PhD in photonic integrated circuits for quantum technology

The Dutch-German InSynQ project aims to make integrated photonics ready for applications in quantum sensing and metrology. We will do this with a focus on indium phosphide (InP) based monolithic technology, operating around 1550 nm, i.e., the telecom wavelengths. The goal is to invent and develop novel low-noise and ultra-stable tunable lasers and very sensitive photodetectors. These will be integrated onto a photonic integrated circuit (PIC), so the quantum sensing systems can be miniaturized. Together with our German industry partner Menlo Systems, we will then make the technology ready to go into compact quantum clocks. Quantum everywhere, with PICs inside!

As a PhD student in our group, you will be responsible for realizing such novel PICs, with a focus on advanced wavelength-tunable lasers and balanced photodiodes. The work includes the design of novel lasers, typically making use of a mature (external) foundry platform, such as offered by our JePPIX partners (https://www.jeppix.eu/). You will also be working in our cleanroom to design and fabricate extremely sensitive photodiodes, beyond the current capabilities of commercial foundries. Our NanoLabTUe cleanroom is a globally-leading facility for III-V fabrication (e.g., http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0268-1242/29/8/083001, https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/nanolabtue/nanolabtue). These chips will finally be tested in our optical characterization labs.

The work in our group will be highly collaborative and complementary to the work done by our Partner in this project, Menlo Systems. The work at TU/e will focus on the PIC design and technology development. Since Eindhoven is located in the heart of the leading semiconductor and photonics ecosystem 'Brainport' (https://brainporteindhoven.com/en/), close collaboration with a wider range of academic and industrial partners can also be anticipated.

As a PhD student, you will be part of a dynamic and ambitious environment, with plenty of opportunities to develop yourself. Our Future Chips Flagship (https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-areas/future-chips) at TU/e consists of many closely-cooperating research groups, focusing on integrated photonics, semiconductor technology and quantum technology. You will be part of the Photonic Integration group (PhI) at Electrical Engineering, which has about 70 members, 25 of which are PhD students. Our laboratory facilities are extensive and state of the art.

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, scale P (min. €2,901 max. €3,707).
• 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.