Summary: This PhD position focuses on the development, design, and manufacturing of novel fabrication-tolerant Spot Size Converters (SSCs) for Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs). The research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical designs and real-world fabrication tolerances, enabling faster and more accurate design of these crucial components. The project involves exploring new SSC architectures, optimizing manufacturing processes, and developing robust methodologies for integrating experimental characterization data into design flows and compact models.
PhD in Photonics: Design & Fabricate Advanced Spot Size Converters for PICs, Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands
Designation: PhD Student
Table:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | PhD SPOTSIZE CONVERTER DEVELOPMENT IN PHOTONIC INTEGRATION GROUP |
| Department | Department of Electrical Engineering |
| Research Area | Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), Spot Size Converters (SSCs), Optical Waveguide Theory, Mode Coupling, Compact Modeling, Device Design |
| Location | Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands (Brainport Eindhoven region) |
| Eligibility | Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, or a similar field. |
| Key Qualifications | Deep understanding of integrated photonics and optical waveguide theory. Ability to simplify complex physical behaviors into measurable parameters for mathematical models. Affinity for hands-on experimental work (cleanroom and characterization). Programming skills (Python, MATLAB). Expertise in photonic integration and simulation tools (FDTD, EME, Mode solvers) is a plus. |
| Job Description | Develop, design, and manufacture fabrication-tolerant SSCs for InP PICs. Validate models through experiments. Collaborate with process, PDK, and PIC design teams. Explore and design new SSC concepts. Optimize manufacturing processes. Characterize developed components. Develop methodologies to feedback experimental data into the design flow. Create compact modeling methods. Contribute to European photonics initiatives (PITC, JePPIX, PIXEurope). |
| How to Apply | Submit a complete application online via the “apply button” on the TU/e career website. Applications sent by email or post will not be processed. |
| Last Date to Apply | July 25, 2026 |
Research Area: Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), Spot Size Converters (SSCs), Optical Waveguide Theory, Mode Coupling, Compact Modeling, Device Design, Indium Phosphide (InP) platform, Nanolab cleanroom, Experimental Characterization, PDK development.
Location: Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands. The position is located on a campus within walking distance of the central train station in the Brainport Eindhoven region, a leading tech hub.
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, or a similar field.
- Deep understanding of integrated photonics, optical waveguide theory, and mode coupling.
- Ability to simplify complex physical behaviors to core measurable parameters for efficient mathematical models.
- An affinity for hands-on experimental work, including cleanroom manufacturing and characterization techniques.
- Skills in programming languages such as Python or MATLAB.
- Expertise in photonic integration and experience with photonic design and electromagnetic simulation software (e.g., FDTD, EME, Mode solvers) is beneficial but not mandatory; enthusiasm and eagerness to learn are highly valued.
Job Description: The appointed PhD student will be responsible for:
- Developing, designing, and manufacturing novel fabrication-tolerant Spot Size Converters (SSCs) for Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) on the Indium Phosphide (InP) platform.
- Exploring and designing various SSC architectures (e.g., lateral/vertical tapers, multi-layer transitions) to optimize mode matching, polarization dependency, bandwidth, and fabrication tolerance.
- Optimizing and developing the manufacturing process for SSCs in the Nanolab cleanroom.
- Characterizing the performance of the developed components.
- Establishing systematic methodologies to analyze experimental results and feed this characterization data back into the design and layout process.
- Developing compact modeling methods to integrate experimental data into the design of building blocks for extending process design kits (PDKs).
- Collaborating closely with process, PDK, and PIC design teams.
- Contributing to Europe’s photonics ecosystem through involvement with PITC, JePPIX, and PIXEurope partners.
How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit a complete application through the online “apply button” on the TU/e career website. Applications submitted via email or postal mail will not be considered. The application should include a cover letter detailing motivation and qualifications, and a Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a list of publications and contact information for three references.
Last Date for Apply: July 25, 2026. The position will remain open until filled, and applications will be screened as they are received.
