Phd student positions - International PhD Project: Physics of Future Quantum-Based Information Technologies

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Sunday, September 19, 2010

* 6 Phd student positions.
* Recruitment: September 23-24, 2010.
* Deadline: September 20, 2010.

The main aim is to conduct the state-of-the-art research during the preparation of PhD theses within 4 years. At the same time the programme aims at intensifying international cooperation of the Polish research units. Each Phd Student is expected to spent from 6 to 24 months in the collaborating foreign laboratories.

Web page: http://mpd.ug.edu.pl
Project coordinator: Stanislaw Kryszewski
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Quantum information theory is a rapidly developing branch of physics. It is based upon the principles of quantum mechanics, which are quite different from intuitive laws of classical physics. Results of the current research allow to hope that it will be possible to construct quantum computers with computational speeds considerably exceeding those of the contemporary ones.

Quantum entanglement plays essential role both in the theory and in experiment. Recently it was realized that it is a fundamental resource of quantum information theory. Large part of the planned research will be devoted to further studies of entanglement both experimentally and theoretically. New methods to produce and detect the entangled states will be sought. This requires a close cooperation between theoreticians and experimentalists. This will be accomplished by wide collaboration with foreign laboratories which possess most advanced equipment.

Another important goal is to investigate the properties of the entangled states which ensure the safe communication and information exchange. This is connected with the study of correlations, frequently yet unknown and never existing in the realm of classical physics. Study of such correlations has practical implications in secure information transfer. They also have fundamental importance - in quantum probabilistic theory.

It must be remembered that every physical system interacts with its environment. Such interactions result in the decay of correlations. Since the latter are so essential the analysis of such decays needs to be investigated. Moreover, the ways to circumvent the losses due to the surroundings.

The project addresses a multitude of problems. It is also possible that new developments will open completely new and unexpected vistas which will lead to new ideas and discoveries.

Lastly, the project has a distinctive experimental aspect. New materials are essential in new technologies and applications of quantum information theory. Production and detection of the entangled states is not easy. New, effective materials, hopefully with precisely tailored properties, will be synthesized and investigated. The purchase of new devices is planned to enhance the experimental capabilities of Gdańsk University.

Experiments will include spectroscopic characterization of the materials for quantum processing, especially if they could allow down-conversion effect (the most versatile source of entanglement). Materials suitable for persistent luminescence and information storage will be studied. Finally the experiment effort will also be focused on the research on excitation energy and polarization transfer in nanolayers. Some of these studies may have potential applications also in the techniques which are outside quantum information processing.

For more details please visit: http://mpd.ug.edu.pl

* Project coordinator: Stanisław Kryszewski
* Position: PhD student
* Number of stipends: 6
* Institution: University of Gdańsk, Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics, Institute of Experimental Physics in consortium with
** Institüt für Quantenoptik und Quanteninformation, Austrian Academy of Sciences;
** Laboratory of Solid State Chemistry, Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona.

* Maximum period of stipend agreement: up to 31 October 2014.
* Position starts on: 1 October 2010..
* Closing date: 20 September 2010.
* Stipend’s amount: 3 500 PLN (when in Poland), 5 000 PLN (when abroad).
* Pension insurance: included in the stipend.

'''Key responsibilities include:'''
* Active participation in one of the research projects:
** Quantum communication and quantum techniques.
*** Study of novel multi-photon entangled states, and new ways to generate and to analyze entangled states in the experiments.
*** Limitations of quantum informational processes.
** Characterization of information processing by quantum networks with noise.
* Bound entanglement and quantum information processing.
* New approach to statistical description of quantum dynamical systems.
* Spectroscopic characterization of materials for quantum processing.
* Characterization of fluoride and oxide materials doped with selected Ln ions for purpose of photon down conversion and cascade emission.
* Modern persistent luminescence and storage materials.
* Resonance excitation energy and polarization transfer in nanolayers.

'''Profile of candidates: (for more details see the Web page)'''
* MA degree in physics, technical physics, mathematics (or other, with good background in physics).
* Good command of English.
* Motivation to conduct state-of-the-art research in theoretical and/or experimental physics.

'''Required documents:'''
* A letter of motivation, explaining (briefly) candidate's interests. This is especially important in case of candidates who studied disciplines other than physics.
* A copy of candidates MA thesis (in electronic version, preferably in .pdf format file).
* Authenticated copy of the MA diploma, or an equivalent document proving that the candidate already passed MA exam.
* Opinion of the candidate's diploma supervisor.
* Curriculum vitae containing information on:
** candidate's education and marks he/she obtained during the studies (this should be authenticated by corresponding authorities);
** candidates previous (if any) scientific career (publications, experience, conferences, etc.);
** other information which the candidate considers important or favorable.

For more details about the position please visit: http://mpd.ug.edu.pl

Address for applications: University of Gdańsk, Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics, ul. Wita Stwosza 57, 80-952 Gdańsk, POLAND.

Closing date: 20 September 2010.