Quantum Optomechanical Thermodynamic Metrology
This project develops quantum optomechanical sensors for precise, calibration-free measurement of temperature, pressure, and gas composition at the chip scale.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: $82,764 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; typical appointment duration 2 years.
Summary: Postdoctoral fellowship to develop quantum optomechanical sensors for precise, calibration-free measurement of temperature, pressure, and gas composition at the chip scale.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a Ph.D. earned within the last 5 years; applications require prior contact with the research adviser; NIST participates in February and August review cycles.
Description
This postdoctoral research opportunity at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) focuses on advancing quantum optomechanical systems designed for primary sensing of temperature, pressure, and gas composition. These optomechanical systems, either naturally occurring or engineered, interact with multiple external stimuli, enabling the development of chip-scale sensor suites capable of measuring various physical quantities with embedded traceability to SI units through their mass and intrinsic quantum noise.
A key challenge addressed by this research is the precise resolution of quantum noise or molecular collision events amidst room-temperature thermal backgrounds. Overcoming this requires innovative nanophotonic optomechanical system designs and enhanced interrogation schemes. Postdoctoral researchers will have the opportunity to pursue either of these research directions and explore new applications for calibration-free, chip-scale sensors.
The research is conducted within the Physical Measurement Laboratory, Sensor Science Division at NIST, located in Gaithersburg, MD.
