Albert Polman

AMOLF in Amsterdam is offering a postdoctoral position in the Photonic Materials group of Prof. Albert Polman on probling electron-photon correlations using cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy . The project sits at the intersection of nanoscale light-matter interaction, electron microscopy, quantum optics, and advanced instrumentation. The research is part of the NXTGEN Hightech programme of the Dutch National Growth Fund and involves close collaboration with TU Delft, DELMIC, Amsterdam Scientific Instruments, and Technolution . The scientific program combines applied and fundamental directions: improving high-throughput CL for compound semiconductor metrology (including GaN, SiC, and GaAs ), developing multi-beam CL approaches, and performing correlative measurements that detect photons in coincidence with the electron that created them. Key topics include identifying the main bottlenecks in CL imaging speed, optimizing detector response and scanning strategies, building a testbench that emulates arrays of electron beams, and developing prototype detection methods for multi-beam electron microscopy. The project also explores photon statistics, emission dynamics, electron-photon correlations, and possible electron-photon entanglement using coherent excitation and quantum-eraser-type experiments. The position is embedded in the internationally active Photonic Materials group at AMOLF, a research institute at Amsterdam Science Park with a collaborative environment and strong links to academia and industry. The group works on light-matter interactions at the nanoscale and pioneered CL spectroscopy as a nanophotonics probe. Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a PhD in physics, optics, materials science, or engineering . Experience with optical instrumentation, fast detectors, photon-correlation or coincidence measurements, optical simulation, or data acquisition and analysis is a strong advantage. The postdoctoral appointment is full-time for three years, with a salary in scale 10 (CAO-OI) starting at 4,552 EUR gross per month , plus benefits. AMOLF also supports incoming international postdocs with housing, visa, transport, and furnishing assistance. Application window: applications are reviewed until the vacancy is filled. Interested candidates should apply online through the application link and may be subject to online screening.