Missions

In the past decade, photons have become strong contenders as ideal qubits in the pursuit of advancements in quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum simulation. Quantum photonics also offers significant scalability potential, with the capability to integrate complex photonic circuits on the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform, leveraging the proven nanofabrication processes of the silicon industry. However, despite the established ability to manipulate single photons on SOI chips, highly efficient sources of indistinguishable single photons in silicon is still missing.

In this context, recent breakthroughs in the discovery of artificial atoms formed by color centers in silicon [1,2] present a promising solution to fully unlock the potential of integrated quantum photonic chips. Notably, enhancing and guiding the emission of these emitters when coupled to nanophotonic structures/cavities [3,4,5] could lead to the realization of high-quality, on-chip deterministic sources of single photons, essential for various quantum applications.

Activities

The primary research focus will be the development of nanocavities based on photonic crystals to enhance and control the spontaneous emission of single color centers in silicon. This work encompasses both theoretical concepts and practical aspects, including optical design and numerical simulations. The research will explore various types of cavities—such as nanobeam cavities and defect cavities incorporating topological concepts—to achieve a robustly high Purcell effect with precise control over the directionality and polarization of single-photon emission.

The postdoctoral researcher will collaborate closely with PhD students at INL, who are responsible for nanofabrication and optical characterization. Additionally, the candidate will maintain strong interactions with collaborators at the Laboratoire Photonique Électronique et Ingénierie Quantique (PHELIQS) and Laboratoire Charles Coulomb (L2C), both of which are key partners in the WOUAH project.

Skills

The ideal candidate should hold a PhD in Physics, with a strong background in nanophotonics, light-matter interaction mechanisms, and solid-state physics. Proficiency in numerical electromagnetic simulation methods is essential, including experience with the FDTD method (Lumerical, Fullwave, Tidy 3D software), the FEM method (COMSOL software), or the GME method (Legume software).

Work Context

This PhD project is funded by the ANR (Agence Nationale de la Recherche) and will be conducted within the i-Lum team at the Institut des Nanotechnologies de Lyon (INL). The supervisory team will include Dr. Christian Seassal (Research Director at CNRS) and Dr. Hai Son Nguyen (Associate Professor at École Centrale de Lyon), with support from other permanent researchers at INL and technical staff from the Nanolyon platform.

The Institut des Nanotechnologies de Lyon (INL) aims to develop multidisciplinary technological research in the field of micro and nanotechnologies and their applications. The research carried out ranges from materials to systems. The laboratory is supported by Lyon's NanoLyon technology platform.
The areas of application cover major economic sectors: the semiconductor industry, information technologies, life and health technologies, energy and the environment.
The laboratory is multi-site, with locations on the Ecully and Lyon-Tech La Doua campuses. It employs around 200 people, including 121 permanent staff. The INL is a major player in the Research and Teaching Cluster.
This position is located in an innovative environment, at the cutting edge of future technologies, in strategic application sectors.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.