The Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics group at TU/e - Eindhoven University of Technology (The Netherlands) is looking for excellent candidates for an open Ph.D. student position on nanophotonics with 2D semiconductors.

In this project, we will pursue the ultimate limit in the control of light: the atomic scale. Layered 2D semiconductors are nearly ideal sources and detectors for nanophotonics. They exhibit a strong optical response and give access to exciting electronic degrees of freedom like the spin, valley and layer numbers. Using the extreme light-matter interaction enabled by monolayer 2D semiconductors, we will demonstrate guiding of optical waves bound to atomically thin materials. These waves open the gate to active control of nanoscale light in tunable devices.

The project employs a combination of optical microscopy and spectroscopy, light emission and photodetection techniques, nanofabrication, and nanophotonic simulations. It merges concepts and techniques from nano-optics with the Physics of ultrathin semiconducting materials.

You will work closely with other researchers in the Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics group under the supervision of Assistant Prof. Alberto G. Curto (www.nano-optics.nl) and with international collaborators. You will lead experimental research and compare your results with theoretical predictions. This project is supported by a recently awarded NWO Start-Up grant from the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research and aims for a novel approach to nanoscale photonics.

About TU/e and the Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics group

TU/e is an international university with a high-tech focus.  It offers state-of-the-art research facilities at the heart of one of Europe's foremost technological hubs.

The Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics group is part of the Department of Applied Physics. It is a member of the Institute for Photonic Integration devoted to interdisciplinary research into integrated photonics, encompassing novel photonic materials, devices, and systems. The group combines expertise in diverse areas of Photonics, Optoelectronics, Quantum Optics, Nanotechnology, and Semiconductors. It houses extensive optical and low-temperature equipment, and it has access to NanoLab@TU/e, an 800 m2 fully-equipped cleanroom.

More information at www.tue.nl/psn/

The successful candidate will have:

A Bachelor degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering with top grades. The candidate should hold (or expect to obtain very soon) a Master degree in Physics, Applied Physics or Photonics.

A strong background and interest in Optics/Photonics. In particular, experience and past contributions to Nanophotonics (both in theory and experiments) will be considered a definite advantage. Personal contributions to 2D semiconductors will be regarded as a bonus but are not required.

The personal drive to tackle a multi-faceted problem with independence and to lead a competitive project to completion.

A dynamic character and excellent communication skills to become a multiplying factor within our team.

The ambition to excel in research.

Start date: as soon as possible.

We offer

An exciting research project at the forefront of the field.

A full-time appointment for four years at Eindhoven University of Technology, with an intermediate evaluation after 12 months.

Gross monthly salary in line with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.

An attractive package of fringe benefits, including a personal development program for PhDs (PROOF program), holiday and end-of-year allowances, and excellent sports facilities.

Information about the PROOF Program can be found here.