The Dutch-German InSynQ project aims to make integrated photonics ready for applications in quantum sensing and metrology. We will do this with a focus on indium phosphide (InP) based monolithic technology, operating around 1550 nm, i.e., the telecom wavelengths. The goal is to invent and develop novel low-noise and ultra-stable tunable lasers and very sensitive photodetectors. These will be integrated onto a photonic integrated circuit (PIC), so the quantum sensing systems can be miniaturized. Together with our German industry partner Menlo Systems, we will then make the technology ready to go into compact quantum clocks. Quantum everywhere, with PICs inside!
As a postdoc in our group, you will be responsible for realizing such novel PICs, with a focus on advanced wavelength-tunable lasers and their stabilization. The work includes the design of novel lasers, typically making use of a mature (external) foundry platform, such as offered by our JePPIX partners (
https://www.jeppix.eu/). You will also be working with a PhD student, who will be developing new extremely sensitive photodiodes, beyond the current capabilities of commercial foundries. These chips will finally be tested in our optical characterization labs. You are expected to coordinate the work and establish a helicopter view of the InP PIC technology capabilities and ecosystem (e.g.,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0268-1242/29/8/083001).
The work in our group will be highly collaborative and complementary to the work done by our Partner in this project, Menlo Systems. The work at TU/e will focus on the PIC design and technology development. Since Eindhoven is located in the heart of the leading semiconductor and photonics ecosystem 'Brainport' (
https://brainporteindhoven.com/en/), close collaboration with a wider range of academic and industrial partners can also be anticipated.
As a postdoc, you will be part of a dynamic and ambitious environment, with plenty of opportunities to develop yourself. Our Future Chips Flagship (
https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-areas/future-chips) at TU/e consists of many closely-cooperating research groups, focusing on integrated photonics, semiconductor technology and quantum technology. You will be part of the Photonic Integration group (PhI) at Electrical Engineering, which has about 70 members, 25 of which are PhD students. Our laboratory facilities are extensive and state of the art.