Postdoctoral Fellow-Development of Single-photon detectors based on high-Tc superconductors

Project Description

Context: 
High-temperature (high-Tc) superconductors are one of the leading candidates for the implementation of practical quantum detectors. In this context, the company Ambature,Inc which is a world leader in a-axis superconducting technology, is collaborating with the Université de Sherbrooke to push back the frontiers of superconducting electronics and optoelectronics performance by designing a new generation of high-Tc superconducting films and devising processes to implement them. These quantum detectors rely on extreme control of the growth of high-quality thin films, and the usual method for their production is not suited for industrial processes. 

 
Topic:
The aim of this project is to advance the development of nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) based on cuprates high-Tc superconducting films. These novel sensing devices will take advantage of the high critical magnetic field and temperature of YBCO to expand their capabilities and performance. The successful candidate will (i) Fabricate arrays of high-quality nanowires made of c-axis YBCO thin films. The YBCO film will be electrically characterized in a Physical property measurement system (PPMS). (ii) Characterize the optoelectronic response of these nanowires and demonstrate single-photon detection (SPD) in YBCO. The photodetection performance (efficiency, response time, sensitivity) of the nanowires will be measured using a cryogenic optical setup. (iii) Explore the potential of a-axis YBCO thin films for single-photon detection. The aim is to understand the effect that the crystal axis of the nanowire in order to maximize the performance of YBCO nanowires for SNSPD applications. 


Supervision & work environment: 
Thisp postdoctoral fellowship will be supervised by UdeS experts in growth, and characterization of new quantum materials, Profs Mathieu Massicotte and Patrick Fournier. The work will be done mainly at the  Institut Quantique (IQ) and occasionally at the Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation (3IT).  3IT is a unique institute in Canada, specializing in the research and development of innovative technologies for energy, electronics, robotics and health. It holds a state-of-the art cleanroom with a complete micro-nanofabrication infrastructure. IQ is a new research institute equipped with cutting-edge research tools, that brings together world-renowned experts in quantum science and engineering.The intern will thus benefit from a highly interdisciplinary research environment that combines students, technicians and professors working together to develop the technologies of the future. 


Profile required :
- PhD degree in physics, engineering or material science 
-Background knowledge in solid state physics, micro/nanofabrication, (opto)electronics  
-Assets: clean room experience, high-Tc superconductors and/or (opto)electrical measurements. 
-Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English or French. 
-Strong capacity for adaptation, autonomy, teamwork and problem-solving. 
-Strong interest in materials physics, crystallography, microscopy and interdisciplinary R&D. 

 
Contact: one@usherbrooke.ca   
Documents to be supplied: CV, Covel letter and contact of 2 references

Funding offered

Yes

Annual $ 50 000

Partner(s)

Compagnie Ambature inc.

The last update was on 21 May 2025. The University reserves the right to modify its projects without notice.