Post-doctoral fellow in nanophotonic neuromorphic computing (PA2022/1444)

The Division of Synchrotron Radiation Physics (www.sljus.lu.se ) is a part of the Department of Physics and has about 50 employees. The focus of the research is on experimental studies of electronic, structural, and chemical properties of materials, as well as on accelerators and instrumentation for Synchrotron radiation. The division has many connections to the MAX IV laboratory (www.maxiv.lu.se/ ) situated in Lund, which holds a 4th generation synchrotron as well as to Lund Laser Center (www.llc.lu.se ) providing advanced laser sources. In addition, the division host one of Sweden's largest facilities for scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

NanoLund (www.nano.lu.se ) is the Centre for Nanoscience at Lund University. NanoLund is today Sweden’s largest research environment for nanoscience, engaging approximately 150 PhD students and 250 researchers in the Faculties of Engineering, Science, and Medicine. It operates Lund Nano Lab, a state-of-the-art cleanroom for the synthesis, processing, and characterization of compound semiconductor nanostructures.

Subject description
This position will be linked to a major new project financed by the European Innovation Council: Insect-Brain inspired Neuromorphic Nanophotonics (InsectNeuroNano). The long-term vision of this project is a novel on-chip hybrid nanostructure platform for energy-efficient, fast artificial neural networks and integrated sensor arrays. The project combines several different concepts: Progress in understanding insect neurobiology that provides proven circuit designs to solve significant problems such as autonomous navigation; Advanced III-V semiconductor nanowire technology that exploits light to obtain a large number of interconnects with extremely low power consumption; Optically efficient stable molecular dyes that can be used for novel memory components; Circuit technology developed for quantum computing. The long term goal of the project is to develop nanophotonic on-chip devices for integrated sensing and neural computation, inspired by the insect brain. It will also be naturally connected to new efforts within NanoLund to build up a program within neuromorphic (and other types of non-von Neumann) computing.

To use light for connectivity we apply a broadcasting concept sensitizing the neural nodes to specific light signals and by sub-wavelength light manipulation of emission patterns using III-V semiconductor nano-components as well as molecular dyes. Combining III-V nanowire heterostructures with varying bandgap, shape and crystal structure we can make circuits that respond locally to the optical signal or concentrates it on the nanoscale. As proof of concept, we target the complete pathway from polarised light sensing in the insect eye to the internal compass and memory circuits by which this information is integrated in a continuous accurate estimate of location. 

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

The work comprises the design, modelling, realization, and characterization of nanophotonic neuromorphic devices based on group III-V nanowires and other nanostructures. Modelling is expected to be an essential part during both the design and the analysis phases. Experimental work on fabrication and characterization of device is expected. This concerns work using nanostructures developed for solar-energy harvesting, light emitters and transistors that will now be used for building neural networks using light broadcasting for interconnects and electrical signal interpretation for memory and signal analysis. It will also include the design of nanophotonic elements to tailor light absorption and emission. The work will be done in collaboration experts within nanoscale photonics/electronics, advanced lasers, nanoscale synthesis and characterization.

The position is placed at Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research (www.sljus.lu.se ), Department of Physics. Central will be significant collaborations within the large interdisciplinary environment NanoLund (www.nano.lu.se ) and can include use of facilities at Lund Laser Center (www.llc.lu.se ) and MAX IV (www.maxiv.lu.se ).

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• The ability to develop and conduct high quality research in the project area.
• Teaching skills or related experience, such as mentoring, supervision, or training in equipment use.

Additional assessment criteria are experience and knowledge of:

• Modelling semiconductor heterostructure devices for light-matter interaction. This includes the role of excited carriers, as well as of photonic and plasmonic effects.
• Manufacturing of nano(opto)electronic devices in particular based on single, semiconductor nanowires
• Experimental characterization of nano-optoelectronic devices.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests in particular related to the present project (no more than two pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.