Thomas Bourke

I’m Thomas, a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge researching single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) made of III-V materials for quantum optics and ranging applications. These devices are uniquely useful for sensing single photons at telecomms wavelengths (1550nm) while featuring a low form factor and solid state cooling. I seek to combine materials science principles, device physics, nanofabrication and simulations to understand and improve their performance (dark counts, afterpulsing, timing jitter).

I carry out interdisciplinary research across the Semiconductor Physics group at Cambridge and the Quantum Information group at Toshiba, utilizing facilities at both institutions, including the state-of-the-art Cavendish cleanroom. Supervised by Prof. Louise Hirst (Cambridge) and Dr. Mark Stevenson (Toshiba). I am a Darwin College member and am co-funded by Toshiba and the Cambridge Nanoscience DTC.

Current affiliations include:

• Toshiba Research Europe - Quantum Devices team
• Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation and Timing Hub (QEPNT)
• Cambridge Nanoscience Doctoral Training Centre (NanoDTC)

Previously, I recieved a BSc and MPhys from the University of Bath (2025), including a research project in the Nanoscience group. I used molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) to grow monolayer NiI2 crystals and spin polarized scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to examine their structure and magneto-electric dynamics.

Broadly interested in quantum optics & technologies, materials science and photonics.