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

For this program, the Examination Board has created a list of possible thesis supervisors; they are listed below. To find a topic, please contact the possible thesis supervisors yourself.

The thesis supervisors have the possibility to advertise topics (supervisors see "Access for supervisors" on the right). However, not all possible topics are advertised here, so it is advisable to ask the thesis supervisors directly

Furthermore, it is advisable to start searching for a suitable topic early, about one semester in advance. In a personal interview, you can quickly see whether a topic appeals to you and whether you feel comfortable in the group. We discourage you from simple e-mail exchange, as it is usually not successful.

Who can be my supervisor?

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
	Adaptive optics for precision control of optical qubits	Bloch
	Research group LMU Munich Description We are looking for a highly motivated Masters student who would help us to bring our spatial light modulator systems to the next level. We have an unusual application that requires top-notch control over both intensity and phase of individual optical tweezers used to drive the strontium optical qubit. We have done promising initial work for low numerical aperture and are looking for someone to extend our techniques to high-resolution microscope objectives. Working on this novel optical addressing system will teach you about state-of-the-art optical microscopy, coherent and white-light interferometry, as well as ultrastable lasers. This Masters project is open-ended in that depending on how far you get, you will build your adaptive optics setup into our experiment and start performing precision laser spectroscopy on the strontium optical qubit with high spatial resolution. You will join an international team of highly-motivated researchers from the Bachelor to the Postdoc level. This 12-month experimental Masters project will give you a full overview over the skills required to succeed in any experimental atomic physics laboratory worldwide. Please have a look at the previous Masters theses on our website (https://ultracold.sr/) to get a feeling for the breadth and depth of knowledge that you will develop. Contact person: Sebastian Blatt sebastian.blatt@mpq.mpg.de Immanuel Bloch immanuel.bloch@mpq.mpg.de
	Entanglement of two nuclear spins	Brandt
	Research group Experimental Semiconductor Physics Description Quantum 2.0 is often used to characterize quantum technologies based on entanglement. Unfortunately, there are scarcely few Fortgeschrittenenpraktrikumsversuche (FoPra) or Advanced Practical Training units (APT) which demonstrate entanglement. In this thesis, you will build such an experiment based on NV centers in diamond, entangling nuclear spins at room temperature. You will learn color center physics, optics, microwave engineering and state tomography to manipulate and read out the state of single electron and nuclear spins and to generate and quantify, yes, entanglement. The thesis should be an ideal combination of basic physics, some hardware work and software engineering, including the development of a GUI. (The thesis is subject to approval of the corresponding funds, which hopefully takes place in September.)
	FermiQP: Lithium MOT and Optical Transport	Bloch
	Research group LMU Munich Description We are starting a new project on building a next generation Fermion Quantum Processor, FermiQP. The project aims at realizing a scalable hybrid platform for analogue quantum simulation and digital quantum computing. The new architecture will create advantages that no other platform can offer, first and foremost the possibility of using a quantum machine in two fundamentally different operating modes: An analogue mode, in which a quantum advantage is expected in the short term for specific questions in the field of quantum materials, as well as a digital mode, in which the processor is universally programmable. The new machine will operate on ultracold fermionic lithium atoms in optical lattices and build on the recent successes in single atom resolved manipulation and readout in quantum gas microscopes. More information about FermiQP is available at https://www.mpq.mpg.de/6547261/fermiqp The backbone of the FermiQP architecture is a machine to produce clouds of ultracold atoms at high repetition rates. Within this project, a student will design and build the core of a new setup for ultracold lithium. First, the student will set up and characterize a magneto-optical trap (MOT). Second, the student will implement an optical transport system that can move a cold cloud of atoms between different sections of the vacuum chamber. The student will learn how to work with ultrahigh vacuum systems, magnetic field coils and high-power lasers.
	FermiQP: Qubit coherence and manipulation	Bloch
	Research group LMU Munich Description We are starting a new project on building a next generation Fermion Quantum Processor, FermiQP. The project aims at realizing a scalable hybrid platform for analogue quantum simulation and digital quantum computing. The new architecture will create advantages that no other platform can offer, first and foremost the possibility of using a quantum machine in two fundamentally different operating modes: An analogue mode, in which a quantum advantage is expected in the short term for specific questions in the field of quantum materials, as well as a digital mode, in which the processor is universally programmable. The new machine will operate on ultracold fermionic lithium atoms in optical lattices and build on the recent successes in single atom resolved manipulation and readout in quantum gas microscopes. More information about FermiQP is available at https://www.mpq.mpg.de/6547261/fermiqp Within FermiQP, quantum information will be encoded in the hyperfine spin states of lithium atoms. To guarantee long coherence times, extremely stable magnetic fields of up to 700 G will be needed. At the same time, high Rabi rates in the radio frequency and microwave domain are required to achieve high-fidelity single-qubit rotation. This project will develop the sensors, feedback and control electronics to realize stable magnetic fields at the ppm level as well as radio frequency and microwave systems to drive single-qubit rotations. The student will learn how to design, build, and characterize high-power DC and RF electronics and incorporate their setup in a quantum gas machine at the forefront of quantum science.
	High-flux atomic source for quantum simulators and optical lattice clocks	Bloch
	Research group LMU Munich Description We are looking for a highly motivated Masters student who would would work on a next-generation strontium atomic beam source. This source will allow us to reduce the cycle time of our quantum simulation and atomic clock experiments, to dramatically improve the signal-to-noise of all of our experimental results. Working on this next-generation source will teach you about precision mechanical design, ultrahigh vacuum technology, how to build and stabilize diode lasers, and you will do hands-on work on laser cooling and spectroscopy of atomic beams. This Masters project is open-ended in that depending on how far you get, you will integrate your source into our experiment and go on from there. You will join an international team of highly-motivated researchers from the Bachelor to the Postdoc level. This 12-month experimental Masters project will give you a full overview over the skills required to succeed in any experimental atomic physics laboratory worldwide. Please have a look at the previous Masters theses on our website (https://ultracold.sr/) to get a feeling for the breadth and depth of knowledge that you will develop. For this project, especially check out the Masters theses of Etienne Staub and Eva Casotti. Contact persons: Sebastian Blatt sebastian.blatt@mpq.mpg.de Immanuel Bloch immanuel.bloch@mpq.mpg.de
	High-frequency microwave structures for quantum sensing	Brandt
	Research group Experimental Semiconductor Physics Description Manipulating spin states with microwave fields is at the heart of quantum technology. For quantum sensing applications, the nitrogen vacancy (NV) center in diamond has demonstrated unmatched capabilities to measure magnetic fields on the nanoscale. The applications of such unprecedented magnetic field sensors range from probing quantum materials to single-cell NMR microscopy. All sensing schemes developed rely on microwave pulses to manipulate the spin state of the NV center. However, in current magnetometers, only rather rudimentary methods to deliver the microwave are used, often limiting the power or the spectral range of the microwaves available at the NV center position. Further challenges include the limited space for instance when integrating magnetometers with microfluidics or cryostats. In this thesis, microwave structures in the frequency range from 2-12 GHz shall be designed, addressing these issues by developing innovative antennae and resonators which allow homogeneous high-power and broadband or tunable microwave delivery. You will use state-of the-art simulation software for the design of the systems, build selected structures and test them in a variety of magnetometer applications. Doing this, you will learn the fundamentals of the newest quantum sensing techniques and how to incorporate your designs into the most advanced magnetometers. The thesis will be co-supervised by Dominik Bucher from the Chemistry Department and Martin Brandt from the Schottky Institut (both at TUM) and will be conducted in close collaboration with a local company.
	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.
	Laser systems for quantum computing with Rydberg atoms	Bloch
	Research group LMU Munich Description Arrays of single atoms trapped in optical microtraps are among the promising platforms to realize analog and digital quantum computers and quantum simulators. Manipulation, trapping and detection of the qubits requires special-purpose laser systems at various wavelengths reaching from the ultraviolet into the infrared spectral range. Within your project, you will design, construct and benchmark such a laser system with the goal to implement it in our neutral-atom quantum computing platform. You will acquire deep knowledge on the technological and physical basis of neutral-atom quantum processors. Specifically, you will learn about cw laser technology, laser-frequency stabilization, optics, optomechanics, fast feedback electronics, as well as atomic physics. You should bring the motivation and drive to tackle challenging problems and come up with creative technical and physical solutions. In return, you will enjoy being part of a highly motivated team in a dynamically evolving field of research at the intersection between atomic physics, condensed matter physics and quantum information. More information can be found on our websites: https://www.quantum-munich.de/238106/Strontium-Rydberg-lab https://www.quantum-munich.de/career
	Magnetic noise in superconducting quantum processors	Brandt
	Research group Experimental Semiconductor Physics Description A possible source of decoherence in superconducting qubits can be paramagnetic states which, however, are notoriously difficult to detect. We will use spin-dependent recombination and tunneling, highly sensitive methods to detect such states, to microscopically identify the dangling bonds present in state-of-the-art quantum processors and provide feedback to minimize their concentration during the different fabrication steps. We will further combine magnetic resonance experiments with capacitance-voltage characterization to obtain an understanding of the energetic position of the defects in the bandgap of the Si substrate. You will learn and expand advanced semiconductor characterization and electron spin resonance techniques and apply them to a problem of surprisingly high relevance for quantum computing.
	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.
	Quantum Gas Assembler: Dynamically tunable optical traps	Bloch
	Research group LMU Munich Description Ultracold quantum gases in optical lattices are complex quantum systems with strong similarities to many iconic condensed matter models. At the same time, they can be imaged and manipulated on the single-particle level, providing an exceptional arena for the experimental study of new phenomena in quantum many-body physics. Traditionally, quantum gases are prepared by evaporation of thousands of atoms that are slowly loaded into optical lattices. This approach provides the lowest temperatures to date, but it is also limited to certain types of states, and most importantly, it is only compatible with long cycle times and low data rates. We are starting a new project based on ultracold lithium that will assemble quantum gases from individually cooled atoms, such that arbitrary initial states can be prepared at much higher data rates. This will open the door to new statistical analyses and correlation measures. In this project, a Masters student will design and construct the optical system for dynamically tunable dipole traps. The project entails setting up high-power lasers and tunable lens system to realize a versatile trap setup at the heart of the new apparatus. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with the PhD students on the project and the PI (Philipp Preiss). Contact Person: Philipp Preiss preiss@physi.uni-heidelberg.de Immanuel Bloch immanuel.bloch@mpq.mpg.de
	Quantum Gas Assembler: Ultracold Lithium	Bloch
	Research group LMU Munich Description Ultracold quantum gases in optical lattices are complex quantum systems with strong similarities to many iconic condensed matter models. At the same time, they can be imaged and manipulated on the single-particle level, providing an exceptional arena for the experimental study of new phenomena in quantum many-body physics. Traditionally, quantum gases are prepared by evaporation of thousands of atoms that are slowly loaded into optical lattices. This approach provides the lowest temperatures to date, but it is also limited to certain types of states, and most importantly, it is only compatible with long cycle times and low data rates. We are starting a new project based on ultracold lithium that will assemble quantum gases from individually cooled atoms, such that arbitrary initial states can be prepared at much higher data rates. This will open the door to new statistical analyses and correlation measures. In this project, a Masters student will design and realize the experimental apparatus to prepare ultracold clouds of lithium. Starting from a 2D MOT, the student will develop the magnetic field setup, control electronics and optical potentials needed to create degenerate clouds of lithium atoms. This will provide insights into all aspects of a quantum gas experiment, including laser systems, optics, and electronics. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with the PhD students on the project and the PI (Philipp Preiss). Contact person: Sebastian Blatt sebastian.blatt@mpq.mpg.de Immanuel Bloch immanuel.bloch@mpq.mpg.de
	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.
	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.
	Theoretical Solid State Physics	von Delft
	Research group LMU Munich Description Our group deals with a broad range of topics, including: • quantum transport through mesoscopic and nanostructured systems • strong electron correlations • nonequilibrium phenomena • spintronics • physical implementations of quantum computation and decoherence Please find open master's thesis positions here: https://www.theorie.physik.uni-muenchen.de/lsvondelft/theses_and_job_openings/master_theses/index.html
	Ultra-low noise diode lasers for optical lattice quantum simulators	Bloch
	Research group LMU Munich Description We are looking for a highly motivated Masters student who would would help us to develop diode laser sources in the visible that can trap atoms at detunings of several GHz from a kHz-wide optical transition. This is a very special use case that requires deep thought on how to reduce the intensity and phase noise of the lasers in a regime that's relatively unexplored. Working on this novel laser system will teach you about optical cavities and how to build, stabilize, and characterize your own diode lasers. This Masters project is open-ended in that depending on how far you get, you will integrate your laser system into our experiment and trap strontium atoms in optical lattices created by your lasers, and go on from there. You will join an international team of highly-motivated researchers from the Bachelor to the Postdoc level. This 12-month experimental Masters project will give you a full overview over the skills required to succeed in any experimental atomic physics laboratory worldwide. Please have a look at the previous Masters theses on our website (https://ultracold.sr/) to get a feeling for the breadth and depth of knowledge that you will develop. Contact person: Sebastian Blatt sebastian.blatt@mpq.mpg.de Immanuel Bloch immanuel.bloch@mpq.mpg.de

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 handing in the Master's thesis, you need to update the final titel of the thesis in the database (student access) and upload an electronic copy (PDF-file). Afterwards, you have to hand in two printed versions in the Dean's Office (Dekanat) at TUM Physics Department. Alternatively you may hand in the rpinted copies via postal mail – use the submission letter you may generate on the status page after uploading the thesis PDF for this. The submission letter (as well as the submission form at the Dean’s Office) especially contains the required statement according to §18 paragraph 9 APSO.

You have to hand in the thesis at the latest on the deadline, please keep this on mind. The thesis is not handed in until the two paper copies and the signed submission form (or the signed submission letter for postal submission) physically arrived at the Dean’s Office! If the two copies and the submission letter are given into the mail without any delay we can interpret the date of uploading the PDF file as submission date retroactively.

Extension of the deadline is only possible 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