PhD position - Electro-optically Tunable Meta Circuits for Wavefront Shaping AMOLF in Netherlands

The METAPIC project at AMOLF offers a PhD position focused on developing electro-optically tunable meta circuits for advanced wavefront shaping. The research aims to create programmable metasurface pixels integrated on a single chip, capable of rapidly and precisely directing light. These pixels, composed of 2D arrays of scatterers ('meta-atoms'), are engineered for diffractive outcoupling and simultaneous wavefront shaping. Light is delivered to each pixel via integrated waveguides, which utilize cutting-edge electrooptic nonlinear materials to modulate brightness and phase at high speeds.

This project is a collaboration between the Resonant Nanophotonics group at AMOLF (PI Femius Koenderink) and Dr. Imran Avci's team at Free University Amsterdam (VU), with support from industry partners such as Rapid Photonics and PlanOPSim. The research combines expertise in integrated optics, metasurface design, nanofabrication, and advanced characterization techniques. The goal is to develop scalable, low-loss systems for dynamic light control, with potential applications in measurement science, LiDAR, adaptive optics, and VR/AR.

As a PhD student, you will design and fabricate integrated optics and metasurfaces using electrooptic nonlinear materials, leveraging the AMOLF nanolab cleanroom facilities. You will employ state-of-the-art microscopy methods to evaluate and optimize your prototypes, progressing from initial designs to advanced functional devices. The project covers the full cycle from numerical design to nanofabrication and optics characterization, offering opportunities to collaborate with Dutch industry partners within the Photon Delta ecosystem.

AMOLF is a national institute under NWO-I, located at Amsterdam Science Park, with a mission to advance fundamental research in physics and create new functional materials. The Resonant Nanophotonics group specializes in nanoscale photonic structures, including metasurface optics, optical nanoantennas, and resonators, with applications in light sources, metrology, microscopy, and wave-based information processing. The institute fosters a dynamic, inclusive, and diverse work environment, recognized by the NNV Diversity Award 2022.

The position is a full-time appointment (40 hours/week) for four years, with a starting salary of 3,115 Euros gross per month and a comprehensive benefits package. AMOLF provides support for housing and visa applications, as well as compensation for transport and furnishing expenses for foreign PhD students. Upon successful completion, a PhD degree will be awarded by a Dutch university. Specialized courses for PhD students and a collaborative, informal atmosphere are part of the work environment.

Applicants should hold a MSc degree in physics, optics, photonics, nanoscience, or a related field. Interest or experience in numerical design, nanofabrication, and optics characterization is advantageous. The application process is online, and further information can be obtained from Femius Koenderink ([email protected]). AMOLF encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds and is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.