Optical metasurfaces for trapped ion quantum computing

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Description

This fellowship opportunity supports research on miniaturized and integrated photonic components critical for compact and scalable quantum technologies, including sensing, timekeeping, and quantum computing. The focus is on developing integrated fabrication of photonic metasurfaces tailored for trapped ion quantum computing systems. The project leverages a veteran Damascene lithography process enabling optical devices operating at ultraviolet (UV) and visible (VIS) wavelengths.

Research efforts include integrating metasurface photonics with ion trap systems and photonic integrated circuits (PICs), developing fabrication methods for novel material platforms, and addressing challenging integration requirements. The work involves optical design, electromagnetic simulation, integrated fabrication, and testing to build a toolbox of photonic metasurface applications that contribute to the scalability of quantum information platforms.

Design and simulation techniques may include infinite-element methods, finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD), adjoint optimization, and neural network approaches. Fabrication processes encompass electron beam lithography, atomic layer deposition, dry and wet etching, and metrology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and focused ion beam (FIB). Optical characterization employs Fourier optical metrology and other advanced measurement techniques.

Key references supporting this research include:

1. Ultrafast optical pulse shaping using dielectric metasurfaces (Science, 2019)
2. Disordered metasurface enabled single-shot full-Stokes polarization imaging (Nature Communications, 2023)
3. Low-loss metasurface optics down to the deep ultraviolet region (Light Sci Appl, 2020)

Keywords

Optical metasurfaces, integrated photonics, quantum computing, trapped ion computing, nanofabrication, electron-beam lithography, atomic-layer deposition, electromagnetic simulation.

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Due Dates

• February 1, 2025 (NIST participates in February review cycle)
• August 1, 2025 (NIST participates in August review cycle)

Note: If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it is moved to the next business day.

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Funding Amount

• Base stipend: $82,764 per year
• Annual travel allowance: $3,000
• Typical appointment duration: 2 years

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Eligibility

• Citizenship: Open to U.S. citizens only.
• Applicant level: Postdoctoral researchers who have earned a Ph.D. or equivalent research doctorate within the last 5 years as of the application deadline.
• Prior affiliation: Applicants with current or recent prior affiliation with the sponsoring agency (NIST) may be ineligible. This includes direct employment or previous postdoctoral fellowships at the agency.
• Applicants must contact the proposed Research Adviser before applying.
• Applicants must meet all degree requirements before beginning tenure.

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Application Process

1. Review eligibility on the NRC RAP website and specific agency criteria.
2. Identify Research Opportunity and contact the Research Adviser (Henri Lezec: henri.lezec@nist.gov, 301-538-9058) to discuss the project and funding availability.
3. Prepare application materials, including:
   • Profile information (contact, education, transcripts)
   • Research proposal (max 10 pages) with sections on problem statement, background, methodology, new methods, expected results, and significance
   • Letters of recommendation (minimum 3, including dissertation adviser for postdocs)
4. Submit application via the NRC RAP online system before the deadline.
5. Letters of recommendation must be uploaded by letter writers through the online system by the deadline. Letter writers cannot be employed by the agency unless they have served as mentors or collaborators during the applicant’s prior research.

Applications are reviewed by expert panels in relevant scientific disciplines. Scores above 70 typically receive award recommendations. Reviewer feedback is provided approximately one week after review finalization.

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Additional Information

• Health insurance enrollment is required throughout the tenure.
• Relocation assistance is available for awardees moving more than 50 miles to the host laboratory.
• Annual travel allowance supports conference attendance and fieldwork.
• Applicants may apply for up to three Research Opportunities but only one per sponsoring federal agency.
• Previous NRC Research Associateship holders may apply again after a two-year gap from prior award termination.

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External Links

• NRC Research Associateship Programs - For Applicants
• Research Opportunity at NIST - Optical Metasurfaces for Trapped Ion Quantum Computing
• NRC RAP Application Portal

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Contact Information