PhD/PD position: Beam-forming with large-scale optical phased arrays

Position

(Post-doctoral) Researcher, PhD-student

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Electrical Engineering

Institutes and others

Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute

Reference number

V36.7263

Photonics is widely regarded as the key enabling technology of the 21st century and its application and use in many scientific and industrial fields is accelerated though Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), which combine many optical components into a miniaturized chip format. Similar to electronic ICs, PICs are revolutionizing areas such as healthcare, communication and sensing and have the potential to be disruptive to the whole society. These technologies are receiving major investments through the PhotonDelta National Growth Fund program, with multiple new positions in integrated photonics. https://www.tue.nl/en/storage/electrical-engineering/faculteit/news-and-events/news-overview/22-04-2022-photonics-sector-eindhoven-gets-major-boost-with-11-billion-euro-investment/ This is a large program involving the leading industry, research institutes and universities in the Netherlands.

About the position

In recent years, the fast developments in the automotive industry towards self-driving cars have motivated a strong interest on light detection and ranging (LiDAR), which is the cornerstone technology for monitoring moving objects with high spatial resolution. These new research positions focus on fully solid-state solutions for miniaturization, performance, and wide deployment. Examples of previous work can be seen in the EU-funded NewControl project (https://www.newcontrol-project.eu/videos ), in which we achieved significant progress in InP-based PICs for LiDAR technologies, including optical phased arrays , FMCW tunable lasers , and high-density photonic integration .

The position (either at PhD or Postdoc level) will identify circuit and control plane architectures for the forming and scanning of well-defined free space beams. Research questions will centre on methods and barriers for operating and scaling beyond hundreds of phase array emitters in the same integrated circuit. The optical phase arrays include both gain and phase control. Target specifications for field-of-view, angular resolution (below 0.1°), and optical power in the main beam for beyond 100 meter ranging are anticipated, and research challenges will focus primarily on aspects of control plane circuit integration, heat management and integration with module assembly methods. 

The work will comprise optical phase array design based on circuit-level simulations, circuit layout, device design for proposing more efficient integrated amplifiers, and chip characterization in the optical laboratories. Internal collaborations are expected with other team members, as well as external collaborations for chip manufacturing and assembly.

Environment

The position is in the Photonic Integration Research Group, www.tue.nl/phi which is a part of the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute (EHCI) www.tue.nl/ehci . Our strong supporting infrastructure of laboratories, clean room infrastructure www.tue.nl/nanolab and technology know-how allows you to focus on your research and generate new opportunities for collaboration and growth. We believe we can only be world class if our researchers are doing well and feeling good.

The Eindhoven Brainport region, where we are located, is recognized as one of the most important regions in Europe for high-tech developments by the EU. Regional focus on specific technologies creates specific ecosystems to cooperate and commercialize technologies such as integrated photonics, high-tech systems and quantum technology.

We believe that professional development comes hand-in-hand with personal development. Therefore, you will also have access to high-quality training programs on general skills and topics related to research and valorization.

PhD

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in electrical engineering, or (applied) physics,  with a genuine interest in pursuing a PhD.
• A team player able to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level). There is no Dutch language requirement.

PostDoc

• PhD in electrical engineering, physics, or similar field.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, demonstrated by a relevant PhD thesis and/or publication(s).
• A team player able to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level), good communication and leadership skills. There is no Dutch language requirement.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

PhD

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will typically spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• 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 excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• 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.

Postdoc

• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. €3,877 max. €5,090).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.

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. 

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact Victor Calzadilla (v.calzadilla[at]tue.nl) or Martijn Heck (m.heck[at]tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact  HR Services, HRServices.EE[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 using the apply-button.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your research experience, motivation and qualifications for the position. Also indicate explicitly in the letter the position(s) that you are most interested in and/or fit best to your background.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references who we may contact.

We look forward to receiving your application!