PhD in Optical Characterization and Photonic Performance Analysis of Liquid Crystal Polymer Coatings Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

Eindhoven University of Technology is offering a PhD position in the research group of Dr. Stefan Meskers on the optical characterization and photonic performance analysis of advanced liquid crystal polymer coatings. The project, TactVision: The Liquid Crystal Polymer Invisibility Cloak, aims to develop coatings for one-way transparency, adaptive camouflage, and smart optical interfaces.

The successful candidate will investigate how liquid crystal polymer films control the direction, wavelength, and polarization of reflected and transmitted light. The work is centered on advanced optical characterization, modelling-supported interpretation, and performance benchmarking of switchable photonic coatings and cholesteric liquid crystal polymer films.

Research activities include angle-dependent reflection and transmission measurements, haze and scattering analysis, polarization selectivity, spectral bandwidth studies, UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, polarized optical microscopy, ellipsometry, Mueller matrix analysis, and imaging-based optical measurements. The project also involves evaluating RGB projection quality, image contrast, colour fidelity, modulation transfer, and stray-light suppression.

You will study how performance changes under humidity, temperature, electric fields, bending, and repeated switching cycles, and help develop standardized measurement protocols for optical alignment, sample handling, measurement geometry, and data reporting. The project is collaborative and connects material synthesis, coating fabrication, simulation, and device integration.

The PhD student will contribute to the optical validation of demonstrator devices such as smart visors, AR glasses, and privacy-protective optical displays. Results are expected to be published in scientific journals and presented at international conferences.

Applicants should have a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as applied physics, optics or photonics, materials science, physical chemistry, electrical engineering, optical engineering, display technology, or soft matter/liquid crystal science. Experience with spectroscopy, polarization optics, ellipsometry, optical microscopy, imaging systems, liquid crystals, photonic materials, or display characterization is an advantage. Strong quantitative skills, precision in experimental work, teamwork, interest in industrial collaboration, teaching motivation, and fluent English are important.

The position is full-time for four years and includes an intermediate assessment after nine months. Employment is in accordance with the Dutch Universities collective labour agreement, scale P, with salary, pension, and leave benefits, plus year-end bonus and vacation pay. The vacancy remains open until filled, and applications are handled online only.