The Laser Physics & Nonlinear Optics (LPNO) group is offering a 4-year research position for a PhD student. The research project, entitled “Functional Hybrid Technologies”, aims on realizing and implementing novel, active functionalities to low-loss optical waveguide circuits via hybrid-integration. The specific functions of interest are GHz optical modulation capability combined with adjustable true optical delay lines, the on-chip generation of ultra-narrowband local oscillator radiation, and the investigation of schemes for on-chip optical isolation. Hybrid-integration is a key to gaining novel and unprecedented functionalities because it combines waveguide platforms and components with inherently opposing characteristics, which are here highly passive (low-loss glass) waveguide circuits with highly active (semiconductor) circuits and components.

In this project, we aim to serve the requirements for microwave photonics, specifically, optical for beam forming networks (OBFN). The project will be based on efficient optical coupling of Si₃N₄/SiO₂ dielectric (glass) waveguides based on TripleX technology to InP (semiconductor) optical amplifier (SOA) circuits that include modulators and detectors. The investigations are carried out in close collaboration with and support from on-campus industrial partners (Lionix BV and Satrax BV), which includes the design, fabrication and packaging of waveguide circuits. 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, such as for optical sensing.

The candidate will carry out the modeling of wave propagation and circuit properties, and investigate experimentally the optical properties and functionalities of the circuits. The candidate will be leading the progress in theoretical understanding of active-passive integrated circuits and explore novel possibilities based on polarization dependent effects. He/she will plan and coordinate the required design and packaging, in collaboration with the industrial partners of the project and perform own experimental testing in our laser labs.

Environment

The Laser Physic & Nonlinear Optics group aims at research at the highest international level. The project, being part of a larger national research program (Memphis) funded by the Dutch Technology Foundation (STW), 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 fabrication and experimental capabilities. 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, which means a strong interaction with about 50 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 physics, optics, optical engineering, integrated optics or similar. The candidate should be an enthusiastic person with well-developed communication skills, especially in written and spoken English. He or she must be open-minded and be capable of working independently as well as in a team.

Information and application

Please contact Prof. Klaus Boller (+31-53-489-3965) for more information. 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 keyword “Functional Hybrid Technologies” in the subject line.