Photonic quantum computing demonstrator: Development of hardware solutions, operational protocols, performance characterization, and room-temperature quantum functionality for reproducible operation in a classroom and/or symposium environment
Integrated photonic technology enables computations with light on a chip, similar to how modern microchips perform computations with electrons. Even more remarkably, quantum photonic processors can operate at the fundamental quantum level of light, fueling rapid developments in photonic quantum computing. In our applied quantum photonics lab at Saxion, we explore key technologies that enable photonic quantum data processing and focus specifically on quantum integrated photonics.
We offer a (graduation) internship opportunity for bachelor and master students to finalize the development of a unique quantum computing demonstrator based on a programmable photonic chip, provided by our partner QuiX Quantum B.V. The ultimate goal is a benchtop quantum computing demonstrator fully operational in the quantum regime at room temperature.
Within this internship, you will learn the basics of quantum integrated photonics, single-photon generation and detection, and acquire hands-on experience with a quantum photonic processor through challenging but exciting tasks:
- Finalize system integration of the demonstrator, making it operational in a classroom or symposium environment; improve its reproducibility and transportability.
- Improve its user interface (either in LabVIEW or Python, or both) for convenient in-field use.
- Optimize and test its quantum performance (single-photon interference, the HOM effect), as well as extend its quantum functionality (for example, by realizing a quantum CNOT gate).
- Collect all the acquired practical knowledge, methodology, and recommendations for further developments in a concise report.
The internship will be conducted at the Saxion research group Applied Nanotechnology and the Quantum Talent and Learning Centre (within the Quantum Delta national program) in collaboration with consortium partners LioniX Int. and PhiX Photonics Assembly. As our quantum team is involved in many quantum initiatives, this internship allows you to get familiar with the regional and national quantum ecosystems and offers many networking opportunities.
Project duration:
Start: August 31, 2026 End: January 29, 2027
Internship or graduation project:
Graduation project or internship project
Educational programs:
- Applied Physics (TN)
- Electrical Engineering (ET)
Interested, please send your motivation letter and CV to appliednanotechnology.led@saxion.nl and include Dr. Dmytro Polishchuk (d.polishchuk@saxion.nl) in the CC.