PhD Spotsize converter development In Photonic Integration Group

Introduction

• Develop, design and manufacture novel fabrication tolerant spotsize converters for Photonic Integrated Circuits.
• Validate models through experiments and enable fast and accurate design
• Collaborate closely with process, PDK, and PIC design teams and contribute to Europe’s photonics ecosystem through involvement with PITC, JePPIX, and PIXEurope partners

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are increasingly used in various applications. Coupling light in and out of the chip however remains challenging. This PhD position aims to develop a design framework for fabrication tolerant Spot Size Converters (SSC), the work focusses on:

• Exploring and designing new concepts for spot size converters (SSCs) on our Indium Phosphide (InP) Photonic integration platform
• Developing and optimizing a manufacturing process for the SSC in the Nanolab cleanroom at TU/e.
• Characterizing the developed components
• Developing robust methodologies to feedback experimental characterization results into the design and layout flow
• Creating compact modeling methods to incorporate experimental data into design of building blocks for extending process design kits (PDKs)
  
  

Job Description

PICs on InP have the big advantage to integrate all required optical functionalities in a single chip and hold great promise to address different markets powering AI, datacenters but also in sensing for automotive and medical applications. However, coupling light efficiently between optical fibers and the high-confinement waveguides on an InP chip remains a fundamental packaging challenge. Spot Size Converters (SSCs) are essential building blocks to ease the packaging and minimize interface losses. As PICs scale in complexity and packaging becomes a bottleneck, relying on purely theoretical simulations for these interfaces is insufficient; there is a critical need to bridge the gap between idealized designs and real-world fabrication tolerances.

We are looking for a PhD student to work on advanced design methodologies for spot size converters on InP PICs. The work will begin at the device level, exploring, simulating, and experimentally verifying various SSC architectures (such as lateral/vertical tapers or multi-layer transitions) to optimize mode matching, polarization dependency, bandwidth, and fabrication tolerance.

A core focus of your research will be establishing a systematic methodology to analyze experimental test results and translate that characterization data back into the design process.

Furthermore, you will collaborate in the PhI group to establish and expand a framework for compact models that builds on this experimental characterization data, ensuring that circuit designers have access to highly accurate, data-driven building blocks within the PDK.

Close collaboration is expected with colleagues responsible for process engineering, PDK development and PIC design. The appointed person will work closely with colleagues from Photonic Integration Group, 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 PIXEurope initiative, ensuring that the European design ecosystem remains at the forefront of global photonics technology.

Link for PIXEurope

Link for PITC

Job Requirements

• Masters degree in electrical engineering, applied physics, photonics or similar.
• Deep understanding of integrated photonics, optical waveguide theory, and mode coupling
• Ability to simplify complex physical behaviours to the core measurable parameters for efficient mathematical models.
• An affinity for hands-on experimental work, both in the cleanroom to manufacture devices and in characterization techniques and data analysis.
• Skills in programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB) and simulation tools.
• Expertise in photonic integration and experience with photonic design and electromagnetic simulation software (e.g., FDTD, EME, Mode solvers) 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 gross per month).  
• 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.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• 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. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university 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.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

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.

This is an EU funded project, named PixEurope Horizon Europe, with project number RT203295, within program ChipsJU. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring managers Luc Augustin, [email protected] or Kevin Williams, [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Kevin Caris, HR-Advisor, [email protected].

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.