PhD in Materials and Devices for Spintronic-Photonic Integration

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Applied Physics and Science Education

Reference number

V34.6286

Motivation and embedding

One of the paramount societal challenges is the growing energy consumption of today’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT). To solve this problem, radically new ways to handle information should be realized. This challenge is the main driver for the Netherlands Initiative for Energy-Efficient Computing 'NL-ECO', a large program within the National Science Agenda (NWA).

Within this program, we have proposed to combine the best of two worlds – use light for communication and magnetism for memory. We explore a novel type of hybrid devices in which data can be transferred back and forth between the photonic and magnetic domain, without any intermediate high frequency electronic steps. Ultimately, this should provide photonic memory chips capable of ultrafast and highly energy efficient storage and retrieval of data. 

Your project will be carried out in the group Physics of Nanostructures at the department of Applied Physics at TU/e, in close collaboration with colleagues in the group Photonic Integration at the Department of Electrical Engineering, as well as with high-tech companies Smart Photonics and LioniX International.

Your project

You will perform research on hybrid-spintronic photonic devices, embedded in --and fully taking advantage of-- the NL-ECO consortium. Partly based on your ideas, photonic chips will be produced in so-called multi-project wafer runs. You will play an active role in the design, exploration and deposition of multilayered magnetic thin films using our NanoAccess facility. Optimal materials stacks will be nanostructured on the pre-fabricated photonic chips in the NanoLab@TU/e cleanroom.

In ongoing work, we already demonstrated the on-chip ‘reading’ of information from sub-micron magnetic elements on top of a photonic waveguide using magneto-optical tricks. Also, our researchers are close to provide the first proof-of-concept of on-chip ‘writing’ of information using femtosecond laser pulses using a process called All-Optical Switching of magnetization.

You will continue this work, exploring novel concepts, realizing devices, improving and extending functionality and resolving the underlying physics.  Novel ways to boost performance will be searched for, e.g. using plasmonic nanostructures to concentrate light to increase the reading and writing resolution of the nanoscale magnetic elements. Depending on the progress of the project we will explore design and realization of novel demonstrators. Simple modeling of device performance, both photonic as well as magnetic, will play an important role in your project. 

We are looking for a talented and highly motivated young researcher who meets the following requirements:

• Hold a recently (<1 year) Master of Science or equivalent degree in experimental physics with a preferred specialization in solid state physics / nanomaterials, or a degree in electrical engineering with a specialization in (integrated) photonics / nanodevices.
• Prior knowledge of thin film deposition and characterization and/or micro/nanofabrication methods especially applied to magnetic materials or photonics is valued.
• Affinity with modelling is appreciated.
• Motivated to contribute to education in the department up to 5% of the time, as well as supervising bachelor and master projects. If a large teaching drive is present for you, there is a possibility to extend the contract with one year (5yr) where the extra year is focused on educational reform.
• Strong motivation to work in a team, combining excellent organization and communication skills.
• Experience in the preparation of scientific reports, presentations and publications is valued.
• Good proficiency in spoken and written English.

• A challenging job in a dynamic and ambitious university and a stimulating internationally renowned research environment, as well as collaboration with high-tech companies.
• Full-time temporary appointment for 4 years.
• Gross salary between € 2.541 per month (first year) and € 3.247 per month (last year).
• Additionally, 8% holiday and 8.3% end-of-year annual supplements.
• An extensive package of fringe benefits (e.g. excellent technical infrastructure, the possibility of child care and excellent sports facilities).
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process .
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?Please contact Prof.dr. Bert Koopmans, b.koopmans[at]tue.nl, +31 40 247 4855. 

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, HRServices.Flux[at]tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page .

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
  

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.