Type dienstverband:
Internship and graduation project
Locatie:
Delft
Opleidingsniveau:
WO
Uren per week:
Fulltime – 40

Internship | Fabricating and characterizing InAs/Al hybrid devices for topological qubits

About this position

The realization of qubit processors in the Noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era has lead to devices that can be operated and demonstrated advantages compared to the classical computing on specific problems. However, due to poor fidelities of gate operations, large number of physical qubits are required to mitigate/correct errors in order to realize logical qubits. Error mitigation becomes even more challenging as the number of physical qubits increases. A possible solution to this problem is using the so-called topologically protected Majorana qubits utilizing Majorana zero modes (MZMs), which are largely considered to be immune to local perturbations. Semiconductor-superconductor hybrids are considered the best approach towards topological quantum computing. Nevertheless, a fundamental roadblock in the current efforts to engineer MZMs is disorder, which prevents the creation of a global topological phase. Recent efforts have demonstrated novel approaches to tackle this issue based on new device concepts with promising results.

What will be your role?

In this project we will work on fabricating quantum dot – superconductor – quantum dot devices to realize a so-called Kitaev chain. In these devices the coupling between the dots should be tunable and is expected to allow for a topological regime where Majorana zero modes exist. Such devices have already been realized with a different material base (InSbAs 2DEGs) where crucial ingredients needed to realize a Kitaev chain have been demonstrated. For this project, we use high quality InAs 2DEGs interfaced with epitaxial Al (superconductor).
The candidate will co-design and develop a robust recipe for controllable and reproduceable fabrication of Kitaev-2 and Kitaev-3 devices in the InAs 2DEG, and also perform basic electrical characterizations at 4 K. For this project the candidate will work in the Kavli cleanroom and on various tools including electron beam lithography, chemical etching, metal and dielectric deposition, and scanning electron microscopy.
This student project will be an internship with a duration of 3-4 months on the topic of quantum devices.

What we expect from you

You are a Masters student in the last phase of your study in a relevant field (physics, chemistry and/or material science). You have cleanroom experience, preferably you have worked with electron beam lithography, chemical etching, metal and dielectric deposition.

What you'll get in return

You want to work on the precursor of your career; a work placement gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Naturally, we provide suitable work placement compensation.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

The selection process

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Has this job opening sparked your interest?

Then we’d like to hear from you! Please contact us for more information about the job or the selection process. To apply, please upload your CV and covering letter using the ‘apply now’ button.