Research Center NanoPhoton – Center for Nanophotonics (https://nanophoton.dtu.dk/) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) invites applications for a PhD position on epitaxial growth of III-V semiconductor heterostructures for application in nanophotonics and quantum technology.
The purpose of NanoPhoton is to explore the phenomenon of sub-wavelength localization of light in semiconductor nanocavities. This leads to an extreme enhancement of the optical energy density and thereby opens new possibilities for studying light-matter interaction in hitherto unexplored regimes. Important applications include new devices for quantum technology, like lasers with reduced quantum noise and nonlinear devices working at the level of a few photons. Moreover, the extreme enhancement and small footprint of the nanocavities offer the means to establish on-chip interfacing between electronics and photonics, which would lead to substantial energy-savings. Progress, however, is required in several research disciplines, including epitaxial growth, nanofabrication, and device characterization.
We have already hired the first group of PhD students and postdocs and we now wish to strengthen our research activities further. We therefore welcome applications from candidates who have proved themselves within one or several of the following fields: Semiconductor physics, quantum optics, experimental photonics, and nanofabrication.
As part of the PhD project, students will spend 3-6 months abroad. The working environment in the research center is international and vibrant, emphasizing an open and relaxed atmosphere. PhD students in Denmark are considered employees and earn salary, pension and holidays; see here for more information.
Responsibilities and qualifications
As a PhD student, you will be working closely with other members of the NanoPhoton team. You will be responsible for the epitaxial growth of III-V semiconductor heterostructures operating at the telecom wavelength range and nanofabrication.
More specifically, this will include:
- Advancing self-assembled quantu
m dot (QD) growth methods and implementing new approaches to tailor the properties of individual QDs as well as array properties to address the requirements for a gain medium for nanophotonic devices. - Working in the state-of-the-art cleanroom facility on the fabrication of photonic nanocavity devices. This will include developing new methods for deterministic cavity fabrication and heterogeneous integration of III-V photonic nanodevices on a silicon platform.
- Characterization of the resulting nanodevices.
As part of the Danish PhD program, the student will follow a number of PhD courses, take part in teaching and conduct an external research stay.
Candidates should 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 within the field of Solid state Physics, Photonics Engineering. Good communication skills in written and spoken English are mandatory.
In the selection of candidates, special consideration will be given to candidates with experience within one or several of the following topics:
- Nanofabrication or nanoscale materials characterization
- Experimental or theoretical photonics
- Quantum optics, nanophotonics, or semiconductor physics
as well as:
- A strong drive, interest in acquiring new skills, and a strong team spirit
- Interest in the supervision of students
- A GPA belonging to the very top or a proven track-record of relevant research
Prior research experience, documented in peer-reviewed publications, is an additional qualification, but not a requirement.
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
Candidates will be assessed by Professor Jesper Mørk, Professor Kresten Yvind, and Associate Professor Elizaveta Semenova.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognised 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 characterised 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.
You can read more about being a PhD student at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Center Leader Prof. Jesper Mørk, jesm@dtu.dk, or Associate Professor Elizaveta Semenova, esem@fotonik.dtu.dk.
You can read more about the NanoPhoton center at: https://nanophoton.dtu.dk/
Take a virtual tour in DTU Nanolab cleanroom facility: https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=n7rBdnKvgxd
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
Please submit your online application no later than 15 September 2022 (Danish time).
We will be processing applications as they are received, so you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, 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
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications and enclosures 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.
NanoPhoton
The research vision of NanoPhoton – Center for Nanophotonics – is to explore the hitherto inaccessible regime of extreme dielectric confinement of light in optical cavities and to apply the associated enhanced light-matter interaction to solve fundamental outstanding challenges in chipscale information technology. To this end, we will develop the science and technology for a new class of optical nanostructures by combining fundamental electromagnetic and quantum optical theory with state-of-the-art nanofabrication and advanced experimental characterization techniques.
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 vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 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.
Apply for this job
Apply no later than 15 September 2022
Apply for the job at DTU Electro by completing the following form.