Skip to main content

This job has expired

Postdoc in Squeezed Light based Quantum Cryptography

Employer
Center for Macroscopic Quantum States bigQ, Technical University of Denmark
Location
Copenhagen, Hovedstaden (DK)
Salary
-
Closing date
Dec 6, 2019

We are offering a research position for the implementation of continuous variable quantum cryptographic applications based on squeezed light.

Continuous variable quantum key distribution is a well established technology to distribute secret keys between two parties. However other cryptographic primitives exist, which are useful for certain applications. One of them is oblivious transfer (1) which can be applied to implement secure database access. Using squeezed light, oblivious transfer can be implemented with security in the noisy quantum storage model which limits the ability of a quantum eavesdropper to store quantum states in quantum memories to realistic scenarios.

The ultimate aim is to develop a scalable system based on a photonic integrated platform which eventually allows for commercial quantum communication applications. Within the project, we will explore the above mentioned as well as other cryptographic applications (1,2,3) such as quantum key distribution (2,4) in the lab and on installed fiber, first with a bulk but compact and mobile squeezed light source, and eventually with a chip integrated source.

The project will be hosted by the Center for Macroscopic Quantum States bigQ at the Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark (DTU) headed by Prof. Ulrik L. Andersen. It is part of the European Quantum Technology Flagship project UNIQORN and involves interaction with several European academic and industrial partners.

BigQ conducts widely recognized research within a range of diverse topics such as continuous-variable quantum information processing, quantum enhanced sensing, and engineering of solid state quantum systems. We have extensive experience in squeezed light generation for quantum computing (2), quantum communication (3), quantum sensing (4) and mechanical cooling (5).

References:
(1) Furrer, Gehring et al., “Continuous-Variable Protocol for Oblivious Transfer in the Noisy-Storage Model”, Nature Communications 9, 1450 (2018).
(2) Jacobsen et al., “Complete elimination of information leakage in continuous-variable quantum communication channels”, npj Quantum Information 4, 32 (2018)
(3) Marshall et al., “Continuous-variable quantum computing on encrypted data”, Nature Communications 7, 13764 (2016)
(4) Madsen et al, “Continuous variable quantum key distribution with modulated entangled states”, Nature Communications 3, 1083 (2012)
(5) Andersen et al., “30 years of squeezed light generation”, Physica Scripta 91, 053001 (2016)


Responsibilities and tasks
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who will be in charge of developing, optimizing, and testing continuous variable quantum cryptography systems based on squeezed light. Some of the tasks involved are 

  • design and development of a continuous variable quantum cryptography system based on a bulk squeezed light source which is capable of performing oblivious transfer and quantum key distribution
  • proof-of-principle implementation of secure database access with oblivious transfer
  • integration of on-chip squeezed light source once available
  • strong interaction with the squeezed light source development team (at DTU and an external partner)
  • supervision of students
  • innovation activities   

Qualifications
The postdoc candidate should have a PhD or equivalent degree in physics or engineering. He or she should be highly motivated and dedicated to carry out research and innovation at the highest standards. Other prefered requirements:  

  • Background in continuous variable quantum information
  • Experience with optical design and electronics
  • Knowledge of Python

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 terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed with the relevant union. The period of employment is 2 years. 

The work will take place at the DTU campus in Lyngby. 

Further information
Informal inquiries can be made to Assist. Prof. Tobias Gehring, tobias.gehring@fysik.dtu.dk  or Prof. Ulrik L. Andersen, ulrik.andersen@fysik.dtu.dk.

Application procedure
Please submit your online application no later than 6 December 2019 (local time)

Apply online at www.career.dtu.dk.

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include: 

  • Application (cover letter)
  • CV
  • Diploma (MSc/PhD)
  • List of publications

Applications and enclosures 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.

QPIT's vision is to understand, engineer and control complex quantum systems of light and matter, and to exploit these systems for quantum information processing and quantum metrology. We are a large, highly international research group of students and staff with diverse backgrounds. We have a friendly and dynamic research environment with close, daily interaction among all group members and strong collaborations with many academic and industrial partners. Technical support is excellent with electronics and process engineers embedded in the section and a large capacity, skilled mechanical workshop at the Department. We are situated just north of Copenhagen at the Lyngby campus of DTU, one of the leading technical universities of Northern Europe, where we enjoy newly renovated office and lab space.

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 vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 11,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. Our main campus is in Kgs. Lyngby north of Copenhagen and we have campuses in Roskilde and Ballerup.

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert