PhD in One-Way Transparent Liquid Crystal Polymer Films for Optical Interfaces Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

Eindhoven University of Technology is offering a PhD position in one-way transparent liquid crystal polymer films for optical interfaces. The project is part of TactVision: The Liquid Crystal Polymer Invisibility Cloak and is embedded in the research group of Dr. Danqing Liu at TU/e.

The research addresses a key challenge for modern optical systems such as augmented reality glasses, visors, head-mounted displays, and smart optical interfaces: how to make information visible to the user while remaining hidden from outside observers. The PhD project will develop cholesteric liquid crystal polymer coatings that selectively reflect projected light toward the user while maintaining high transparency from the opposite side.

You will work on the molecular design, formulation, fabrication, and optical optimization of one-way transparent films. The project includes reactive liquid crystal mesogens, chiral dopants, photo-alignment methods, spin coating, blade coating, lamination, photopolymerization, and multilayer polymer architectures. A major goal is to create thin, transparent, and robust films that can selectively reflect red, green, and blue light in controlled directions for privacy-preserving and stealth-compatible optical displays.

Research tasks include designing and formulating cholesteric liquid crystal polymer systems, fabricating thin optical coatings, developing multilayer RGB-selective films, characterizing phase behaviour and alignment, and optimizing optical properties such as transparency, reflectance, haze, polarization selectivity, colour fidelity, and viewing-angle stability. The project also involves collaboration with experts in optical characterization, modelling, device integration, and perception studies, along with scientific publishing and conference presentations.

The position is hosted by the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at TU/e, an interdisciplinary environment with strong links to high-tech industry and advanced materials research. The university offers a full-time appointment for four years, an intermediate assessment after nine months, teaching opportunities, and extensive employment benefits including salary scale P, pension scheme, leave provisions, training, commuting and home-working allowances, and support for international staff.

Applicants should have a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as materials science, chemical engineering, polymer chemistry, physical chemistry, liquid crystals, soft matter, optics or photonics, or coating technology. Experience with liquid crystal materials, polymer networks, optical coatings, photopolymerization, microscopy, spectroscopy, thin-film processing, or cleanroom fabrication is advantageous. Strong English skills, a research-oriented mindset, precision in experimental work, and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team are important.

The application deadline is 2026-07-30. Applications must be submitted online through the apply button; email and postal applications are not accepted. A cover letter, CV, publication list, and contact information for three references are required. The vacancy remains open until filled, but complete applications are prioritized.