Johnson

PhD Position in Time-Reflection of Subwavelength THz Waves at ETH Zurich This PhD project at ETH Zurich explores new ways of controlling and confining electromagnetic waves in time, with a focus on terahertz (THz) time-varying photonic systems based on subwavelength waveguides. The research investigates how ultrafast excitations can modify a material’s optical properties on subcycle timescales, enabling emerging wave phenomena such as time reflection , dynamic dispersion engineering , photonic time crystals , and the dynamic Casimir effect . The project is jointly supervised within an ETH collaborative initiative and involves regular interaction with the groups of Prof. Dikopoltsev , Prof. Scalari , Prof. Johnson , and project partners. The work combines theoretical modeling , device design , and ultrafast THz experiments , offering a highly interdisciplinary environment at the interface of photonics, electromagnetism, and computational physics. The successful candidate will develop numerical simulation frameworks for time-varying electromagnetic systems, model ultrafast refractive-index modulation and temporal scattering, design and optimize subwavelength THz waveguides for efficient time interfaces, and study wave phenomena in periodically modulated guided systems. The project also includes collaboration with experimental partners to validate predictions through ultrafast THz pump–probe measurements . Applicants should have a background in physics, photonics, electrical engineering, or a related field , with experience or strong interest in numerical simulations (e.g. Maxwell solvers, FDTD/FEM, coupled-mode theory, or PDE/ODE solvers). Skills in scientific programming and data analysis with Python , MATLAB , or similar tools are desired, together with motivation to combine computation and experiment in a collaborative setting. ETH Zurich offers a unique environment with close collaboration with internationally recognized experts in THz photonics, ultrafast optics, and electromagnetic theory, and the chance to contribute to an emerging field with fundamental and technological relevance. How to apply: Applications must be submitted online as a single merged PDF, including a cover letter, CV, transcripts of all degrees in English, three professional reference contacts, and a publication or thesis sample. Questions about the position should be sent to Alexander Dikopoltsev at [email protected] . Email or postal applications will not be considered.