PhD student vacancy
Exploring coupled glass-semiconductor optical waveguide circuits
(Project title: “Functional Hybrid Technologies”)
Fast modulation and optical isolation in connection with low-loss glass waveguides form the heart of many developments in integrated photonics. Examples are found in laser physics (lasers with narrow spectral bandwidth [1, 2]) or in nonlinear optics (frequency combs on a chip [3-5]). Applications comprise, e.g., novel approaches for on-chip optical processing and controlling of microwave signals (microwave photonics [6-8]).
We are offering a 4-year research position for a PhD student. The research project aims on demonstrating novel ways of modulating light and realizing optical isolation using ultra-low loss glass waveguides coupled to semiconductor waveguides. Modulation may be electronic (up to the GHz range), but also all-optical modulation and switching can be explored (THz range). Using modulation and amplification techniques we will investigate possibilities to towards optical isolators, without relying on a magnetic field. The present project can give access to a wealth of novel options in integrated photonics.
The PhD student will plan and coordinate the fabrication of the required waveguide circuits and explore their properties for modulation, switching, and isolation in optical experiments in our labs. The student will be responsible for modeling the basic properties of the waveguide circuits, for proper planning of fabrication, and for comparison with experimental data. The engineering part of the waveguide design, the actual waveguide fabrication, and the connection of the waveguides with external electronic controls will be carried out by two industrial project partners (Lionix BV and Satrax BV, on campus). The project offers room for explorative work also with other optical groups within our established Applied Nanophotonics (ANP) division of the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology.
Environment
The Laser Physic & Nonlinear Optics group aims at research at the highest international level. The project is part of a larger national research program (Memphis) funded by the Dutch Technology Foundation (STW), which facilitates collaboration with partners throughout the Netherlands. The project will build upon several other research projects in the LPNO group that uses similar waveguide technologies. The PhD student is embedded in an enthusiastic and high-level academic environment with world-class facilities. The research group is part of the Applied Nanophotonics (ANP) division of the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology.
The candidate will also become a member of the Twente Graduate School (TGS) for Advanced Optics. Participation in APN and TGS offers a strong interaction with many PhD students, all being involved in photonics research projects of very diverse kinds.
What we expect
We are looking for an excellent student with a degree preferably in physics, applied optics, optical engineering, integrated optics or similar. A material science background can be helpful but is of less importance. The candidate should possess well-developed communication skills, especially in written and spoken English.
Information and application
Applications need to include a one-page motivation letter, a detailed CV (resume), a publication list, the contact details of at least 2 referees, and a list of B.Sc. and M.Sc. grades. Please name your TOEFL or IELTS score if available. Please send your application to our office at LPNO@utwente.nl using the term “Functional Hybrid Technologies” in the subject line.
[1] R.M. Oldenbeuving et al., Laser Phys. Lett. 10, 015804 (2013)
[2] C.T. Santis, Proc. Natl. Am. Soc. 111, 2879 (2014)
[3] P. Del’Haye et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 063901 (2011)
[4] T. Herr et al, Nature Photon. 6, 480 (2012)
[5] D.J. Moss et al., Nature Photon. 7, 597 (2013)
[6] J. Capmany et al., Nature Photon. 1, 319 (2007)
[7] D. Marpaung et al, Laser Photonics Rev. 7, 506 (2013)
[8] C.G.H. Roeloffzen et al, Opt. Express 21, 22937 (2013)
Comments