PhD on Compact models of optical amplifiers for Photonic Integrated Circuits

Short Description

• Develop compact, physics‑based models for optical amplifiers to support advanced PIC design.
• Design and test specialized structures to isolate key physical effects in InP-based SOAs.
• Perform electro‑optical measurements and analyze data to characterize active photonic components.
• Translate complex device behavior into efficient, simplified parametric models for PDKs.
• Validate models through experiments and collaborate closely with process, PDK, and PIC design teams.
• Contribute to Europe’s photonics ecosystem through involvement with PITC, JePPIX, and Chips for Europe initiatives

Introduction

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) increasingly used in various applications. To allow a smooth design flow for these PICs, optimized compact models are needed. This PhD position is enabling compact models for optical amplifiers and the work focuses on:

• Research on optimizing and simplifying compact models to enable computationally-efficient advanced photonic integrated circuit design without compromising accuracy
• Design dedicated test structures and define physics-based parametric models for use by circuit designers
• Analyze and characterize active components in Indium Phosphide (InP) platforms, focusing on Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (SOAs)
• Conduct applied research to validate models through experiments and integrate them into Process Design Kits (PDKs)

Job Description

Photonic integrated circuits rely heavily on the accuracy of the tools used to design them. As the foundry model matures, Process Design Kits (PDKs) have become the standard interface allowing fabless designers to create complex chips. Next to passive components, our InP platform provides the unique capability to integrate these with active components such as Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (SOAs). To fully exploit the potential of InP technology, reliable physics-based models are required that allow designers to accurately predict circuit performance before fabrication. SOAs present complex, non-linear behaviours that pose challenges to model in a simplified and efficient way. They require multi-dimensional parametric models to describe noise, nonlinearity, modes and spurious reflections, but an efficient design flow will require a simple implementation.

We are seeking a PhD researcher to develop robust and efficient compact models for SOAs within the InP platform. The work will bridge the gap between device physics, process optimisations and practical circuit design. You will be responsible for the full modelling cycle: from designing specific test structures to isolate physical phenomena, to performing detailed electro-optical characterization in the lab. Using this data, you will define parametric models that capture among others gain, saturation, and noise dynamics.

The goal is to deliver a verified model that a designer can confidently use within a broad range of design workflows for designing complex PICs.

The position involves setting up a rigorous validation process where models are benchmarked against experimental results. Close collaboration is expected with colleagues responsible for process engineering, PDK development and PIC design. The appointed person will work closely with the expert teams at the Photonic Integration Technology Centre (PITC) and associated research groups. This role contributes directly to the advancement of the JePPIX Pilot Line and the Chips for Europe initiative, ensuring that the European design ecosystem remains at the forefront of global photonics technology.

Link for PIXEurope: https://www.tue.nl/en/news-and-events/news-overview/05-12-2024-pixeuropeconsortium-to-lead-the-european-pilot-line-on-advanced-photonic-integrated-circuits

Link for PITC: https://pitc.nl

Job Requirements

• Masters degree in electrical engineering, applied physics, photonics or similar.
• Deep-tech understanding of semiconductor device physics, specifically regarding optical devices (e.g. carrier dynamics, optical gain, waveguide optics)
• Ability to simplify complex physical behaviours to the core measurable parameters for efficient mathematical models.
• An affinity for hands-on experimental characterization techniques and data analysis.
• Skills in programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB) and simulation tools.
• Expertise in photonic integration is not a must, but having relevant background alongside enthusiasm and eagerness to learn is required.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Augustin, Luc, laugustin@tue.nl or Williams, Kevin, K.A.Williams@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Kevin Caris HR-Advisor, k.t.caris@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.