Department of Physics
 

 


PhD Project

Quantum Nanoelectronics with Single Electrons

 

Project Supervisors: Dr.V.Antonov, Professor M.J.Lea

Text Box: Single electron array under development at Royal Holloway. The drive of Nanoelectronics is to create devices of ever smaller dimensions, down to the size of atoms themselves. This project aims to take the quest of Nanotechnology one stage further, by capturing an array of individual (localised) electrons, in a unique and novel electron trap and use them for information storage and processing. The quantum mechanical properties of these electrons can then be utilised for quantum information processing (QIP) in a quantum computer (QC).

These novel devices are fabricated on a Si/SiO2 substrate. The electrons are isolated by trapping them above a 0.5 micron thick superfluid helium film. These electrons can move freely across the helium surface, controlled by underlying electrodes. Their presence is measured using a single-electron transistor (SET) used as an electrometer, beneath the helium [see P. Glasson, cond-mat/0405084].

This project involves the development and fabrication of these unique devices, using state-of-the-art nanofabrication techniques. The trapping and control of single electrons in unique electronic devices will be studied, along with their application for QIP. The research is funded by an EPSRC grant, Electronic Surface States and Qubits on Liquid Helium, and will be undertaken in the Department of Physics, Royal Holloway, University of London, as part of the Quantum Electrons on Helium Project, with extensive facilities for low temperature physics and nanophysics, and in collaboration with laboratories in Europe and world-wide.

We invite applications for an EPSRC Project Research Studentship, open to both EU and UK graduates, available now, leading to a PhD, with a maintenance grant at UK Research Council rates and fees paid. Applications from overseas students are also welcome, though additional fees are then payable (other funds may be available for this). Applicants should have a strong interest in experimental nanophysics. Their research will involve nanofabrication, single-electron transistors, low temperature physics, millimeter microwaves and quantum information processing.

M.J.Lea, V.Antonov                                                                 January 2005

Further information from Dr.V.Antonov (v.antonov@rhul.ac.uk) and
Professor M.J.Lea (m.lea@rhul.ac.uk).

Back