The Computational Illumination Optics group is one of the few mathematics groups worldwide working on mathematical models of optical systems. They develop and analyze numerical methods to solve the resulting differential equations. The team has a healthy portfolio of PhD positions and close collaborations with industrial partners. It consists of four full FTEs at Eindhoven University of Technology and one part-time professor.
The group has three research tracks: freeform design, imaging optics and improved direct methods; for more details see https://www.win.tue.nl/~martijna/Optics/. The following mathematical disciplines are important in our work: geometrical optics, ray tracing, (numerical) PDEs, transport theory, nonlinear optimization, Lie operators and Hamiltonian systems.
Freeform Design:
The goal in freeform design is to compute the shapes of optical surfaces (reflector/lens) that convert a given source distribution, typically LED, into a desired target distribution. The surfaces are referred to as freeform since they do not have any symmetries. The governing equation for these problems is a fully nonlinear PDE of Monge-Ampère type.
Key publication: Anthonissen, M. J. H., Romijn, L. B., ten Thije Boonkkamp, J. H. M., & IJzerman, W. L. (2021). Unified mathematical framework for a class of fundamental freeform optical systems. Optics Express, 29(20), 31650-31664. https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.438920
Imaging optics:
The second research track is imaging, where the goal is to form a very precise image of an object, minimizing aberrations. Light propagation is described in terms of Lie transformations.
Key publication: Barion, A., Anthonissen, M. J. H., ten Thije Boonkkamp, J. H. M., & IJzerman, W. L. (2022). Alternative computation of the Seidel aberration coefficients using the Lie algebraic method. Journal of the Optical Society of America A, Optics, Image Science and Vision, 39(9), 1603-1615. https://doi.org/10.1364/JOSAA.465900.
Improved direct methods:
Direct methods, such as ray tracing, compute the target distribution given the source distribution and the layout of the optical system. These methods must be embedded in an iterative procedure to compute the final design and are based on Monte-Carlo simulation. They are known to have slow convergence. Using the Hamiltonian structure of the system and advanced numerical schemes for PDEs, we are working on more efficient and accurate methods.
Key publication: van Gestel, R. A. M., Anthonissen, M. J. H., ten Thije Boonkkamp, J. H. M., & IJzerman, W. L. (2021). An energy conservative hp-method for Liouville’s equation of geometrical optics. Journal of Scientific Computing, 89, [27]. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10915-021-01612-x
PhD vacancies
As part of the research program Optical coherence; optimal delivery and positioning (OPTIC) we focus on the computational modeling aspects and offer three PhD projects:
We are looking for talented enthusiastic PhD candidates who meet the following requirements:
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:
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 the hiring manager dr.ir. Martijn Anthonissen, m.j.h.anthonissen@tue.nl.
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.MCS@tue.nl.
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Application
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We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancies will remain open until the positions are filled.