The coupling of electromagnetic fields to nanomechanical systems has ushered in the field of quantum optomechanics, in which vibrating objects can be studied and used at the level of their quantum zero-point motion. The authors fabricate a planar technology platform for integrating nanophotonic, nanomechanical, and superconducting microwave circuits. Joining these components could yield a quantum converter between the microwave and optical frequency domains, enabling long-range networks of superconducting qubits for quantum information processing.

Our article just appeared in Physical Review Applied:
https://journals.aps.org/prapplied/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevApplied.6.014013

Linking classical microwave electrical circuits to the optical telecommunication band is at the core of modern communication. Future quantum information networks will require coherent microwave-to-optical conversion to link electronic quantum processors and memories via low-loss optical telecommunication networks. Efficient conversion can be achieved with electro-optical modulators operating at the single microwave photon level.

In the current issue of Optica we present a comparably high bandwidth converter operating at room temperature:
https://www.osapublishing.org/optica/abstract.cfm?uri=optica-3-6-597

Excellent candidates who are interested in our research are encouraged to apply for the ISTfellow program. Our group is looking for researchers with experience in at least one of these areas: superconducting circuits, low temperature physics, electromechanics and micro- and nano-fabrication.

The next application deadline for the ISTfellow program is March 15th, 2016.

Shabir won the Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship to work on Quantum Teleportation and Quantum Illumination with Cavity Optomechanics. Congratulations!

Open PhD Positions
We are currently looking for motivated and creative students who are eager to get involved in cutting edge research. Candidates interested in quantum physics and engineering, with a strong background in physics, electrical engineering, or materials science (Bachelor’s or Master’s degree) are encouraged to send me an email and apply to the graduate school of IST Austria. Successful candidates have the opportunity to take part in the development of a new laboratory with state of the art research facilities. For some of our first students initial training may be at CalTech in Pasadena, CA.

Open PostDoc Positions
Candidates interested in superconducting circuits, electro- and opto-mechanics are invited to contact me via email. A strong background in one or more of the following areas is desirable: theory of quantum optical systems, FEM simulations and software programming, high bandwidth microwave measurements and signal processing, optical measurement techniques and testing, micro- and nanofabrication, ultra-low temperatures.