Development of Single Cooper Pair Boxes for Quantum Computing and Photo-detection

About the role

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Description

Our effort is focused on studying artificial two level quantum systems based on mesoscopic superconducting devices dubbed Single Cooper Pair Boxes. The main objective of the work is to develop quantum bits for quantum computation as required by our funding agency. The same devices can be used for exquisite photo-detection with spectral resolution from sub millimeter wavelengths to X-Rays. We are currently developing a dispersive readout based on the quantum capacitance of the Single Cooper Pair Boxes. This involves measuring the phase of the reflected RF carrier which is modulated by the quantum capacitance. We use frequency multiplexing to read out two SCBs at the same time and are looking for signs of entanglement between the two quantum bits. Candidates working in this area would receive broad training in microfabrication, RF and low temperature techniques, including measurements in the milliKelvin range. We will be exploring the possibility of using the SCBs to read Cooper Pairs broken by radiation in a concept for a spectral resolving broadband high sensitivity detector with frequency multiplexing capabilities. This technology could fill a needed gap in JPL’s long-wavelength detector development effort by providing a detector that is both compatible with a multiplexed readout and that has enough sensitivity to be useful for medium-resolution spectroscopy from a cold space telescope, where NEP~2x10-20 is needed.

• Sample publications:

  • "Characterization of a Differential Radio-Frequency Single-Electron Transistor", J.F. Schneiderman, P. Delsing, M.D. Shaw, H.M. Bozler, and P.M. Echternach, APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS 88 (8): Art. No. 083506 FEB 20 2006

  • "Free Evolution of Superposition States in a Single Cooper Pair Box", A. Guillaume, J.F. Schneiderman, P. Delsing, H.M. Bozler and P.M. Echternach, PHYSICAL REVIEW B 69 (13): Art. No. 132504 APR 2004

Location

Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Pasadena, California

Field of Science

Technology Development

Advisors

Pierre Echternach
Pierre.M.Echternach@jpl.nasa.gov
818-393-3563

Qualifications

• Degree: Doctoral Degree.

• Eligibility: U.S. Citizens; U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR); Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status; and, Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status

Benefits

ORAU offers internships, fellowships, research opportunities, and contract positions that can provide you with invaluable experience. Download the ORAU Pathfinder mobile app and find the right opportunity to propel you along your career path!

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A

Contact Information

Please email npp@orau.org for questions about this opportunity.

Application Instructions

A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:

• Research proposal

• Three letters of recommendation

• Official doctoral transcript documents

Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements: How to Apply | NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org).