transitions between |F = 1,mF = ∓1⟩ and |F =2,mF =±1⟩” Physical Review A, vol. 105, p. 033318, 2022
[6] Clément Salducci, Yannick Bidel, Malo Cadoret, Sarah Darmon, Nassim Zahzam, Alexis Bonnin, Sylvain Schwartz, Cédric Blanchard and Alexandre Bresson « Stabilizing classical accelerometers and gyroscopes with a quantum inertial sensor» arXiv:2405.13689 2024.

The position is available starting from the beginning of 2025, and the initial appointment is for one
year, renewable. The salary is based on French regulations.


Interested candidates may contact Malo CADORET (malo.cadoret@lecnam.net) or Yannick
BIDEL (yannick.bidel@onera.fr)
as soon as possible. The application should contain a CV, a list of
publications, a short research statement (cover letter)
, and contact information for two senior
researchers who can provide recommendation letters.

26/11/2024

Actualités > Emploi > Offre de stage
Master internship : Synthesis and functionalization of high-quality nanodiamond particles for the development of a new generation of quantum nanotechnologies

Laboratoire : IRCP
Lieu : Jussieu, 11 rue Pierre et Marie Curie
Référent : Mary De Feudis

This internship is part of the NanoG4V project, funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR),
and which includes funding for a PhD position. This research work aims to produce a new generation
of high-quality quantum-grade nanodiamonds for a wide range of applications, such as extreme-conditions sensing, nanoscale thermometry and live-cell dual-color imaging. This work will enable the student to acquire multidisciplinary skills in materials and plasma science, high-pressure physics, with a special focus on the development of quantum diamond nanotechnologies. The student will join the CQSD group of the MPOE team at the IRCP institute and will work closely with internationally renowned researchers from the LSPM and LuMIn laboratories.

Keywords: quantum technologies, nanodiamonds, SiV color centers, CVD synthesis, matter, optics.

Scientific description: Diamond is an extremely interesting material due to its various technological applications. Its compact and regular crystalline structure allows it to be used in diverse scientific fields, such as particle sensors and power electronics devices [1]. More recently, with the advancement of diamond synthesis techniques, new opportunities have arisen for quantum applications on the micro-and nanometric scales, such as in high-pressure and biomedical physics. This internship focuses on the synthesis of diamond nanoparticles via chemical vapor deposition (CVD), incorporating SiV color centers. The SiV center is a point defect in the diamond lattice, consisting of an interstitialsilicon atom (Si) and two adjacent vacancies (V) [2]. This defect introduces energy levels into diamond’s bandgap, which behave similarly to the energy levels of an isolated atom. When subjected to external perturbations (pressure, temperature, etc.), these energy levels shift. By detecting this shift, it is possible to measure the perturbation causing it. Thus, the SiV center can act as a sensor at a nanometric spatial scale. The crystalline quality of the diamond nanoparticles will be crucial for fully exploiting the quantum properties of the SiV center. Nanodiamonds will be produced using high-power, microwave-assisted plasma CVD with an H2/CH4 gas mixture, Fig. 1 [3, 4].

During the internship, the CVD technique will be used to enable the homogeneous nucleation of particles in the gas phase and their doping by Si. Introducing a silicon wafer into the plasma chamber will bring solid-source Si impurities, forming SiV centers in the particles. The optical properties of SiV centers in nanodiamonds will be characterized by photoluminescence measurements and enhanced through novel post-synthesis treatments developed with the intern (such as specialized high-temperature and high-pressure annealing, plasma oxygen surface treatments, etc.). This new generation of high-quality quantum particles will be tested as high-pressure nanosensors and nanoscale thermometers, surpassing current results [5]. The intern will mainly work in the CQSD group, which offers an international environment alongside other PhD students, post-doctoral and permanent researchers.

Techniques/methods in use: CVD diamond synthesis, optical characterization (Raman and PL spectroscopy at room and low temperatures), surface characterization (SEM, among others), and plasma simulations.


Applicant skills: The intern should demonstrate aptitude for experimental work and a strong interest in material physics and chemistry. Skills in simulations and calculations are appreciated. Dynamism and determination are essential qualities for this research activity.


Industrial partnership: No.
Internship supervisor(s): Mary De Feudis (PI of the NanoG4V project), mary.de.feudis@chimieparistech.psl.eu Fabien Bénédic (co-supervisor) fabien.benedic@lspm.cnrs.fr

Internship location: Institut de recherche de Chimie Paris (Paris 75005) and Laboratoire des Sciences
des Procédés et des Matériaux (Villetaneuse 93430).


Internship duration: 6 months, expected start in March 2025 (to be defined with the student).
Possibility for a doctoral thesis: Yes. This internship can be followed by a PhD thesis (36-month long)
depending on the candidate work. The PhD thesis is already funded by the ANR (NanoG4V project).

References
[1] M. De Feudis, PhD Thesis, University of Salento (Italy) and University of Sorbonne Paris Nord (France), 2018.
[2] C. Becher, et al., Materials for Quantum Technology 3 (1) 2023, p. 012501.
[3] M. De Feudis, et al., Advanced Materials Interfaces 7 (2) 2019, 1901408.
[4] A. Tallaire, et al., ACS Appl. Nano Mater. 2 (9) 2019, p. 5952-5962.
[5] B. Vindolet, et al., Physical Review B 106 (21) 2022, p. 214109.

21/11/2024

Actualités > Emploi > Offre de post-doc
Post-Doctoral position in Ultracold Quantum Matter TheoryCenter for Theoretical Physics, Ecole Polytechnique

Laboratoire : Centre de Physique Théorique (CPHT)
Lieu : École Polytechnique
Référent : Laurent SANCHEZ-PALENCIA

The Ultracold Quantum Matter theory group lead by Prof. Laurent Sanchez-Palencia at the Center
for Theoretical Physics in Ecole Polytechnique (France, Paris region) invites applications for a postdoctoral position on the theory of ultracold quantum matter. The position is for two years with possible extension, starting in autumn 2025.


Research at the Ultracold Quantum Matter group
The group conducts cutting-edge theoretical research on ultracold quantum gases, quantum simulation, and quantum information theory in correlated quantum matter. In recent years, the group has made pioneering contributions on the quantum simulation of bosonic quasicrystals, including studies of localization and fractality [ Yao et al. , PRL 2019], Bose-glass physics in 1D quasiperiodic systems [ Yao et al. , PRL 2020], 2D quasicrystals [ Gautier et al. , PRL 2021; Zhu et al. , PRL 2023], and twisted moiré systems [ Johnstone et al. (2024)]. On the other hand, we develop research on quantum information theory applied to many-body quantum systems and out-of-quilibrium dynamics of correlated quantum matter, with recent contributions to information spreading in systems with long-range interactions [ Cevolani et al. , PRB 2018; Schneider et al. , PRR 2021], quantum quench spectroscopy [ Villa et al. , PRA 2019; PRA 2020; PRA 2021], as well as entanglement entropy and modular Hamiltonians [ Schneider et al., PRB 2022]. Further information may be found on the group webpage.


Research profile
The hired post-doctoral researcher is expected to develop a research programme in one of these topics, co-supervise Master and/or PhD students, and participate actively to the team work. We look for candidates with up to five-year experience after PhD. Strong education in Theoretical Physics and successful research experience in the physics of correlated quantum systems and/or quantum information theory is expected. Expertise in advanced numerical techniques, such as tensor network approaches or quantum Monte Carlo, will be highly appreciated. Strong personal motivation, abilities to work in team and guide students, as well as strong communication skills are expected.


Application procedure
Applications should be sent to Prof. Laurent SANCHEZ-PALENCIA (lsp@cpht.polytechnique.fr). The application documents should include a Curriculum Vitae (with date of birth, e-mail address, complete academic and professional carrer), academic certificates, a complete publication list, a concise research statement, and two reference letters.


Dates
Deadline for application : January 5, 2022
Decision : end of March 2025
Expected starting date : September/October 2025 (may be adapted

20/11/2024

Actualités > Emploi > Offre de stage
Internship/PhD : Quantum Approach to Optical Super-Resolution

Laboratoire : Laboratoire Kastler Brossel (LKB)
Lieu : Sorbonne Université, Jussieu / Collège de France
Référent : Nicolas Treps : nicolas.treps@lkb.upmc.fr

It was long believed that the ultimate resolution limit in imaging was dictated by the Rayleigh criterion, which states that two point sources are indistinguishable when their images overlap excessively. This diffraction limit, often considered a fundamental barrier in conventional imaging systems, posed a significant challenge for resolving closely spaced objects. However, recent advances in quantum metrology have revealed that the Rayleigh limit is not a fundamental boundary [1]. Employing non-conventional imaging techniques, inspired by quantum metrology, it is possible to achieve super-resolution imaging, surpassing the classical resolution limits [2,3]. One such approach is pursued in the PESto experiment at LKB, where Spatial Mode Demultiplexing (SPADE) is used. The light from two point sources is demultiplexed into a basis of Hermite-Gaussian spatial modes. Detecting and counting photons in each spatial mode of the multimode light, the distance between the two point sources is estimated with a precision approaching the quantum limit [4], order of magnitudes better than the Raileigh limit.

In practical imaging scenarios, multiple parameters must often be estimated simultaneously, making the problem more complex [5]. Notably, the SPADE technique is only quantum-optimal when only one parameter is to be estimated, and the others, such as the centroid of the source distribution, the relative intensity between the sources 0r even the number of sources, are known. This PhD project aims to extend the capabilities of SPADE to more realistic scenarios, incorporating multi-parameter estimation, low-flux detection down to the single photon level, and the effects of environmental factors such as optical turbulence. Addressing these complexities requires the integration of machine-learning techniques to optimize the choice of spatial modes, extract multiple parameters from the data efficiently, and ensure robustness against experimental imperfections. Additionally, in scenarios involving dynamic or moving sources—where only limited information can be gathered in real-time—a Bayesian approach to estimation will be explored to track the sources effectively.

This research will focus on advancing super-resolution imaging in realistic conditions, providing solutions to the challenges of multi-parameter estimation and developing methods to handle experimental imperfections and source motion. By working on both experiment and theory, leveraging estimation theory -classical and quantum-, machine learning and Bayesian techniques, the goal is to achieve unprecedented imaging precision and pave the way to a new paradigm in imaging.

[1] Tsang, M., Nair, R., & Lu, X. M. (2016). Quantum theory of superresolution for two incoherent optical point sources. Physical Review X, 6(3), 031033.
[2] Gessner, M., Treps, N., & Fabre, C. (2023). Estimation of a parameter encoded in the modal structure of a light beam: a quantum theory. Optica, 10(8), 996-999.
[3] Sorelli, M. Gessner, M. Walschaers, and N. Treps, Quantum limits for resolving Gaussian sources, Phys. Rev. Research 4, L032022 (2022).
[4] Rouvière, C., Barral, D., Grateau, A., Karuseichyk, I., Sorelli, G., Walschaers, M., & Treps, N. (2024). Ultra-sensitive separation estimation of optical sources. Optica, 11(2), 166-170.
[5] Řehaček, J., Hradil, Z., Stoklasa, B., Paúr, M., Grover, J., Krzic, A., & Sánchez-Soto, L. L. (2017). Multiparameter quantum metrology of incoherent point sources: towards realistic superresolution. Physical Review A, 96(6), 062107.
[6] C. Fabre and N. Treps, Modes and States in Quantum Optics, Rev. Mod. Phys. 92, 035005 (2020).

31/10/2024

Actualités > Emploi > Offre de post-doc
Post-doctoral position: diamond-based electronic and quantum devices

Laboratoire : LSPM
Lieu : 99 avenue Jean-Baptiste Clément, 93430 Villetaneuse
Salaire : 3000 - 4200
Référent : fabien.benedic@lspm.cnrs.fr / jocelyn.achard@lspm.cnrs.fr

Missions
The recruited person will participate in various ongoing projects within the Diamond and Carbon Materials (DCM) team focusing on the integration of diamond layers in devices for power electronics (PEPR Électronique FrenchDiam) and quantum technologies (ANR projects TRAMPOLINE and SINFONIA). These projects require, initially, to master the process of developing single crystal diamond layers doped with boron, for integration into vertical power components, and doped with nitrogen, for the creation of colored centers with quantum properties that can be exploited in different fields, notably in magnetometry. Secondly, the design of demonstrators using clean room technologies should make it possible to link the physicochemical and usage properties of diamond single crystals to the characteristics of electronic and quantum devices and to demonstrate the added value of diamond compared
to conventional materials.


Activities
The post-doctoral fellow will ensure the running of research projects by participating in the
various planned tasks, in particular:

  • Optimization of the process for producing single crystal diamond layers doped with boron
    and nitrogen;
  • Physico-chemical and microstructural characterization of the layers produced (SEM, optical
    microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, electrical measurements, ODMR, etc.);
  • Micro- and nano-manufacturing in clean rooms;
  • Characterization of the electronic and quantum demonstrators produced.
    Skills

Work context
The work will be carried out at the Process and Materials Sciences Laboratory, CNRS LSPM
UPR3407, on the Villetaneuse campus (University Sorbonne Paris Nord). The postdoctoral
fellow will work within the PPANAM axis (Plasma Processes, Nanostructures and Thin Films)
and more particularly the DCM Research operation (Diamond and Carbon Materials).
The position is located in a sector falling under the protection of scientific and technical
potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with regulations, that your arrival be
authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

31/10/2024

Actualités > Emploi > Offre de stage
Master Internship in Ultra-precise Mid-Infrared Molecular Spectroscopy

Laboratoire : LPL
Lieu : USPN, 99 avenue Jean-Baptiste Clément, 93430 Villetaneuse
Référent : Mathieu Manceau : mathieu.manceau@univ-paris13.fr et Benoît Darquié : benoit.darquie@univ-paris13.fr

Looking for potential variations of the proton-to-electron mass ratio and other tests of fundamental physics via precision measurements with molecules

Internship Description:
The master student will participate in cutting-edge experiments aimed at ultra-precise measurements of rovibrational molecular transitions and dedicated to measuring/constraining the potential time variation of the proton-to-electron mass ratio (µ), a fundamental constant of the standard model (SM). Such variations, if detected, would be a signature of physics beyond the SM, providing insights into the nature of dark matter and dark energy. The idea here is to compare molecular spectra of cosmic objects with corresponding laboratory data. The experimental setup is based on quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) locked to optical frequency combs, with traceability to primary frequency standards, a breakthrough technology developed at Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers (LPL), allowing unprecedented spectroscopic precision in the mid-infrared range. This internship will focus on measuring mid-infrared molecular transitions of methanol (CH3OH), a molecule known for its enhanced sensitivity to changes in µ. The student will set up and stabilize a new QCL in a spectral region hosting particularly relevant transitions. The work will involve achieving sub-Doppler spectroscopic resolution to reach target laboratory frequency accuracies of ~100 Hz needed for comparisons with astronomical observations. This activity is part of the ANR Ultiµos project, a collaborative effort which seeks to refine current constraints on the possible variation of µ which involves leading research institutions, including Laboratoire Kastler Brossel (LKB, L. Hilico) and MONARIS (C. Janssen) at Sorbonne Université. The three partners of the Ultiµos consortium will collaborate to conduct measurements in methanol and other species such as ammonia (NH3) in different spectral windows, to identify transitions as targets for future Earth/space comparison campaigns, which
could further tighten constraints on variations of µ. Other collaborators, such as Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Onsala Space Observatory, will provide theoretical and observational/astronomical support to complement the experimental efforts. The proposed laser technology is also crucial for the ongoing development at LPL of a new-generation molecular clock specifically designed for precision vibrational spectroscopy of cold polyatomic molecules. The student may therefore be involved in first precise spectroscopic measurements on cold molecules produced at ~1 K in a novel cold molecule apparatus. Combining frequency metrology and cold molecule research as the potential to bring even
more stringent constraints on a drifting-µ, and opens possibilities for using polyatomic molecules to perform other fundamental tests, including the measurement of the energy difference between enantiomers of a chiral molecule, a signature of parity (left-right symmetry) violation, and a sensitive probe of dark matter. Keywords: fundamental constants, standard model, precision measurements, ultra-high-resolution spectroscopy, frequency metrology, quantum cascade lasers, frequency comb lasers, cold molecules, molecular physics, quantum physics, astrophysics, optics & lasers, vacuum, electronics, programming & simulation Relevant publications from the team: Tran et al, APL Photonics 9, 3, (2024); Fiechter et al, J Phys Chem Lett 13, 42 (2022); Santagata et al, Optica 6, 411 (2019); Cournol et al, Quantum Electron. 49, 288 (2019), arXiv:1912.06054; Tokunaga et al, New J. Phys. 19, 053006 (2017); Argence et al, Nature Photon. 9, 456 (2015), arXiv:1412.2207.

Requirements:

The applicant should be doing its master studies in a relevant area of experimental physics or chemical physics: atomic, molecular and optical physics, spectroscopy, lasers, quantum optics. Interested applicants should email a CV, a brief description of research interests and the contact details of 2 referents to M. Manceau (mathieu.manceau@univ-paris13.fr) and/or B. Darquié (benoit.darquie@univ-paris13.fr). Funding is already secured for a potential PhD following the internship

30/10/2024

Actualités > Emploi > Offre de stage
Stage M2 : Rare-earth doped oxide thin films for on-chip optical quantum technologies

Laboratoire : IRCP
Lieu : IRCP, Chimie ParisTech-PSL, 11, rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris
Référent : Alexandre Tallaire et Diana Serrano

Rare-earth ions (REI) present a strong interest for quantum technologies due to their ability to
show long-lived quantum superposition states both in their optical and spin transitions. The
perspective of using them for applications such as quantum information processing, quantum
memories and indistinguishable photon sources, however, relies on developing host materials
in which their outstanding quantum properties are preserved, while enabling integration into
nanophotonic devices. Several proof-of-concept experiments based on rare-earth doped oxide
crystals have been reported [1], [2], yet, integration into practical and scalable quantum devices
has still not been stablished. In particular, specific designs compatible with both optical cavities and
MW architectures are generally needed [3], [4]. In this context, the ability to host REI into thin oxide
films deposited on a scalable substrate such as silicon would greatly facilitate the development of
such resonators. A thin film architecture also allows flexibility in material composition or dopant
spatial localization and offers integration perspectives with silicon photonic chips by standard clean
room processing technologies[5], [6]. As a drawback, the obtention of high-crystalline quality oxide
films on silicon is very challenging with most deposition techniques. Moreover, the optical and spin
properties of REIs in thin films tend to lag behind that of their bulk counterpart, mainly due to the
close proximity of surface and the presence of interfacial defects. To overcome these challenges,
we have developed a hybrid thin film fabrication approach combining MBE [5] and CVD [7]
deposition techniques to obtain epitaxial rare-earth oxide thin films on silicon (Fig. 1). The optical
properties of europium ions embedded in this film matrix have already shown promising results
with sub-MHz homogeneous linewidths measured.

This internship will have two main objectives:

(i) the optimisation of the thin-film deposition conditions towards the reproducible obtention of smooth epitaxial Y2O3 thin films doped with REI.
(ii) the fabrication of Y2O3 membranes by both dry and wet chemical etching techniques. The Gd2O3 200 nmSi Y2O3 200 nm 1 μm deposited thin films, and membranes quality and eligibility for quantum technology applications will be assessed by the candidate using different morphological and optical characterizations.

23/10/2024

Actualités > Emploi > Offre d'emploi permanent
Researcher in quantum electrical metrology

Laboratoire : LNE
Lieu : Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
Référent : recrut@lne.fr

Reference: ML/MEQ/DMSI

Leader in the development of measurement technics and references, with a strong reputation in France and abroad as National Metrology Institute, the Laboratoire National de Metrologie et d’Essais (LNE) supports industrial innovation and is a key player in making the economy more competitive and society safer through reliable and harmonized measurements.

As the driving force behind French metrology, our research lies at the heart of our public service mission,
and is a fundamental factor in supporting the academic world and the competitiveness of companies,
through ever more reliable measurements on innovative subjects such as artificial intelligence,
nanotechnologies and quantum technologies.

Context:
One of the main current challenges in quantum electrical metrology is to simplify the operating conditions of quantum electrical standards and the implementation of associated instrumentation, in order to make the electrical units of the International System of Units (SI) more accessible. As part of new developments in metrology, LNE and its partners are seeking to exploit the great potential of van der Waals heterostructures, particularly those based on graphene bilayers with control of the angle between the layers (“Twistronics”), to develop new quantum electrical standards and ultra-sensitive detectors (SQUID, electron and single photon). The ultimate aim is to combine them on a chip within a single “quantum multimeter”.

Missions:
Working in LNE’s fundamental electrical metrology department, you will contribute to research activities in the field of quantum electrical metrology. Your main missions will be to:
– Contribute to current work and projects in quantum metrology (quantum (anomalous) Hall and
Josephson effects) in graphene and in innovative materials such as heterostructures based on
graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) at the so-called “magic angle” (MATBG, for “magic
angle twisted bilayer graphene”);
– Contribute to the engineering of the associated quantum standards and detectors (design, modeling,
etc.) and their instrumentation (particularly cryogenic) for simplified operation;
– Analyze and interpret the data obtained, in conjunction with existing theoretical models;
– Ensure reporting and promoting results through scientific communications (publications,
conferences, etc.), metrological good practice guides, and potentially through actions aimed at
industrializing the technologies developed, e.g. by registering patents.
– Supervise a PhD student and/or a post-doctoral fellow, to work in close interaction with the current
team, and possibly to welcome visiting scientists.
– Be able to fit your work into research and innovation programs (EURAMET EPM, Horizon Europe,
ANR, etc.) and have the ability to develop collaborations with academic and industrial partners,
using your own and/or the team’s network.

Profile:
– PhD degree in condensed matter physics, mesoscopic physics/quantum transport and/or quantum
physics;
– Strong experience in low-noise electronic transport measurements at (very) low temperatures.
Interest in experimental science, measurement, instrumentation and technological and applied
research;
– Knowledge of quantum effects: Josephson and quantum (anomalous) Hall effects. Specific
knowledge of graphene physics would be highly appreciated;
– Ability to analyze results and synthesize information;
– Pragmatic by nature, rigorous, critical and self-reliant;
– Enjoy teamwork, and able to organize yourself to take part in several projects (at LNE and in
European projects);
– Fluency in scientific English for the promotion of work (writing articles, conferences, meetings,
etc.) and collaboration with the project’s European partners.
– Occasional travel required for scientific exchanges (project meetings with European partners,
international conferences, etc.) in Paris and Paris area, France, Europe and abroad.
Joining LNE means:
– Joining an international group with nearly 1,000 employees.
– Participating in the development of a Public Industrial and Commercial Institution (French acronym
EPIC) that has been serving society and citizens since 1901.
– Joining a company that supports local authorities and industry in meeting tomorrow’s social and
environmental challenges.
– Join a research organization involved in European and international projects.
– Join a company that places respect and fairness at the heart of its HR policies.
– Join a company that is committed to a CSR policy and has set up a sustainable mobility package.
– Join a company that offers personalized introduction and regular training.
– A 12-month fixed salary plus an annual end-of-year bonus.  Executive status with a 205-day fixed salary and numerous benefits.  A profit-sharing bonus and an employee savings plan (PEE/PERCO) with matching contributions.
– Possibility of teleworking in accordance with the company agreement in force.
– Mutual insurance* and provident scheme*.
– Access to the company restaurant directly on our Trappes site.
– Access to a wide choice of offers through our social and economic committee (CSE).

*under the conditions set out in the agreements and their amendments.

To apply, send your CV and covering letter to: recrut@lne.fr, quoting job reference
ML/MEQ/DMSI in the subject line
.

21/10/2024

Actualités > Emploi > Offre de stage
Stage M2 : Probing THz metamaterials with a quantum Rydberg-atom sensor

Laboratoire : LPL
Lieu : USPN - Villetaneuse
Référent : Athanasios Laliotis (laliotis@univ-paris13.fr)
  • From March to July 2025
  • 3-6 months

The SAI group has developed spectroscopic techniques for probing excited atoms near dielectric surfaces in the nanometric regime. The group has also used excited state atoms as quantum probed providing information on electromagnetic properties of solids, such as surface polariton resonances [J. C. de Aquino Carvalho, Phys Rev. Lett., 131, 1439801, (2023)]. We have also participated in studies probing atoms in the vicinity of metallic nanostructures [E. A. Chan et al., Science Advances, 4, eaao4223, (2018)] tuning Casimir-Polder, atom-surface interactions between a cesium atom and resonant metamaterials.

Metamaterial technology is particularly important for the realization of high-performance devices in the THz (~300µm wavelength) range, because materials available in nature rarely have electromagnetic responses in this frequency range. The characterization of THz metamaterials is carried out in the far field and remains limited by diffraction. For this reason, the development of near-field imaging with sub-wavelength resolution has recently become an important area of study.

The SAI group is setting up a new project to probe the near-field of THz micro-resonators using a gas of Rydberg atoms as a quantum sensor. The detection of far-field THz waves has already been demonstrated [L. A. Downes et al. Phys. Rev. X, 10, 011027 (2020)] using excited Rydberg atoms inside an atomic vapor cell that convert absorbed THz radiation into photons scattered in the visible range (THz to visible conversion). The same technique can provide near-field information, if the atomic vapor is brought into contact with metamaterials. Additionally, this experiment can also be used to demonstrate control the Casimir-Polder Rydberg-metamaterial interaction (by tuning the THz resonances). 

We are therefore proposing a Master’s internship to set up this new experiment. The student will be involved in the construction of a new atomic vapor cell with THz micro-resonators deposited at the internal interface of the windows and will perform Rydberg-atom spectroscopy in the vicinity (near-filed) of the resonators. The student will work with E. Butery (PhD). The student could also be involved in the fabrication of THz micro-resonators and their far-field characterization, in collaboration with J-M Manceau’s group at C2N, specialists in THz devices and in theoretical calculations atom-metamaterial interactions in collaboration with the theory group of Stefan Scheel (Universität Rostock, Germany).

21/10/2024

Actualités > Emploi > Offre de stage
Stage M2 : Precision spectroscopy of Casimir-Polder molecule-surface interactions

Laboratoire : LPL
Lieu : USPN - Villetaneuse
Référent : Athanasios Laliotis (laliotis@univ-paris13.fr)
  • From March to July 2025
  • 3-6 months

Interactions between neutral but polarizable objects are essential for the cohesion of matter and play a vital role in our understanding of the electromagnetic properties of matter. One paradigm is the Casimir force between two parallel plates, representing a macroscopic manifestation of quantum fluctuations. Closely related are Casimir-Polder (CP) interactions between a dielectric surface and a quantum object (atom or a molecule) that become important in the nanometric regime.

The SAI group of the LPL has developed selective reflection and nanocell spectroscopy as two major methods for probing Casimir-Polder interactions with excited state atoms. Using these techniques, the group has pioneered atom-surface interaction studies focusing on temperature effects [A. Laliotis et al., Nature Communications, 5, 4364 (2014)] that allow probing surface polaritons with atoms [J. C de Aquino Carvalho et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 131, 143801, (2023)].

The group has now turned its attention to performing the first precision CP measurements with molecules. Molecule-surface interactions are of fundamental interest allowing us to study the chirality of quantum vacuum and Casimir-Polder anisotropy. The SAI group has probed molecular gases close to dielectric surfaces via selective reflection [J. Lukusa Mudiayi et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 127, 043201 (2021)] or nanocell spectroscopy [G. Garcia-Arellano et al. Nature Communications, 15, 1862 (2024)]. These results allow the study of sub-wavelength confined molecules but have not yet provided a CP measurement. We are now offering an internship on a new project that aims at probing an HF gas confined inside a nanocell. Our theoretical calculations have revealed HF to be the ideal molecule for CP measurements due to its linear geometry, simplicity and strong transitions at 2,5µm. We are looking for a motivated student to participate in the building of the experiment, detect the first spectroscopic signals and probe Casimir-Polder interactions of HF molecules confined in the nanometric regime. The student will work with H. Mouhanna (postdoc). The intern could also be involved in theoretical calculations of HF-surface interactions in collaboration with the theory group of Stefan Scheel (Universität Rostock, Germany).