PhD: Cavity nano-optomechanics with nanowires in the single photon regime (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

The aim of this PhD project is to explore new regimes in cavity nano-optomechanics by designing and exploiting novel strongly coupled devices in which quantum fluctuations of light dominate the dynamics of mechanical oscillators, thereby opening up new perspectives in optomechanics and quantum optics. We develop and operate high-finesse microcavities and ultrasensitive force sensors based on semiconductor materials (InP, GaP, SiC), which enable light to be confined at the nanoscale. Recent experiments have demonstrated the possibility of operating deep in the ultrastrong coupling regime, where a single photon in the cavity can displace the oscillator by more than its zero-point fluctuations, as well as achieving single-photon-level force sensitivity. However, significant improvements are still expected through resonator optimization. This requires a precise understanding of their optical and mechanical properties, which are challenging to map at the nanoscale and will therefore be a central focus of this project. We will also seek to enhance light–matter interactions by making greater use of the semiconductor properties of these structures. Indeed, light can generate excitons and photoinduced charges that can propagate along the resonators under the influence of electrostatic fields. As recently demonstrated, these internal photoinduced excitations can be manipulated using electrostatic and radio-frequency (RF) fields, enabling a substantial enhancement of optomechanical interactions. The project aims to combine and leverage our expertise in high-finesse optical microcavities, mechanical nanoresonators, and electronic transport to design and operate novel optomechanical devices and access new interaction regimes.

Expected skills:
- Experimental physics
- Nano-optics, nanomechanics,
- Interfacing experiments
- Theoretical bases quantum and condensed matter physics

Reference: F. Fogliano et al, Nature Communications 12, 4124 (2021) F. Fogliano et al, Physical Review X 11, 021009 (2021).

Your Work Environment

Institut NÉEL is a CNRS unit (UPR 2940) under agreement with the University Grenoble Alpes. The laboratory is related to the CNRS Physique. It is located in Grenoble, in the heart of a unique scientific, industrial and cultural environment. It is one of the largest French national research institutes for fundamental research in condensed matter physics enriched by interdisciplinary activities at the interfaces with chemistry, engineering and biology. It consists of 450 employees, including 175 researchers.
CNRS is a public, scientific and technological organization.
The core mandate is to identify, to carry out or to have carried out, either alone or with partners, all research that advances science or contributes to the country's economic, social, and cultural progress. Internationally recognized for the excellence of its scientific research, the CNRS is a reference in the world of research and development, as well as for the general public.

The hosting team at Institut Néel is NOF (Nano-Optics and Forces), which forms part of the PLUM department.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

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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