PhD scholarship in Integrated Optical Phased Array on Lithium Niobate for LiDAR – DTU Electro

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PhD scholarship in Integrated Optical Phased Array on Lithium Niobate for LiDAR – DTU Electro
Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Job Description

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is a sensing technology based on laser light, holds great promise for allowing autonomous machines to see and navigate the world with very high precision. Typically, LiDAR designs comprise a multitude of moving parts (e.g., an assembly of lasers, optics, electronics, and detectors) on a mechanically rotating stage. The need to assemble and align all these parts leads to high costs and relatively low manufacturing volumes, while the wear and tear on the mechanical components limits long-term reliability, and all these factors have been hindering a wide adoption of this technology. To solve these problems, one of the big trends that industry is witnessing is the drive to higher levels of integration enabled by semiconductor technologies, and the move away from discrete and mechanical components. “LiDAR-on-a-chip” describes a system with lasers, electronics, detectors, and optical beam-steering mechanism all integrated onto semiconductor chips. It significantly reduces the size, weight, and power requirements by integrating all of the key components onto the smallest footprint possible.
DTU Electro at the Technical University of Denmark is seeking a candidate for a PhD position to research integrated optical phased array (OPA) on lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) platform, which can enable solid-state optical beam steering and will be used for the next-generation photonic chip-based LiDAR system. The PhD project is part of the Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond (DFF) “Fully integrated 4D LiDAR on a Lithium Niobate photonic chip (LiDAR-on-a-chip)” project and synergy with other projects in the group, such as the EU-funded Doctoral Network project called NiteLiDAR.  As a participant of the project, the PhD student will become part of a team at DTU with expertise in design, simulation, nanofabrication, characterization, and application of photonic integrated circuits (PIC). The main supervisor will be Dr. Hao Hu, DTU Electro.
Responsibilities and qualifications
An OPA is a (periodic) arrangement of optical antennas that all emit light in phase to project a collimated beam. The emission angle and shape of this beam can be tuned by adjusting the relative phases and amplitudes that feed into the individual emitters or antennas. Particularly, OPAs are compatible with cheap and high-volume manufacturing. Due to the unique features of compact size, fast scanning and low cost, the integrated OPAs are becoming a transformative technology for LiDAR systems. Based on theoretical modeling and experimental investigations, this PhD project aims at developing an integrated OPA on LNOI platform and realizing 2D optical beam steering by both phase tuning and acoustic-optical modulation based dynamic grating. The PhD student working on this project will closely collaborate with another postdoctoral researcher working on frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) laser, with an overall goal of a full LiDAR on a chip. The project will among others consist of the following tasks:

• Design, simulation, nanofabrication, and characterization of individual components of the OPA on LNOI platform, such as acoustic-optical dynamic grating emitter and phase shifter. 
• Design, simulation, and nanofabrication of integrated OPA on LNOI platform.
• Characterization of the integrated OPA for 2D solid-state beam steering. 
• Characterization and demonstration of the OPA based beam steering technique in a LiDAR system.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
Approval and Enrolment 
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Senior Researcher Hao Hu and Senior Researcher Yunhong Ding.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. The starting date is flexible and preferred to be 1 May 2024. 
You can read more about career paths at DTU here .
Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Dr. Hao Hu, [email protected] . 
You can read more about DTU Electro at www.electro.dtu.dk .
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 
Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 February 2024 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
DTU Electro has 330 employees with competences in optics, acoustics and electronics and is one of the largest centers in the world in research in photonics. Research is performed within optical sensors, lasers, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, nano-optics and quantum photonics.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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Job Info

• Job Identification 2970
• Job Category Phd
• Posting Date 01/05/2024, 04:06 AM
• Apply Before 02/01/2024, 05:59 PM
• Locations Ørsteds Plads, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, DK

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