The aim of this research project is to investigate and implement novel concepts of self-sustainable photonic integrated spiking neural networks for ultra-high energy efficient computation.

Research challenges

Within the newly granted EHCI internal call, we are looking for a good candidate for a two-year postdoc position, working on the combination of photonic integration technology with gain layer technology for frontier integrated spiking neural network research. The project creates a bridge between material sciences and photonic engineering by targeting a specific concept envisioned for spiking-neural-network-based computing. Your research will enable a whole new class of reconfigurable memories and spiking synapses, which could lead to highly efficient optical processing engines.

Photonics can play an important role in computation by designing and developing compact, energy-efficient, low latency and high-capacity computing engines. Several on-chip computing paradigms have already been proposed based on the use of light, but scalability is still a problem. A different approach needs to be explored and realized in this program. Within this project, the Photonic Neural Network Lab within the ECO group at TU/e aims to collaborate with the chemistry department and use straight-forward deposition techniques for interfacing gain-materials to photonic integrated waveguides and push their co-integration. Different materials and ligands will be explored to augment the system of brain-inspired functionalities, for the first self-sustainable spiking systems.

In this research program, the Post-Doc researcher will explore the co-integration of gain layers on photonic integration platforms, for the characterization of the first spiking mechanism in these device system. He/She will implement novel memory mechanisms, and push compactness of the structure that still allow self-sustainability of the spikes. Will investigate scalability and benchmark with state-of-the-art AI chips. This research will enable a whole new class of reconfigurable photonic devices, which will lead to highly efficient parallel optical processing engines and high impact journals.

The team

The PostDoc position is within the Electro-Optical Communication Systems (ECO) group, part of the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute (EHCI). The ECO group has about 73 members, 55 of which are PhD students and PDs, and 18 are staff members, focusing on photonic technology for communication and computation. The EHCI has five dynamic and ambitious research groups, which are closely cooperating: a systems group, a photonic integration technology group and three materials research groups, with a predominant focus on neuromorphic and quantum computing, is the ideal eco-system where to develop this research.

Candidates for this challenging project must:

• Hold a PhD degree, on optical communication and/or photonic integration.
• Strong background in optics and integrated photonics and doped fibers/waveguides.
• Be familiar with optical and electronic laboratory measurement equipment, optical fiber system setups and components, as well as have programming skills.
• Have a solid background in semiconductor devices and general knowledge about semiconductor physics, modelling and component design and knowledge of photonic integration technologies.
• Have affinity with AI network models.
• Be independent in thinking and problem-solving attitude, be proactive and propositive.
• Have good communication skills, must be fluent in English, both in speaking and in writing, and must have good team-working capabilities.
• Be available to start 1st September 2023 or earlier.

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:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will 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.
• 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.
• For a PostDoc; 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.