The Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics group at the Eindhoven University of Technology (The Netherlands,
http://www.tue.nl/psn) has an open PhD student position on integrated spectrometers.
Background: Spectral sensing for agro-foodIn order to feed the growing world's population, we need to produce food more efficiently, while reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. This is only possible if we adapt the use of fertilisers and energy based on real-time data on crop's growth. Monitoring of fruit ripeness during storage and distribution is also needed to reduce food spoilage. Novel sensing technologies are needed to achieve this goal.
The spectrum of light reflected, transmitted or emitted by a material provides useful information on its (bio)chemical composition. Due to its simplicity and non-invasive nature, spectral sensing is increasingly used in the agro-food sector. The next step, portable spectral sensing for in-field applications, requires a radical change in the approach we use to measure the different spectral components of light. Nanophotonics, the science of controlling light propagation on the subwavelength scale, can provide the required solutions. Our group is pioneering a new approach to spectral sensing in the near-infrared, which enables gathering the required spectral information with an integrated semiconductor chip. In the framework of a large interdisciplinary program, recently granted by the Dutch government, we are going to further develop these spectral sensors and explore their application in precision agriculture.
Project descriptionThe selected candidate will perform applied research in nanophotonics and optical sensing. He/she will conceive, realize and characterize integrated spectrometers where a novel design of the optical structure allows gathering information over a very broad spectral range (e.g. 1000-2000 nm). The project, supervised by Prof. A. Fiore, includes both fundamental aspects of nanophotonics and close collaboration with research groups and companies active in the agricultural sector. The PhD student will be integrated in a young, dynamic and highly collaborative team active in this area.