Job Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) - PhD-student on advanced simulation in illumination optics

Introduction

A PhD student position in the area of illumination optics is available in the Elementary Processes in Gas discharges group at the Eindhoven University of Technology (the Netherlands) in close collaboration with Philips Lighting. This position will be one of the pioneering projects in the road towards a Technological Top Institute Lighting, a consortium in which TU/e, Philips Lighting, NXP, Cofely, Liandis, the Eindhoven Design Academy and other industries and institutes participate.

The latest developments of Solid State Light Sources and the manufacturing of optical components enable the application of freeform optics with complex surfaces in illumination systems. This allows for complex light distributions and considerable improvement of the systems energy efficiency.     

Design and simulation tools for illumination optical components are presently based on Monte Carlo ray tracing. This technique is powerful but not practical to design freeform optical systems.

The Monte Carlo technique suffers inherently from noise. As a consequence the optimization of the optical design is difficult and too time consuming. To improve on speed and accuracy new numerical techniques were developed.  However, these techniques can only be used on a limited number of design problems. An unsolved challenge for these techniques is for instance to take into account non-sequential ray paths through the optical system. In this project numerical algorithms and computer code will be developed to apply these concepts to more complex illumination problems. 

As an alternative to the numerical approach analytical techniques exist which solve the inverse problem for designing freeform lenses and reflectors for relatively simple design cases. However, these theories are still in their infancy and are generally not applicable to real light sources and complex optical systems. Therefore, these mathematical methods will be developed further to include for example finite size sources and multiple optical surfaces.   

In summary, the aim of the project is to develop new simulation techniques to improve the speed and accuracy of the optical system evaluations and enable the design of complex optical surfaces.

Tasks

The PhD student to be employed in this project will develop new algorithms and implement them into computer tools. These tools are to be validated against light technical measurements. The scientific results will be published in scientific journals and presented at international conferences. Furthermore, the candidate will work closely together with Philips Lighting and will perform a part of the work in the optics group of the LightLabs at Philips Lighting in Eindhoven. 

Requirements

Candidates with an MSc-degree in physics or mathematics are invited to apply for this position. An interest in optical theory, numerical mathematics and computer science is preferred. (Numerical modeling). The candidate should fluently communicate and write in English.

Appointment and salary

We offer:

A challenging job in a young, ambitious research team

A highly dynamical, international, and multidisciplinary research environment

A full-time appointment for four years (start date as soon as possible)

Gross monthly salary from €2042 (first year) to €2612 (fourth year) in line with the Collective Agreement for Dutch Universities

An attractive package of fringe benefits, including end-of-year allowance, a personal development program for Ph.D students (Proof program), and excellent sport facilities

Application

Please submit contact information, a curriculum vitae, contact information of two or more references (including a research supervisor), and a copy of the M.Sc-thesis and other relevant publications, if available by using the apply button below.