Postdoctoral position in quantum optomechanics (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

Optical levitation is an emerging theme in optomechanics where a nanoparticle is trapped in a vacuum using a laser focused by high numerical aperture optics. The laser produces an optical force equivalent to a mechanical spring, and the system can be considered as a mass-spring resonator oscillating at kHz frequencies. Due to the quality of their resonances, levitated systems are currently being exploited for high-sensitivity metrology, detecting gravitational waves, or searching for dark matter. Above all, levitation offers the remarkable perspective of exalting quantum properties at the mesoscopic scale (i.e., at the quantum-classical transition) to confirm (or rule out) fundamental hypotheses of quantum physics.

To reach the quantum regime, the nanoparticle must be cooled close to its fundamental vibrational state (i.e., to a few quanta of vibrational energy). In other words, the amplitude of its oscillations, which are driven by collisions with residual air molecules in the vacuum chamber, must be reduced. This cooling can be achieved using optical methods by monitoring the nanoparticle's motion and temporally modulating the laser to exert a force constantly opposed to the object's displacements. However, due to the relative weakness of the optical forces involved, such methods have not yet succeeded in reaching the fundamental quantum state of a levitated nanoparticle.

During this project, the candidate will experimentally implement a new optical levitation architecture to achieve the first optical cooling of a nanoparticle to its fundamental quantum state. This new architecture will also be used to prepare the nanoparticle in non-classical (i.e., quantum) vibrational states.

Activity

The candidate will focus on developing an experimental optical levitation platform to cool a nanoparticle to its fundamental quantum state. Additionally, the device will be used to implement temporal protocols for preparing non-classical states. During this primarily experimental project, the candidate may need to perform theoretical developments in quantum optomechanics and numerical simulations based on the encountered needs.

Your Profil

Skills

The candidate should have practical experience in optics (Fourier optics, geometric optics, etc.) as well as some expertise in quantum optics and optomechanics.

Your Work Environment

The candidate will join Nicolas Bachelard's team, composed of 5 PhD students working on related themes. They will benefit from daily interactions with the supervisor and regular meetings to best guide the project's progress. All necessary materials for designing the experimental setup have already been procured.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between €3 041 and €3,216 gross, depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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