Several PhD positions are available at the Integrated Optical Systems group of the University of Twente, part of the Optical Sciences chair and associated to the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology. The PhD students will become part of a team working on the development of low-loss sputtered materials for Integrated Photonics. In particular, low-loss high-gain rare-earth ion doped aluminium oxide waveguide amplifiers and lasers integrated onto a passive silicon nitride platform will be developed for operation in the C-band and at around 2 mm. Operation down to the UV wavelength range will also be investigated. Devices that will be developed include laser sources for time-of-flight and FMCW LiDAR, on-chip femtosecond lasers and high power on-chip amplifiers. Other sputtered materials will also be studied for the realization of high-speed modulators and on-chip optical isolators.

The projects comprise modelling of the devices, the development of the fabrication process in the MESA+ Nanolab cleanroom facility, which has all necessary state-of-the-art microfabrication equipment required to carry out this work, and optical characterization in the facilities of the research group.

The projects will leverage our expertise in the development of sputtered optical materials for integrated photonics consolidating our international position in this field. The projects are carried out in collaboration with industrial partners in the framework of two European projects and one national Dutch project.

We are looking for candidates with a MSc degree in engineering physics, electrical engineering, materials engineering/science or photonics engineering, with a good background in cleanroom microfabrication, deposition of optical materials and design/simulation of optical devices. Experimental experience in the optical characterization of integrated optical devices is desirable.

Suitable candidates can operate in a multidisciplinary multicultural team, have proficient oral and written English language skills, and are capable of scientific communication, also towards non-expert partners. Excellent soft communication skills at all levels are required. Female candidates and members of minority groups are equally encouraged to apply as we strive for working in a well-balanced inclusive team.

We offer a challenging fulltime position in an inspiring multidisciplinary and international environment. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in which internationalization and inclusion are an important part of the strategic agenda.

Furthermore,

• We offer you a four-year full-time position
• We provide excellent mentorship in an inspiring research environment, with state-of-the art research facilities.
• Professional and personal development programs
• Gross salary ranging from € 2395 to € 3061 (4th yr) per month
• Holiday allowance (8%), end-of-year bonus (8.3%)
• Good secondary conditions
• A green Campus with lots of sports facilities.

The Integrated Optical Systems group consists in average of 4-5 PhD students, 2-3 MSc students, 1-2 post-docs and several staff members. Our vision is to develop novel materials, devices and integration technologies for Integrated Photonics to solve societal problems. We are part of the Optical Sciences chair, which provides a dynamic and social environment for the daily work of the team. We are part of the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, which offers advanced characterization and fabrication tools at the nanoscale, as well as a stimulating scientific environment with more than 250 PhD students working on various aspects of nanoscience and technology.

In addition, we are part of a group of around 80 researchers that explore, within the research cluster Applied Nanophotonics (ANP), multiple aspects of modern photonics. These include technologies such as the development of materials, integration technologies, photonic assembly, packaging, and laser processing for applications including quantum optics, control of light scattering, photonics crystals, XUV optics, biomedical imaging, and sensing.