PhD Position Metaoptics Space NL, CD

Are you passionate about nanooptics, outer space and you would like to work towards advancing the monitoring of atmospheric constituents such as greenhouse gases? We seek formidable students to design detector-integrated photonic crystals for this endeavour.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the INTERPRETER project, an interdisciplinary research initiative focused on the development of next-generation compact hyperspectral spectropolarimetric cameras. Hyperspectral imaging enables simultaneous acquisition of spatial and spectral information, supporting applications in earth observation, semiconductor metrology, agriculture, medical imaging, industrial inspection, and environmental monitoring. Current detector technologies face limitations in spectral coverage, imaging speed, scalability, cost, and CMOS compatibility.

The INTERPRETER project aims to overcome these challenges employing photonic crystal-based spectropolarimetric filter arrays. The project will advance novel imaging technologies capable of delivering compact, high-performance instruments for satellite-based aerosol monitoring, climate research, and industrial sensing applications.

Ideally, the candidate should have a strong background in optics/nanoptics, both experimentally as well as theoretically. Tasks involve the design and manufacturing of photonic crystals, the detector integration as well as the optical testing. The INTERPRETER project will be in collaboration with SRON Space Research Organisation Netherlands, where as well parts of the experimental work will take place.

Applicants should have the following qualifications:

• A strong Master's degree in Physics or Applied Physics, Photonics, Nanotechnology, Engineering or a related field.
• Knowledge of nanooptics, photonic crystals, inverse design, photonics, imaging systems, optionally also semiconductor devices, optoelectronics.
• Experience with optical characterization, nanofabrication, computational imaging, or detector technology is an advantage.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

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