Master Thesis

Investigation of Molecules for Quantum Information on the Atomic Scale

Do you like to get first hand experience in the lab?

Do you like the interface between physics and chemistry?

Do you like to explore experimental nanoscience?

Are you looking for a Bachelor (or Master) thesis?

We explore in our group the nanometer-scale using so-called scanning tunneling microscopes (STM). These microscopes are able to image the nanoscale using a scanning tip. In the framework of this master thesis we plan to investigate novel molecules from several chemistry partners in Baden-Württemberg (See Fig. 1). Their properties are designed in a way to serve in quantum information processing, for instance as good quantum bits or qubits.

In the framework of the project you will work with a room temperature scanning tunneling microscope to pre-characterize the molecule evaporation and subsequently use a low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope operating at mK temperatures in order to investigate the properties of the molecules  (Fig. 2).

Within the thesis you will learn how to operate a scanning tunneling microscope, principles of ultrahigh vacuum work and cryogenics, principles of quantum information technologies, and extended data acquisition and experimental analysis thereof.

Please contact TTProf. Dr. Philip Willke, PHI (philip.willke@kit.edu) for further information and interest in the project.

For more information visit www.atomholics.de

Fig. 1., Image of a layer of FePc molecules on Ag(001) taken at 50 mK base temperature with a scanning tunneling microscope.

Fig. 2. Picture of the scanning tunneling microscope setups that we will use for this thesis. Left: Room-temperature setup, right: low-temperature STM.