PhD: High performance InP photonics for large-scale micro-transfer printing

Functieomschrijving

Photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology powers the modern internet, enabling video calls, data-mining and associated cloud services. Besides that, PIC technology is also penetrating into applications of medical diagnostics, sensing and ranging, quantum signal processing and artificial intelligence. These applications are driving unprecedented levels of integration and complexity. But the circuit-level performance metrics are stretching the limits of the established PIC platforms. The three major PIC platforms, namely InP, silicon and silicon nitride (SiN), each excels in certain key metrics, but also shows critical weakness.

It is the goal of the EU H2020 project INSPIRE to combine the power of InP technology with the full capability of silicon and SiN photonic technology, creating and leveraging volume manufacturing techniques. INSPIRE will leverage micro-transfer printing technology to realize heterogeneous InP/SiN photonic integrated circuits, combining the best of both the InP and Si/SiN photonics technologies. Wafer scale coverage of InP devices on SiN circuits will be enabled, using new and innovative hybrid building blocks and printing methods. This can facilitate order-of-magnitude changes in density, performance and function of the PICs.

Within the INSPIRE project, we have one PhD open position at TU/e. In the project, TU/e has a central role in the development of InP building blocks and coupons for transfer printing. This position will develop key epitaxial (re)growth technology to realize high-density active-passive components within one InP coupon, as well as necessary processes to realize the substrate-free InP coupon structure ready for the transfer printing. InP coupon building blocks, such as buried heterostructure (BH) optical amplifiers, high-speed modulators and detectors and low-loss passive tapers coupling to SiN circuits will be designed and developed.

The PhD project will collaborate closely with INSPIRE partners in various work packages, covering from optical interfaces and process compatibility, to compact models and circuit-level demonstrations.

The team

The Institute for Photonic Integration (IPI) has five dynamic and ambitious research groups, which are closely cooperating: a systems group, a photonic integration technology group and three materials research groups. You will work in the Photonic Integration group (PhI) which has about 35 members, 20 of which are PhD students. The IPI (previously COBRA) is internationally leading on advanced InP-based Photonic Integrated Circuits technology. See http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0268-1242/29/8/083001. The technology development and device realization will be supported by experienced technicians in our world-class cleanroom facilities at Nanolab@TU/e (www.tue.nl/nanolab).

Functie-eisen

• Masters degree in Physics, Optical Science, Electrical Engineering or similar.
• Affinity for photonic devices and circuits
• Background in semiconductor devices and general knowledge about semiconductor physics. Experience with modelling and component design is of advantage.
• Experience in experimental work, of which clean room microfabrication is an advantage.
• Ability to work with experts from a broad range of scientific and technology backgrounds.
• Fluent spoken and written English.

Arbeidsvoorwaarden

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation after one year.
• To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will have free access to a personal development program for PhD students (PROOF program).
• A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.

Informatie en sollicitatie

More information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact dr. Yuqing Jiao (y.jiao[at]tue.nl).

For information about terms of employment, click here of contact HR services (HRServices.flux[at]tue.nl).

Please visit www.tue.nl/jobs to find out more about working at TU/e!

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the 'solliciteer nu'-button on this page. The application should include a:

• A brief letter motivating your interest and suitability for the position;
• A detailed curriculum vitae including research experience;
• Transcripts of academic records indicating courses taken (including grades);
• Half-page summary of your MSc thesis;
• Contact details of two relevant references (email, phone number).

We look forward to your application and will screen it as soon as we have received it. Screening will continue until the position has been filled.

Please keep in mind you can upload only 5 documents up to 2 MB each. If necessary please combine files.