PhD student�AUTOALIGN: Electronically aligned photonic circuits

in the  Electro-Optical Communication Systems (ECO) group department of Electrical Engineering. 

The Department of Electrical Engineering is one of the nine departments of the Eindhoven University of Technology and provides BSc and MSc programs in Electrical Engineering. The department has nine research groups and has research collaborations with other departments at the Eindhoven University of Technology as well as with a large number of other universities and companies, both within the Netherlands and internationally. The department has approximately 350 employees and more than 600 students.

Research

Photonic integrated circuits are undergoing a development which is comparable to electronic integrated circuits in the 1960s. Circuits are already being deployed in the internet backbone, and an even broader range of applications are predicted in computer networking, sensing and high speed signal processing.  The costs of the semiconductor chips is rapidly falling, but connecting photonic chips to systems is very labour-intensive and requires precision which is not supported by mass-manufacture techniques.  In this project, we use new circuit concepts in combination with electronic control to create a new class of photonic circuits which align themselves, removing a critical barrier to mass-market photonic integration.

In this project we will develop the circuit level know-how to manipulate optical signals with nanoscale precision inside the chip so that the assembly of parts and photonic connections can be made using regular pick-n-place techniques. This is enabled through innovative photonic deisgn, combined with sophisticate embedded controllers. After an initial design study, the work will move to hands on research with the state of the art fabrication technology at the leading edge clean room technology at NanoLab@TU/e, and demonstrations will be made using the well-equipped systems laboratories.  http://www.phys.tue.nl/nanolab/ .

The research position is within the framework of a recently awarded MEMPHIS II project: Merging Electronics and Micro and nano-Photonics in Integrated Systems.
http://www.smartmix-memphis.nl/

There will be interactions with other researchers within the COBRA research institute groups and also with the numerous Industry partners in the consortium.
http://w3.ele.tue.nl/en/cobra/home

Job requirements

• MSc degree in a relevant area of applied physics, optical science or electrical engineering
• A solid background in semiconductor opto-electronics
• Ability to work with experts from a broad range of scientific and technology backgrounds
• Fluent spoken and written English 

Applicants may also advantageously have experience in one or more of the following areas 

• Clean room technology
• Optical computer aided design software
• ·Embedded systems

Conditions of employment

We offer a challenging job at a dynamic and ambitious university through a fixed-term appointment for the period of 4 years. The research in this project must be concluded with the attainment of a PhD-degree. As an employee of the university you will receive a competitive salary as well as excellent employment conditions. A salary is offered starting at € 2083.- per month (gross) in the first year, increasing up to EUR 2664.- per month (gross) in the last year. Moreover, an 8% bonus share (holiday supplement) is provided annually. Assistance for finding accommodation can be given. The university offers an attractive package of fringe benefits such as excellent technical infrastructure, child care, savings schemes, and excellent sports facilities.

TU/e also offers you the opportunity for personal development by developing your professional skills. We do this by offering every PhD student a series of courses that are part of the Proof Program as an excellent addition to your scientific education.

More information on employment conditions can be found here: http://w3.tue.nl/en/services/dpo/ .

Information and application
Information  

If you are interested in this research opportunity and you would like to informally discuss the project, please contact: Prof. Dr. Kevin Williams (tel: +31 40 247 4331; K.A..Williams@tue.nl)

For information concerning employment conditions you can contact Mrs F. Verheggen, HR advisor (f.verheggen@tue.nl). 

Application

If interested, please use 'apply now' button at the top of this page. You should upload the following (all in English):

• a cover letter explaining your motivation and qualification for the position;
• a Curriculum Vitae including course grades, research project achievements and list of publications
• contact information for two referees.
• copies of diplomas
• proof of English language skills where applicable