PhD on Compact models of optical amplifiers for Photonic Integrated Circuits

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) increasingly used in various applications. To allow a smooth design flow for these PICs, optimized compact models are needed. This PhD position is enabling compact models for optical amplifiers and the work focuses on:

• Research on optimizing and simplifying compact models to enable computationally-efficient advanced photonic integrated circuit design without compromising accuracy
• Design dedicated test structures and define physics-based parametric models for use by circuit designers
• Analyze and characterize active components in Indium Phosphide (InP) platforms, focusing on Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (SOAs)
• Conduct applied research to validate models through experiments and integrate them into Process Design Kits (PDKs)

Information

• Develop compact, physics‑based models for optical amplifiers to support advanced PIC design.
• Design and test specialized structures to isolate key physical effects in InP-based SOAs.
• Perform electro‑optical measurements and analyze data to characterize active photonic components.
• Translate complex device behavior into efficient, simplified parametric models for PDKs.
• Validate models through experiments and collaborate closely with process, PDK, and PIC design teams.
• Contribute to Europe’s photonics ecosystem through involvement with PITC, JePPIX, and Chips for Europe initiatives

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 assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• 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. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• 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.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Augustin, Luc, laugustin@tue.nl or Williams, Kevin, K.A.Williams@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Kevin Caris HR-Advisor, k.t.caris@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.