Postdoctoral Appointee - Superconducting Devices at Argonne… · Lemont

Summary: Argonne National Laboratory invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in experimental physics and superconducting device development. The role focuses on advancing multipixel single-photon camera technology and multiplexed readout for quantum information science applications, contributing to the design, fabrication, and characterization of superconducting devices. Responsibilities: - Design and fabricate superconducting devices exploiting the nonlinear kinetic inductance of thin superconducting films, including microwave resonators for frequency-domain multiplexed readout of single photon detectors (kinetic inductance current sensors) - Develop and characterize superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) using high kinetic inductance materials such as NbN, TiN, and NbTiN, targeting high detection efficiency from visible to telecom wavelengths - Implement and test scalable readout architectures for nanowire arrays, including multiplexing concepts based on superconducting cryogenic switches (hTron, fTron) - Perform low-noise cryogenic measurements of device performance, including timing jitter, dark count rate, detection efficiency, and resonator quality factors - Iterate rapidly on fabrication processes and readout circuit designs informed by device characterization and electromagnetic simulations - Contribute to the development of complete instrument systems for characterization of solid-state single-photon emitters, including photon correlation and spectroscopy measurements Required Qualifications: - Recent or soon-to-be-completed PhD (within the last 0-5 years) in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related discipline - Demonstrated experience with superconducting devices or similar quantum/low-temperature technologies, particularly design, fabrication, and/or measurement - Proficiency in low-noise cryogenic measurement techniques at millikelvin to few-kelvin temperatures - Ability to model Argonne's core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), transition-edge sensors (TESs), or kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) - Experience with cleanroom microfabrication processes, including thin-film deposition (e.g., magnetron sputtering), electron-beam or optical lithography, and dry/wet etching - Familiarity with microwave resonator design, characterization, and RF/microwave measurement techniques - Electromagnetic simulation experience (e.g., Sonnet, Ansys HFSS/Lumerical, or similar tools) - Experience with data acquisition, instrument control, and data analysis in Python or similar languages - Knowledge of quantum optics measurements such as photon correlation functions or photon-number-resolved detection - Familiarity with aspects of condensed matter and BCS superconductivity theory applicable to high kinetic inductance superconducting materials Required Skills: Superconducting device design, Superconducting device fabrication, Superconducting device measurement, Low-noise cryogenic measurement techniques, Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs), Transition-edge sensors (TESs), Kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs), Cleanroom microfabrication, Thin-film deposition, Electron-beam lithography, Optical lithography, Dry etching, Wet etching, Microwave resonator design, RF/microwave measurement techniques, Electromagnetic simulation, Python programming, Quantum optics measurements, Condensed matter physics, BCS superconductivity theory, Respect Benefits: Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.