Are you aiming at scientific excellence?
Would you like to establish a scientific career within the fields of quantum photonics and nanotechnology? We have the ideal opportunity for you! Be part of the Alliance project granted by DTU.
New frontiers in quantum information technologies are associated with the intriguing properties of massively entangled modes. Entanglement between interacting photon emitters in the solid-state requires a coupling strength exceeding the decay of quantum coherence. In practical terms, achieving this requires nanometer distances between emitters. Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are promising photon emitters and might be utilized for the generation of massively entangled modes. However, QDs are randomly positioned, and the coupling radius between QDs is just within a few wavelengths, thus making the observation of cooperative effects between QDs in a standard homogeneous medium more like a “lucky chance” than a deterministic process.
The main objective of this project is to elaborate a robust and scalable solution that enormously improves the coupling condition and relies on just a planar structure on a conventional semiconductor platform. We put forward effective near-zero index (NZI) properties, which can be exhibited by carefully designed photonic crystals. The very small effective refractive index of the structure will enhance the coupling radius and promote cooperation between randomly positioned QDs on a large scale, potentially exceeding several micrometers. Such cooperation will have different effects on the collective emission of QDs in the ensemble, which needs to be carefully investigated and understood both from the classical and quantum photonics sides. The project includes the design and modeling of suitable photonic structures, fabrication of the III-V semiconductors quantum emitters and characterization of cooperative QDs emission.
You will work in close cooperation between two DTU Departments - Department of Electric and Photonics Engineering under supervision of Assoc. Prof. Andrei Laurynenka (Main supervisor) and Senior Researcher Elizaveta Semenova and Department of Physics under supervision of Associate Professor Alexander Huck.
The Alliance project is set as a collaboration with the group of Prof. Andrey Moskalenko in KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology). The KAIST group will work on the quantum theory of cooperative effects between coupled QDs.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Your primary responsibility will be to design a NZI photonic crystal environment, fabricate such a structure with incorporated epitaxial self-assembled QDs and characterize their collective performance.
Therefore, qualified prerequisites for this position are 1) expertise in analytical/numerical modelling of electromagnetic fields in classical and quantum optics, 2) knowledge of nanofabrication, and 3) practical experience with quantum emitters characterization.
You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education
.
Assessment
The application will be assessed by Associate Professor Andrei Laurynenka, Senior Researcher Elizaveta Semenova and Associate Professor Alexander Huck.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.
The period of employment is 3 years.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Andrei Laurynenka, alav@dtu.dk
or Senior Researcher Elizaveta Semenova esem@dtu.dk
.
You can read more about DTU Electro at https://electro.dtu.dk/
and about DTU Physics at https://physics.dtu.dk/
.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark
. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar
” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 September 2025 (23:59 Danish time)
. Applications must be submitted as one PDF file
containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file
. The file must include:
You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
DTU Department of Electric and Photonics Engineering at the international forefront
DTU Electro has 330 employees with competences in optics, acoustics and electronics and is one of the largest centers in the world in research in photonics. Research is performed within optical sensors, lasers, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, nano-optics and quantum photonics.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.