Two PhD positions: Metasurfaces for energy-efficient wave-based computing

at  AMOLF

WORK ACTIVITIES

Are you fascinated by the idea of using light for all-optical information processing? Can you envision optical metasurfaces that perform operations on data at the speed of light? Are you motivated to contribute to new technologies that realize radical improvements in the energy efficiency of information and communication technology? As part of the Dutch consortium NL-ECO on energy-efficient computing, AMOLF is seeking talented and motivated candidates for two open PhD positions on Wave-based computing with programmable optical metasurfaces.

Metasurfaces are ultra-flat and compact nanophotonic elements that are pursued worldwide to replace conventional bulky optical elements like mirrors, lenses, and prisms. Going beyond simple optics replacements, metasurfaces can also perform data processing on optical signals, with particular relevance to image processing like edge detection, feature recognition, or operations that resolve wavelength or polarization information. We have two open positions addressing the following questions:

• Suppose optical signals are encoded in space like an image, in wavelength and polarization. How do you then design metasurfaces to perform common image processing steps, nowadays done on a PC, optimally in the optical domain? Can you use metasurfaces for all-optical feature extraction? What are the limits to stacking metasurfaces for more complicated algorithms? You will perform electromagnetic design and optimization, and demonstrate concepts in optical experiments
• Can we realize programmable, trainable and dynamically reconfigurable metasurfaces? Can you switch between metasurface functions by incorporating suitable materials? If so, what are the limits in energy and speed? Can you train such active metasurfaces to realize all-optical neural network functions? We envision using novel materials as metasurface constituents, such as phase change materials that show strong and reversible changes in their linear and nonlinear optical response.

QUALIFICATIONS

We seek an excellent candidate with a master’s degree in physics, photonics, nanoscience, or a related field, and with an affinity to both experiment and theory. You have strong social, organizational and communication skills, and are eager to engage with colleagues in your own field, and with the larger Dutch community working on energy-efficient computing. You like to work both independently and in a collaborative team. We strongly believe in the benefits of an inclusive and diverse environment, and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

Please refer the Job description for details