PhD Position: Novel coatings for programmable photonics

PhD Position: Novel coatings for programmable photonics

Position

PhD-student

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Electrical Engineering

FTE

1,0

Date off

15/10/2023

Reference number

V36.6779

Job description

The advanced photonic solutions lab (APSL) at the Electro-Optics Communication (ECO) group at Eindhoven University of Technology is recruiting for a PhD position to research novel coatings for programmable photonics in collaboration with the chemical engineering department.

The electro-optical communications (ECO) group in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at TU/e is a globally recognised, leading scientific and applied research group focused on exploiting light for communication and quantum systems. We apply our knowledge in collaboration with other scientists at TU/e and more recently within the newly formed Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute (EHCI) to develop the required solution for many of the relevant challenges in communication and sensing systems. The group expertise spans from the fundamentals and physics of photonics, optics, the design and fabrication of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) systems to exploiting optical linear/non-linear signal processing to unlock fiber capacity and relevant higher layer protocols required to operate modern optical communication networks.

Based in the purposely built FLUX building at the TU/e Campus, the ECO group has access to 300m2 of labs for conducting experimental research and is supported by a state-of-the-art 800m2 cleanroom. With 11 tenured scientists and as many as 70 PhDs, postDocs and senior researchers, the ECO group is a vibrant and exciting research group perfectly suited for talented and ambitious scientists. The group is active in spin outs and starts-ups (e.g. Micro-align, PhotonX Networks and LuXisens Technology) and carries out bilateral industrial research with major stakeholders in the communications industry.

Responsibilities and tasks

Programmable photonics is an emerging research area aiming to revolutionize the field of integrated photonics and their usage. One critical challenge for future development of programmable photonics is the development of new coating materials for photonic integrated circuits (PICs) that can easily be made to change their behavior in a reversible way and yet require no continuous stimuli between programming events (non-volatile and reversible).

In APSL we have been working together with the chemical engineering department on the development of several material systems that will allow the reversible re-configuration of PICs using simple stimuli and have zero-energy holding properties.

In order to continue these explorations and enhance the collaborations we are seeking to recruit promising PhD candidates to work on the border-line between photonic integrated circuits and polymer chemistry to demonstrate working reconfigurable PICs for different applications. In this research project, the PhD candidate will address challenges around the following areas:

The characterization of novel photonic materials and the PICs coating with those materials.

Investigations into the programming methods and performance of programmable PICs.

Modelling, simulation and design of PICs using programmable coatings.

New circuit architectures for programmable photonics based sub-systems.

Job requirements

Candidates must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics or Chemical Engineering. Previous cleanroom experience will be considered an advantage but is not required.

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.

Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 27 (min. €2,541 max. €3,247).

A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.

High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self- aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.

An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.

An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.

A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands- on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. Curious to hear more about what it's like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Information

If you can see yourself in this position and would like to find out more information please contact Dr Oded Raz (o.razattue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Service (HRServices.Fluxattue.nl).

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the 'apply now'-button on this page. The application should include a:

A cover letter explaining your motivation and suitability for the position;

A detailed Curriculum Vitae;

A written scientific report in English (MSc thesis, traineeship report or scientific paper)

Copies of diplomas with course grades (transcripts).

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 October 2023.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.