Industrially Co-Supervised Projects

Experimental Projects

UQU2601: Demonstrating quantum computing operation within a multi-module microwave based trapped-ion quantum compute

• Location: Universal Quantum
• Employer Supervisor: Winfried Hensinger
• UCL Supervisor: TBC

We successfully demonstrated the operation of a two-module trapped-ion quantum computer achieving world records in both speed of connecting quantum computing modules and the error in establishing such connections. Indeed, the specifications are already sufficient for fault-tolerant operation. Tiling many such quantum computing chips within a two-dimensional plane would allow the construction of a quantum computer with arbitrarily many qubits. As part of this project, you will work towards executing and characterizing key operations on our two-module trapped-ion quantum computer. This may include syndrome measurements distributed across multiple quantum computing modules which are composed of a series of ion transport operations, the execution of quantum gates as well as detection and feed-forward to realize quantum error correction across multiple modules. Making use of different quantum computer prototypes you may also work on improving the quality and speed of individual operations such as developing ultra-fast entanglement gates and ion transport operations.

We are looking for:

Student with aptitude for an experimental project with a first class degree in physics or engineering.

UQU2602: Developing a fully error-corrected microwave trapped-ion quantum computer

• Location: Universal Quantum
• Employer Supervisor: Winfried Hensinger
• UCL Supervisor: TBC

Microwave trapped ion quantum computing is a very powerful approach enabling scaling quantum computing to large system sizes capable of solving important industry problems. You will work towards implementing quantum error correction within a trapped-ion quantum computer. Your work will include the implementation of ultrafast ion transport operations, developing quantum gates featuring extremely small errors, explore new gate mechanism that do not require ground state cooling, the implementation of sympathetic cooling and implementation of a feed-forward to execute practical quantum error correction. Your PhD project will include many of the critical technologies that are required to construct practical quantum computers at scale. Adding these ingredients together for the practical implementation of a logical qubit will enable you to understand the merit and quantify of individual performance improvements at the level of quantum algorithm execution. You will learn a wide variety of skills.

We are looking for:

Student with aptitude for an experimental project with a first class degree in physics or engineering.

QMO2601: Spin qubit shuttling in industry-grade silicon-based quantum processors

• Location: Quantum Motion Technologies
• Employer Supervisor: Dr Ross Leon
• UCL Supervisor: Prof John Morton

Industrial CMOS devices excel at moving charges, for example in CCD camera arrays, however, quantum computing architectures require such shuttling to operate at the level of single electrons, and furthermore, to preserve the electron spin. This PhD project will focus on one of the key elements of a scalable quantum processor: spin shuttling modules to coherent transport spin within quantum processing units. The student will work towards demonstrating coherent spin shuttling over long distances, taking advantage of advanced industrial devices fabricated using 300mm wafer processing.

Quantum computers promise to solve computational problems intractable for classical machines. Silicon-based spin qubit approaches to building a scalable quantum processor offer advantages such as high qubit density, record qubit coherence lifetimes for the solid state, and the ability to leverage the advanced nanofabrication methods of CMOS technologies. A core ingredient which has emerged within fault tolerant quantum computing architectures is the ability to move qubits through arrays, for which fast, high fidelity shuttling is required.

In this PhD project, you will use industrially manufactured silicon quantum devices in isotopically enriched silicon on 300 mm wafers to perform long-range spin shuttling in a silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor nanostructure. The project will focus on (i) demonstrating spin shuttling in MOS devices, and (ii) developing methods to optimise the fidelity and speed of the shuttle. You will have opportunities to learn about advanced nanofabrication techniques, fast readout and coherent control of qubits all performed at millikelvin temperatures, and gain experience of working within an industrial R&D lab at Quantum Motion.

We are looking for:

• Minimum 2.1 (or equivalent) Master’s degree in the fields of Physics or Electrical Engineering or closely related discipline studied to master’s level
• Particular experience of relevance will depend on the direction the student would like to take in the PhD project – understanding and/or experience in at least one of the following topics would be beneficial: quantum computing, measuring quantum devices, cryogenic measurements, analogue circuit design, machine learning, microwave engineering
• Experience of working in a laboratory environment
• Demonstrated ability to perform experiments, data analysis and preparation of technical reports and presentations              
• Knowledge of scripted data acquisition software, such as Python or MATLAB                                                
• Excellent communication skills and demonstrated experience of working collaboratively in a team environment

TSO2601: High-performance entangled photon sources from telecom quantum dots

• Location: Toshiba Europe Limited
• Employer Supervisor: Andrea Barbiero
• UCL Supervisor: TBC

The efficient generation and distribution of entanglement are fundamental requirements for the advancement of quantum information processing and quantum networking. To enable seamless integration with existing optical fibre infrastructure, these systems must operate at telecom wavelengths, where photon loss is minimal and long-distance quantum communication becomes feasible.

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as one of the most promising solid-state platforms for the generation of entangled photons. Their discrete energy levels, compatibility with advanced semiconductor nanofabrication, and potential for on-chip integration make them ideally suited for scalable quantum photonic technologies. However, several challenges remain: these include fine-structure splitting, which limits entanglement fidelity; charge noise and dephasing, which degrade photon indistinguishability; and inefficient coupling of QD emission into optical fibres or integrated photonic devices.

This project aims to address these challenges through nanophotonic engineering and advanced optical excitation schemes, developing scalable entangled photon sources suitable for quantum networking applications. The project will be conducted within the Quantum Information Group at Toshiba Europe Limited in Cambridge, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of quantum optics, nanofabrication, and quantum communication. The student will work in a highly collaborative environment with day-to-day laboratory supervision and opportunities to engage with academic and industrial partners.

We are looking for:

We are seeking passionate applicants holding (or expecting to receive) a first-class or upper second-class degree in Physics, Electronic Engineering, or a similar subject. A background in optics, semiconductor physics, or quantum physics is preferable. Candidates should demonstrate familiarity with a programming language for data analysis (e.g. MATLAB or Python) and the desire to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team. This project entails on-site experimental work.

Non-experimental Projects

QND2601: Efficient fault-tolerant quantum computing for Quandela’s spin-optical architecture

• Location: Quandela
• Employer Supervisor: Boris Bourdoncle and Aurélie Denys
• UCL Supervisor: Dan Browne

Quandela is a quantum computing company based in the region of Paris developing a spin-optical quantum computing (SPOQC) platform based on quantum dots. It combines matter qubits – the spins of the quantum dots – and flying qubits – the photons emitted by the quantum dots. The long-range connectivity enabled by photonic interconnects makes it a versatile architecture for scalable fault-tolerant quantum computing. The FTQC team of Quandela focuses on developing, simulating and optimising techniques to make the SPOQC architecture as resource-efficient as possible across the complete FTQC stack: high-rate encoding, low-overhead logical gates, fast and accurate decoders. Because the platform is particularly well-suited to performing parity measurements, it is naturally adapted to implementing Floquet codes, a dynamic form of error correction that leverages periodic stabiliser measurements. The PhD project will therefore focus on developing efficient fault-tolerant techniques for implementing Floquet codes on the SPOQC architecture. 

We are looking for:

A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematics, with a specialization in quantum information science and courses in quantum error correction and/or fault-tolerant quantum computing. Experience with quantum error correction simulation tools (e.g., Stim) is desirable. Strong problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. A genuine motivation to advance practical implementation of quantum error correction and willingness to spend time in both London and Paris are essential.

QND2602: Energetic of spin-optical quantum computers

• Location: Quandela
• Employer Supervisor: Pierre-Emmanuel Emeriau and Ariane Soret
• UCL Supervisor: Marzena Szymanska

Quantum computers based on photons offer a powerful and sustainable way to process information. In platforms like Quandela’s, information is stored in the spins of semiconductor quantum dots and processed using single photons emitted by these dots. This PhD will investigate how much energy is fundamentally required to generate, manipulate, and correct errors in such quantum systems. The project bridges two worlds: the microscopic physics of quantum dots, described by master equations, and the higher-level engineering of quantum error correction. By linking the energetic cost of each physical operation to the overall reliability of quantum computations, this research aims to uncover strategies for building more energy-efficient and scalable photonic quantum computers.

We are looking for:

We are looking for a motivated student with a strong background in quantum physics and/or quantum information. The ideal candidate should be proficient in programming (preferably Python) and familiar with theoretical modeling tools such as master equations for open quantum systems. A solid understanding of quantum computing principles is required, and prior exposure to quantum error correction or quantum algorithms will be considered a strong asset. The candidate should be curious, rigorous, and eager to work at the interface between quantum device physics and quantum information theory.

QMO2601: Developing microscopically informed qubit-level noise models in silicon

• Location: Quantum Motion Technologies
• Employer Supervisor: Dr James Williams
• UCL Supervisor: Prof Andrew Fisher

This project offers the chance to work collaboratively between the UCL Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Computation and Communication and Quantum Motion Technologies, one of the leading companies in the rapidly developing field of silicon-based quantum computing. The company is aiming to exploit the existing global infrastructure for the engineering and production of silicon chips to scale up quantum computers to practically useful devices over the coming decade and recently installed the world’s first full-stack silicon-based quantum computer at the UK National Quantum Computing Centre.

The project would involve furthering the detailed understanding of the quantum behaviour of electrons in silicon quantum dots and incorporating it into models of the noise on the qubits of the quantum processor. These models can then be taken up by the company’s Architectures team and used to understand the dynamics and error correction within the whole processor at a systems level. This will involve mastering the various approaches to the theory of open quantum systems and identifying the one most appropriate for the effective description of the noise experienced by the electron.

Overall, the project provides a unique training opportunity combining cutting-edge semiconductor physics, open quantum systems and quantum error correction.

We are looking for:

• Strong academic background in the fields of Physics or Electrical Engineering (Minimum 2.1, or equivalent, Master’s degree), or closely related discipline studied to master’s level
• Competence in mathematics for physics and analytic techniques with modules in theoretical physics an advantage
• Understanding of the physics of semiconductors and spins
• Numerical skills in programming
• Concepts related to machine learning and optimisation may be useful and a prior experience here could be valuable
• Demonstrated ability to perform data analysis and preparation of technical reports and presentations                                                                      
• Proficiency in Python and/or C/C++
• Knowledge of scripted data acquisition software, such as Matlab
• Demonstrated understanding of software best practices, including unit and integration testing
• Excellent communication skills and demonstrated experience of working collaboratively in a team environment