PhD student vacancy

Low-loss waveguide micro-resonator circuits

(Project title: “Smart Spectrometers”)

Waveguide resonators are of paramount importance for the emerging field of integrated photonics. Especially when coupling low-loss micro-resonators and waveguide interferometers to complex waveguide circuits, fascinating properties and prospects can arise. Examples are the slowing of light [1], optical signal processing as in microwave photonics [2], or on-chip optical sensing [3].

We are offering a 4-year research position for a PhD student for exploring a broad variety of novel waveguide resonator circuits with regard to their fundamental properties and potential applications. To prepare the fabrication, the student will model the properties of circuits containing interferometers and low-loss Si3N4/SiO2 waveguide resonators in which a multitude of parameters (e.g. coupling coefficients, resonance frequencies and phase shifts) can be adapted during operation. The actual fabrication of the waveguide circuits and connecting them to control electronics and optical fibers is carried out by two industrial partners (VTEC Sensors BV, Lionix BV, on campus). The student will explore the properties of the circuits in optical experiments in our labs, in comparison with modeling. A goal to be pursued is the demonstration of miniaturized spectrometers on a chip, such as based on resonator circuits with disorder [4], utilizing wave-chaos [5], or based on lattices of resonators (e.g grapheme-like [6]). The current control of the circuit parameters may be extended, e.g., via acousto-optic or piezo-electric methods, and complemented with an on-chip monitoring of optical signals. Data interpretation for operation as spectrometer [7] will be carried out with support from a postdoctoral researcher (who belongs to a collaborating group at the Technical University of Delft). The project offers room for explorative work in the directions of quantum optics, nonlinear-optics, laser physics and more, in collaboration with the other optical groups within the 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 “Smart Spectrometers” in the subject line.

[1] J.E. Heebner et al., J. Mod. Phys. 49, 14 (2002)
[2] J. Capmany et al., Nature Photon. 1, 319 (2007)
[3] R. Heideman et al., IEEE J. Sel.Top. Quantum Electron. 18, 1583 (2012)
[4] B. Redding et al., Nature Photon. 7, 746 (2013)
[5] T. Harayama et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 063901 (2003)
[6] M. Bellec et al., Phys Rev. Lett. 110, 033902 (2013)
[7] R.M. Oldenbeuving et al., Opt. Express 21, 17042 (2013)

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