Research Phase and Master’s Thesis in the M.Sc. Quantum Science & Technology

During the last year of the Master's program Quantum Science & Technology, you will have the opportunity to work on exciting research topics in the unique research of the Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology. During this so-called research phase, you can choose from an extensive number of research groups and current projects.

Young researchers at Max-Planck-Institute for Quantum Optics (MPQ). Photo: MCQST.

Research Phase

The structure of the research phase

The one-year research phase (60 ECTS) involves three modules. The first module, called Master’s seminar, is devoted to gathering the specialized knowledge needed for a cutting-edge line of research through a detailed study of the relevant research literature. The second module, called Master’s training, focuses on acquiring the technical skills, experimental and/or theoretical, needed for conducting the research project of the Master’s thesis. The first two modules form an intrinsic unit and together account for 30 ECTS. The Master’s thesis forms the third module and accounts for 30 ECTS. It involves completing an independent research project, submitting a written Master’s thesis, and orally defending it in a Master’s colloquium.

During the research phase, the completion of an independent scientific project also involves the acquisition of additional skills such as project management, team-work, and the presentation of scientific results.

Module	Description	Credits (CP)	PL/SL*
Master’s seminar	Literature research and specialization	15	S
Master’s training	Methodology and project planning	15	S
Master’s thesis		30	P
Sum		60

*: P="Prüfungsleistung", graded exam,
S="Studienleistung", non-graded exam (pass/fail)

Finding a topic

Students have to take contact by their own with the working groups and potential supervisors, in order to agree on a topic for the research phase/master thesis. Additionally to this, supervisors have the option to announce topics in the section below (supervisors see "Access for supervisors" on the right). However this possibility is not used by all institutes and not all topics are listed. Therefore it is recommended to ask the professors or in the institutes for topics.

Furthermore, it is recommended to start early (at least one semester in advance) to search for an appropriate topic. Having face-to-face interaction with the group, you can see if you like the topic and if you feel comfortable in the group (you will be working one year there!). We discourage you from simple e-mail exchange, as it is usually not successful.

Filtering in the offers for possible theses

You can search through the offers of Master’s thesis topics in our database.

Search for:

Offers of Master’s thesis topics

	Topic	Supervisor
	Characterization and fabrication of superconducting multi-qubit devices	Filipp
	Research group Technical Physics Description Superconducting quantum circuits form the basis of current quantum processing platforms that allow to run first algorithms. However, to make practical use of coherent quantum systems, there is considerable fundamental challenges ahead: overcoming decoherence of qubits caused by interactions with an uncontrolled environment, improving qubit control to avoid systematic errors, developing scalable multi-qubit architectures while maintaining high level of coherence, or the efficient generation of highly-entangled quantum states in quantum-classical hybrid schemes. In this project, we plan to design and fabricate high-coherence superconducting microwave circuits (qubits and couplers) that allow for multi-qubit operations and therefore enhance the connectivity of a quantum processor. The characterization of these circuits in a cryogenic microwave measurement setup is an integral part of the project. The master project also consists of fabrication of the circuits using state-of-the-art micro- and nanofabrication techniques.
	Durchstimmung der Amplitude des Spin-Hall-Magnetwiderstands	Gross
	Research group Technical Physics Description The exchange of spin angular momentum between the localized magnetic moments of a magnetically ordered insulator and the spin polarization of the conduction electrons in an adjacent metallic electrode with large spin-orbit coupling gives rise to interfacial spin mixing. This manifests itself as a characteristic angular dependence of the metal’s resistivity on the magnetization direction of the insulator’s magnetic sublattices, denoted as “spin Hall magnetoresistance (SMR)”. The effect was first observed in ferrimagnetic Y₃Fe₅O₁₂/Pt thin film heterostructures and recently also reported in antiferromagnetic NiO/Pt and α-Fe₂O₃/Pt. While the phase of the SMR oscillations is well understood and explained by theory, their amplitude, however, is still a matter of debate, since various extrinsic as well as intrinsic parameters play a crucial role. The goal of this master’s thesis is to study the correlation of the SMR amplitude to the density of magnetic ions and their spin magnetic moments in different magnetically ordered insulating oxides. We are looking for a master student interested in thin film technology for the fabrication and investigation of magnetic insulator/normal metal bilayer structures. The master project will provide a comprehensive introduction into laser molecular beam epitaxy (laser-MBE) as well as electron beam physical vapor deposition, high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry, photolithography, and angle-dependent magnetotransport measurements. Contact person Matthias Opel Stephan Geprägs
	Elektronenspindynamik in einer stark koppelnden Umgebung	Hübl
	Research group Technical Physics Description Modern quantum circuits allow to study strong light-matter interaction in a variety of systems. This so-called strong-coupling regime is key for many aspects of quantum information processing. This project focusses on strong coupling between a paramagnetic electron spin ensemble and a superconducting microwave resonator. Strong coupling is an established phenomenon in this system. However, many aspects regarding the dynamics of this coupled system as well as the non-linear response properties are not fully understood, yet, and we will address these aspects within this project. For this project, we will use superconducting microwave resonators based on NbTiN and spin paramagnetic spin ensembles of phosphorous donors and erbium centers in silicon. We are looking for a highly motivated master student joining this project. Within your thesis, you will address questions regarding the dynamic response of a strongly coupled system based on a paramagnetic spin ensemble and a microwave resonator. In this context, you will fabricate and optimize microwave resonators and operate them at cryogenic temperatures. In addition, you will use complex microwave pulses, to control the coupled system and experimentally investigate its dynamical response. Within the project, you will learn how to fabricate superconducting microwave resonators in our in-house cleanroom and how to synthesize microwave pulses using arbitrary waveform generators Contact person Rudolf Gross
	High frequency optomechanical devices for quantum optomechanics	Poot
	Research group Quantum Technologies Description The smaller a device is, the higher its resonance frequency becomes. For our future quantum optomechanics experiments we will be working with mechanical resonators that operate at GHz frequencies and simultaneously couple strongly to light. Using mechanical and optical band structure calculations, you will design, make, and measure phononic and photonic cavities. The project involves nanofabrication in the cleanroom, as well as using the extreme sensitivity offered by on-chip optomechanics. We are aiming for devices made from silicon nitride, which has a lot of tensile stress in it. For micromechanical structures this material gives much better mechanical properties compared to, for example, silicon devices. An important aspect of the project is to understand if this is also true for the high frequency devices.
	Kernspintomografie auf der Mikrometer-Skala (topic is not available any more)	Reinhard
	Research group Semiconductor Nanostructures and Quantum Systems Description Magnetic resonance imaging (NMR/MRI), is one of the most powerful techniques to record three-dimensional images of nearly arbitrary samples. Current devices, such as those found in hospitals, cannot record details smaller than 1mm. Our group aims to push MRI to a microscopy technique by improving its spatial resolution down to the sub-nm range, the scale of single atoms. This ambitious goal has recently become a realistic prospect by a new generation of quantum sensors for magnetic fields. They are based on the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) color defect in diamond and could detect fields as small as the NMR signal of a single molecule [1,2]. We are looking for a MSc student to develop a slightly different application: chip-scale NMR spectrometers for magnetic resonance imaging with a spatial resolution in the micrometer range. Techniques: * You will learn to fabricate microscale electromagnets in one of our clean rooms, and optimize our fabrication techniques for your project and others. * You will design and fabricate a sensor chip for nanoscale magnetic resonance imaging * You will redesign an existing microscope setup to apply strong magnetic fields and perform advanced imaging * You will perform experiments to record microscale MRI images. [1] T. Staudacher et al., Science 339, 561 (2013) [2] H.J. Mamin et al., Science 339, 557 (2013)
	Korrelationen in einem supraleitenden Bose-Hubbard-Dimer	Gross
	Research group Technical Physics Description Nonlinear superconducting quantum circuits are famous for quantum computing. In addition, they allow one to model artificial matter in a bottom-up approach in the laboratory. At WMI, we have recently implemented a Bose-Hubbard dimer with tunable on-site nonlinearity. Depending on your preferences and abilities, you can participate in measurements or numerical/analytical simulations on expected phase transitions. Keywords: Superconducting quantum circuits; Quantum simulation; Bose-Hubbard model Contact person Frank Deppe
	Magnetomechanik mit freischwebenden Nanostrukturen	Hübl
	Research group Technical Physics Description Nano-mechanical strings are archetypical harmonic oscillators and can be straightforwardly integrated with other nanoscale systems. For example, the field of nano-electromechanics studies the coupling of nano-strings to microwave circuits, which resulted in the creation of mechanical quantum states and concepts for microwave to optics conversion. Here, we plan to investigate an alternative hybrid system based on ferromagnetic nanostructures integrated with nano-strings or nano-mechanical platforms. These hybrid devices enable the design and the investigation of spin-phonon coupling down to the single excitation level and are expected to allow the investigation of the Einstein-de Haas on the nanoscale, where the angular momentum change arising from magnetization reversal is transferred into a mechanical vibration of the beam. In addition, these systems are key for the investigation of strong magnon-phonon coupling. We are looking for a motivated master student for a nano-mechanical master thesis in the context of magnon-phonon interaction. The goal of your project is to investigate the static and dynamic interplay between the mechanical and magnetic properties of a nano-mechanical system sharing an interface with a magnetic layer. In your thesis project you will fabricate freely suspended nanostructures based on silicon nitride or silicon and deposit on them ferromagnetic multi layers using state-of-the-art nano-lithography and metal deposition techniques. Further, you will probe the mechanical response of the nano-structures using optical interferometry while exciting the magnetization dynamics of the magnetic system Contact person Rudolf Gross
	Manipulation von Spinwellen mit durch Spin-Bahn-Koppling vermittelten Drehmomenten	Gross
	Research group Technical Physics Description The field of magnonics deals with exploiting the collective spin dynamics (spin waves) of magnetically ordered materials for computational purposes. Efficient and scalable schemes for controlling spin waves in thin film ferromagnets thus have large application relevance. The magnetic torques arising due to the spin-orbit interaction allow to control spin waves by electric currents and acoustic waves at GHz frequencies. We are particularly interested in a spatially-resolved study of the interaction of spin waves with acoustic and current-induced torques in nanopatterned devices with application potential for spintronics. We are looking for a talented and highly motivated master student who is interested in joining our spin dynamics project. During your thesis, you will use state-of-the-art nanolithography and thin film deposition tools to fabricate hybrid devices that allow for the interaction of spin waves with electrical currents and acoustic waves. You will study spin waves in these devices using optical and microwave spectroscopy methods Contact person Mathias Weiler
	Optomechanics with Single Photons	Poot
	Research group Quantum Technologies Description In optomechanics, light is used to measure and alter the dynamics of mechanical resonators. It is by far the most sensitive method to observe the tiny vibrations that nanomechanical devices perform: in one second one can determine their position with femtometer precision! Using light to measure the mechanics is not the only aspect of optomechanics. The same light can also be used to change the dynamics of the mechanical device through a process called cavity backaction. The photons exert a force on the resonator, the so-called radiation pressure. In this project we want to explore the ultimate limits to this force. The goal is to measure the force originating from a single photon! For this it is required that the photon interacts with the mechanical resonator as strongly as possible. For this we need to the design and make very low loss optical cavities, such as microring resonators. Also, the mechanical device should have a quality factor as high as possible. You will make both the optical and mechanical components from chips with highly-stressed silicon nitride using state-of-the-art nanofabrication in the cleanroom. Then the devices are placed in a vacuum chamber for their measurement. In our highly-automated setup you can very quickly characterize many of the devices on your chip. Then, with the perfect device parameters you can start to explore the more advanced measurements. Initially we can measure the devices in with pulsed light, but by using single photons we want to explore the ultimate limits to optomechanical forces. See http://www.groups.ph.tum.de/en/qtech/openings/ for a detailed description of this project.
	Oxidische Heterostrukturen für Experimente mit reinen Spinströmen	Gross
	Research group Technical Physics Description Pure spin currents are generated and/or detected via the spin Hall and inverse spin Hall effect in heavy metals. These two effects crucially depend on the magnitude of the spin-orbit interaction. The goal of this thesis is to investigate the spin Hall physics in oxide systems, where large spin orbit interaction is prevailing like in the transition metal oxides. In particular, the realization of epitaxial multilayers of a spin Hall active material and a magnetically ordered insulator are a major task of this research project. Such all-oxide epitaxial structures are of current interest to better understand the underlying physics of pure spin current transport in heterostructures. We are looking for an enthusiastic master student to work on this pure spin current physics related project. A crucial part of the thesis is the growth of oxide multilayers using laser-MBE under in-situ growth monitoring. The properties of these multilayers will then be investigated by structural, magnetic and magnetotransport techniques. As a next step, the tunability of relevant spin transport properties via the growth conditions will be analyzed Contact person Matthias Althammer Matthias Opel Stephan Geprägs
	Quanten-Illumination und -Sensorik mit Mikrowellen	Deppe
	Research group Technical Physics Description Quantum microwaves emitted by superconducting circuits can be used for distributed quantum computation or improved quantum illumination/radar. You will join the Quantum Flagship activities on the latter, working towards the demonstration of a quantum advantage in a laboratory setting. Keywords: Quantum microwaves, quantum communication, quantum illumination, quantum radar Contact person Rudolf Gross
	Quantenlimitierte Josephson Parametrische Verstärker für das Ku-Band	Gross
	Research group Technical Physics Description Josephson parametric amplifiers (JPAs) are key components in the broad and thriving area of quantum information processing with superconducting circuits. Nowadays, they allow for quantum-limited amplification of microwave signals at the frequencies of several GHz. Thereby, they enable efficient quantum state tomography of various systems and detection of extremely weak microwave signals. Extending these devices into the higher frequency range has many practical reasons such as potential improvement of JPA amplification properties. Additionally, there is a big interest in high-frequency JPAs in dark matter axion search experiments, where quantum-limited sensitivity is the key at the frequencies between 10 to 100 GHz corresponding to the axion mass. In this project, we plan to develop and fabricate flux-driven superconducting JPA designs applicable for the Ku-band frequencies. We will investigate the impact of quasiparticle and surface losses on amplification properties in the proposed frequency range. Finally, we intend to characterize and optimize gain and noise properties of the newly developed JPAs. The master project consists of designing superconducting Josephson parametric amplifiers, fabricating the latter with electron beam lithography and aluminum shadow evaporation techniques, and performing cryogenic microwave measurements. Contact person Kirill Fedorov
	Quantum Optics on a Chip	Poot
	Research group Quantum Technologies Description Quantum optics is an extremely powerful approach towards quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum computing. In particular, quantum information stored in photons has very low decoherence and can be transmitted over large distances through optical fibers. To date, most experiments in quantum optics use optical tables full with mirrors and beam splitters that all have to be carefully aligned and stabilized. This may be good enough for initial demonstrations, but in order to bring quantum science into the realm of quantum technology, a more scalable approach is required. With our expertise in making photonic chips using advanced nanofabrication, we are making putting these exciting quantum optics experiments on chips. Here, light is routed via optical waveguides. Furthermore, by bending a waveguide, one gets the equivalent of a free-space mirror; a beam splitter cube becomes a directional coupler and so on. By combining these elements, we can make the building block for e.g. an optical quantum computer. With that, the possibilities are almost unlimited. For such large-scale optical quantum circuits we also want to incorporate single-photon sources, superconducting single-photon detectors, and optomechanical phase shifters. This all happens on a single chip. Making and characterizing the components is the first step and from there on, you are making more and more complex quantum chips. You will be doing the nanofabrication in the cleanroom, and then use our optical measurement setups to see how each device is performing. Depending on your preference, it may also be possible to add a modelling component to the project. See http://www.groups.ph.tum.de/en/qtech/openings/ for a detailed description of this project.
	Spintransport in Supraleiter/Ferromagnet-Heterostrukturen	Gross
	Research group Technical Physics Description The combination of ferromagnetic and superconducting materials leads to intriguing proximity effects at the interface of the two materials. The goal of this thesis is to investigate the spin transport of superconductor/ferromagnet interfaces and model the obtained results in the framework of proximity effects. To this end, we will use broadband ferromagnetic resonance and magnetoresistance effects to inject a spin current into the superconductor. This requires investigations at low temperatures around the critical temperature of the superconductor in large magnetic fields. For the superconductor/ferromagnet magnetoresistance effects, the magnetic field orientation dependence and its influence on the Andreev reflection contribution is the focus of this study. We are looking for a talented master student to investigate spin transport in superconductor/ferromagnet heterostructures. The thesis deals with the fabrication of these heterostructures using our new UHV sputtering system and structuring of the blanket films with optical and electron beam lithography. In addition, characterization of theses heterostructures at low temperatures will be conducted in superconducting magnet cryostats. Here, high frequency spin dynamics as well magnetotransport studies will be conducted Contact person Matthias Althammer
	Steuerung des Magnonentransports	Gross
	Research group Technical Physics Description Magnon transport in magnetic insulators has similarities and differences compared to the familiar transport properties of their charge counterparts. For example, diffusive transport is a shared feature, while the obvious difference is that charges are a conserved quantity and magnons are excitations decaying with a characteristic lifetime. The aim of this thesis is to obtain a better understanding how to control the magnon transport in magnetic insulators (e.g. yttrium iron garnet). In particular, we plan to focus on heat driven magnon transport properties as well as the control of the magnon conductance by electrical means. Interesting transport observables in this context will be magnon resistivity as well as the investigation of magnon correlation length. We are looking for a master student interested in magnon transport experiments. In order to answer questions regarding magnon transport in magnetic insulators, your thesis will contain aspects of the fabrication of nano-scale devices using electron beam lithography as well as ultra-sensitive low-noise electronic measurements in a cryogenic environment Contact person Matthias Althammer
	Strong electrostatic effects in optomechanical devices	Poot
	Research group Quantum Technologies Description Optomechanics provides extremely sensitive methods to measure the displacement of mechanical resonators. However, the forces are much smaller in optomechanics compared to those in nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). The goal of the project is to make, and measure opto-electromechanical devices which have strong electrostatic interactions. This includes the electrostatic spring effect where the resonance frequency depends strongly on the applied voltage. The next step is trying to measure the potential by measuring the ringdown of different mechanical modes. The devices will be made using advanced nanofabrication techniques such as electron beam lithography and reactive ion etching. See http://www.groups.ph.tum.de/en/qtech/openings/ for a detailed description of this project.
	Topologische magnetische Phasen in Dünnschicht-Heterostrukturen	Gross
	Research group Technical Physics Description The broken inversion symmetry at the interface of thin film ferromagnets and normal metals with strong spin-orbit coupling can give rise to chiral magnetic order. These chiral magnetic materials show exotic magnetic properties such as a skyrmion lattice phase and have strong application potential for future spintronic devices. For these applications, a detailed understanding of the magnetization dynamics in these materials is required. The goal of this master thesis is to fabricate such thin film multilayer structures using sputter deposition techniques and analyze their dynamic magnetic properties using broadband ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy. We are looking for a highly motivated master student to carry out these experiments on interfacial effects in metallic multilayers. In this thesis you will work on the fabrication of these multilayer structures using UHV sputter deposition systems and subsequently determine their magnetic properties using broadband ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy and SQUID magnetometry Contact person Mathias Weiler Matthias Althammer
	Verbesserter Herstellungsprozess für supraleitende Quantenbits (topic is not available any more)	Gross
	Research group Technical Physics Description Nonlinear superconducting quantum circuits, especially the transmon qubits, are famous for quantum computing. Nevertheless, their fabrication is demanding and has to be improved continually. Your task will be to join the efforts to improve the WMI qubit process on cleanroom fabrication and measurements. Keywords: Superconducting quantum circuits; quantum computing Contact person Frank Deppe Yuki Nojiri
	Vermessung der optischen Eigenschaften des PEN-Szintillatormaterials für LEGEND200	Majorovits
	Research group Max-Planck-Institute for Physics / Werner-Heisenberg-Institute (MPP) Description PEN ist ein industriell hergestelltes Plastikmaterial, das das Interesse als Szintillator für Experimente der Teilchenphysik auf sich gezogen hat. PEN szintilliert im blauen Regime, ideal für viele Photosensoren. Zusätzlich hat PEN exzellente mechanische Eigenschaften. Ausserdem konnte eine sehr extrem niedrige Belastung surch natürliche Radiositope nachgewiesen werden. Dies macht PEN als strukturelles, szintillierendes Material für Experimente zur Suche nach extrem seltenen Ereignissen interessant. In diesem Zusammenhang wurden PEN Platten für das LEGEND200 Experiment zur Suche nach neutrinolosem Doppelbetazerfall hergestellt. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit sollen die optischen Eigenschaften diser Platten vermessen werden. Es sollen verschiedene PEN Samples mit einem existierenden Messaufbau auf Emissions- und Absorbtionsspektrum, sowie Lichtausbeute und Attenuierungslänge untersucht werden. PEN is an industrial plastic that has drawn the interest as a new type of plastic scintillator material. PEN scintillates in the blue regime, which is ideal for most photosensor devices. In addition, PEN has excellent mechanical properties and very good radiopurity has been achieved, which makes it an ideal candidate as an active structural scintillator material in low-background physics experiments. In this context, PEN plates have been produced for use in the LEGEND200 experiment for the search of neutrinoless double beta decay. The goal of this thesis will be the measurement of the main optical properties of PEN. The emission and absorption spectrum, attenuation length, and light output will be measured for several PEN samples using existing setups.

Registration for the research phase

Registration for all three modules of the research phase is done simultaneously in the Dean's Office (Dekanat) of TUM Physics, usually at the beginning of the third Master’s semester. Registration requires a signed certificate of mentor counseling. After agreeing on a topic with the future supervisor, students can print out the registration form from the student access website.

After six months the Master’s thesis should begin. Passing the Master's seminar and the Master's training will be recorded in TUMonline and you are officially alowed to start the thesis.

Submitting the thesis, obtaining a grade

Before submitting the Master’s thesis, you must enter its final titel in the database (student access) and upload an electronic copy (PDF-file). Subsequently, you have to submit two printed versions in the Dean's Office (Dekanat). You have to hand in the thesis at the latest on the deadline, please keep this on mind.

Extension of the deadline is only possible only for good reasons. See FAQ on Thesis extension.

The Master's thesis will be evaluated by the supervisor and a second examiner. The second examiner is appointed by the examination board on suggestion of the supervisor (after the official registration of the Master’s thesis).

The supervisor and the second examiner will also attend and assign a grade for the Master’s colloquium, which completes the research phase.

Re-enrollment during the research phase

To participate in any examination, you have to be enrolled as a student of TUM. Therefore, if you submit your Master’s thesis or give your Master’s colloquium after the end of the fourth semester, you have to re-enroll for one more semester.

For example, if the due date for your thesis or the scheduled date for your colloquium is in October, you should not forget to re-enroll for the winter semester. The regular deadline for re-enrollment in WS is August 15.

The Master’s colloquium

The advisor for the research project organizes the Master’s colloquium and grades it together with the second examiner. The Master’s colloquium takes approximately 60 minutes, consisting of an oral presentation and an examination of 30 minutes each. Naturally, the Master’s colloquium may be conducted in the context of a group seminar.

Completing your Master’s studies

At the end of the semester in which you reached the required 120 ECTS in your QST Master’s program and passed all required exams, you will be exmatriculated (according to §13(1) enrolment rules of TUM). In most cases, the Master’s colloquium will be the last exam to be completed to reach this point.

Taking further exams and final documents

In principle, you may take further exams after reaching the 120 ECTS, i. e., to improve your grades with different elective courses. For this reason, the final documents can generally not be generated before the date of your exmatriculation. In case you do need the final documents (or even preliminary documents) earlier, you have to request them explicitly. See the Remarks on end of studies and final documents for further information.

Computation of the final grade

The final grade is the ECTS-weighted average of all graded exams.

Module	CP	~%
PH1009 QST Theory	10	12,5
PH1010 QST Experiment	10	12,5
Fokus area	30	37,5
Master’s Thesis	30	37,5
Summe	80	100