Are you fascinated by light, are you attracted by modern technology and physics in the field of integrated photonics? Are you curious, charmed by science and equipped with strong analytic skills? Are you engaged, ambitious and open-minded with a sense for leadership in excellence?

We are looking for a PhD student who carries out research on hybrid integrated semiconductor-silicon nitride lasers. With a strong group of academic and industrial colleagues, collaborating in a European research program, we aim on realizing photonic integrated circuits for optical switching, remote sensing and ranging.

The research group performs leading investigations in controlling hybrid semiconductor lasers, for which we use optical feedback from low-loss dielectric waveguides circuits (hybrid integration). The research comprises fundamental physical aspects in combination with technological challenges, such as for reducing the Schawlow-Townes linewidth to sub-kHz (and sub-100Hz) record levels in tiny lasers with the size of a chip. We develop wavelength tuning and opto-electronic stabilization strategies, and we devise novel approaches in feedback waveguide circuits for unidirectional, modulated or mode-locked operation. 

The research methods are mainly experimental and require a solid theoretical and modeling background, for instance, for the detailed characterization of coherence and intensity noise, or for frequency stabilization with electronic feedback and sub-shot noise drive currents. State of the art waveguide circuits have to be devised for fabrication by one of the industrial partners (e.g., Lionix International, on campus). Creative design of hybrid lasers requires developing a deeper understanding of the fundamental dynamics of external cavity diode lasers, as well as of light propagation in complex dielectric waveguide circuits. Fundamental understanding will be built up via analytical and numerical modeling, which includes simulations with commercially available software, and experimental work in the lab.

You are a highly motivated person with an excellent background in photonics, physics, photonics or optical engineering, in opto-electronics, microwave photonics, or related areas.

In particular, we appreciate experience in one or more of the following topics:

• Experimental characterization of lasers
• Evaluation of noise in diode lasers
• Frequency stabilization of diode lasers
• Modeling of lasers, integrated waveguide circuits and photonic devices

You enjoy a strong English language proficiency, in writing and speaking, you like working in a team, your curiosity inspires progress and you have clear scientific communication skills. A scientific presentation will be part of the interview process.

We invite you to play a key role in an ambitious research program in an inspiring international environment.

• We strive for diversity and fairness in hiring - we offer you a full time position with a test period of one year.
• We provide excellent mentorship with a stimulating, a modern and a vivid research environment, with state-of-the art research facilities.
• You benefit from a professional and personal development program on a green and lively campus, with lots of sports facilities and other activities.

Information and application
Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss the project with Prof. Klaus Boller (k.j.boller@utwente.nl) prior to submitting applications.

Applications should include the following documents:

• A one-page motivation why you apply for this position.
• A detailed CV (resume) with a publication list.
• An academic transcript of B.Sc. and M.Sc. education.
• A high TOEFL (> 90 or 100) or IELTS (> 6.5 or 7) score, generally requested.

You can upload the above mentioned documents through the application button below.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

Within the TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology) of the University of Twente some 700 staff members and 2000 students are involved in training and research on the interface of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. Research, which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes MESA+ and MIRA. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.