PhD scholarship in integrated blue optical phased array on thin-film lithium niobate platform for underwater optical communication - DTU Electro

DTU Electro is seeking a candidate for a PhD position on integrated blue optical phased array on thin-film lithium niobate platform, which can enable solid-state optical beam steering and will be used for the next-generation photonic chip-based underwater optical wireless communication system.
The Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) is defined as a worldwide network of smart interconnected underwater objects, poised to revolutionize a number of related technologies including ocean monitoring observatories, underwater exploration and resource exploitation, disaster prediction and prevention, aquaculture, and defense/security. The establishment of the IoUT requires sensing, localization, and data transmission functionalities, which are mostly achieved using underwater wireless sensor networks, consisting of small, intelligent, and battery-powered sensors. A crucial point is to enable transmission of the collected data over relatively large distances with high speed, low power consumption and low environmental impact. Underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) represents a promising technology with the potential of addressing these requirements.

We are seeking a candidate for a PhD position to research integrated blue optical phased array (OPA) on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform, which can enable solid-state optical beam steering and will be used for the next-generation photonic chip-based UOWC system. TFLN platform is extremely promising for the UOWC application given its high transparency at blue-green light wavelength, high electro-optical coefficient, and low loss, allowing OPA-based underwater communications in a high speed.

You will participate in an international team in a European Innovation Commission (EIC) Pathfinder project called BlueArray. The project has partners from four different EU countries within the overall theme of photonic and electronic integrated circuits for next-generation UOWC technologies. This PhD project will take place at DTU Electro. As a participant of the project, you will become part of a team at DTU with expertise in design, simulation, nanofabrication, characterization, and application of photonic integrated circuits (PIC). The activities within the project will benefit from synergies with other projects in the group as well as with other activities in the department. The main supervisor will be Dr. Hao Hu, DTU Electro.

Responsibilities and qualifications
An OPA is a (periodic) arrangement of optical antennas that all emit light in phase to project a collimated beam. The emission angle and shape of this beam can be tuned by adjusting the relative phases and amplitudes that feed into the individual emitters or antennas. Particularly, OPAs are compatible with cheap and high-volume manufacturing. Due to the unique features of compact size, fast scanning and low cost, the integrated OPAs are becoming a transformative technology for solid-state beam steering.

This PhD project aims at developing an integrated OPA on TFLN platform at blue light (~450 nm) wavelength band for UOWC systems. You will first design an OPA on TFLN platform at blue-light wavelength. The designed blue OPA will then be fabricated using our advanced cleanroom facilities at DTU Nanolabs and characterized using our state-of-the-art lab facilities. You will closely collaborate with another PhD student working on blue-light TFLN integrated photonics platform. Candidates having a strong background in photonics and having experience with integrated photonics are preferred. The project will among others consist of the following tasks:

• Design, simulation, nanofabrication, and characterization of individual components of the blue OPA on TFLN platform.
• Design, simulation, and nanofabrication of integrated blue OPA on TFLN integrated platform.
• Develop controlling circuits including FPGA and DACs.
• Characterization of the integrated blue OPA for 2D solid-state beam steering.
• Characterization and demonstration of the blue OPA based beam steering technique in a UOWC system.
• Supervise BSc and MSc student projects.
• Data analysis, writing of scientific articles and presentations at conferences and meetings.
• Participate in outreach activities including, but not limited to, social media updates, participation in public events and campaigns, as well as dissemination to popular press.

As part of the Danish PhD program, you will follow a number of Ph.D. courses and you will have an opportunity to have an external research stay at one of the partner universities including Chalmers University of Technology, École Centrale de Marseille and Eindhoven University of Technology.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Senior Researcher Hao Hu and Yunhong Ding.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. The starting date is flexible and preferred to be 1st August 2024.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Dr. Hao Hu, [email protected]

You can read more about DTU Electro at www.electro.dtu.dk

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 May 2024 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Electro has 330 employees with competences in optics, acoustics and electronics and is one of the largest centers in the world in research in photonics. Research is performed within optical sensors, lasers, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, nano-optics and quantum photonics.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

Adresse:

Ørsteds Plads
2800 Kgs. Lyngby