PhD in Ultraviolet Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers

As the successful candidate you will play an essential role in the development of a new semiconductor laser with ultraviolet emission that has potential applications in water purification, medical analysis and treatment, UV curing etc. You will be given the opportunity to work in one of the world-leading groups in the area and combine device design and numerical simulations with device processing and characterization in close collaboration with other Universities who are experts on epitaxial growth.

Information about the Photonics Laboratory
The Photonics Laboratory at the Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), with about 30 members, conducts research in optoelectronics, ultrafast optics and fiber optical communication. Research in optoelectronics, with an emphasis on semiconductor lasers, started at Chalmers in the early 1980's. Today we have the expertise and an infrastructure that covers most parts in vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) development, i.e. design and simulation, laser fabrication, and material and device characterization. Realizing VCSELs from AlGaN-materials with emission in the ultraviolet (UV) is associated with challenges such as achieving efficient electrical pumping due to the low electrical conductivity of those materials and realizing high quality mirrors in combination with good control of the resonator length. Over the past three years we have developed a new thin-film lift-off process to be able to combine AlGaN-material with high-quality mirrors. This have enabled us to demonstrate the world's shortest emission wavelength from an optically pumped VCSEL at 310 nm. With a recent research grant from the European Research Council we are now expanding our team to push the emission wavelength even shorter and to develop the world's first electrically injected deep-UV VCSEL. 

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student in our group you will be exploring different schemes for UV-emitting lasers in AlGaN-based materials. Your work will be mainly experimental and you will be trained in device fabrication using state-of-the-art equipment in our clean room as well as characterization of fabricated devices in our new measurement laboratory. In addition, you will have access to our in-house-developed VCSEL simulation tools for laser design and modeling. The work will be conducted in close collaboration with external partners who grow the epitaxial material. Your major responsibility as PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own ideas and communicate the results of your research orally as well as in written form. The position includes departmental work, mostly as a teaching assistant, corresponding to about 10% of the working hours.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment, with a starting salary of 30 000 SEK/month. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
By the starting date in Aug-Sept, you must have a Master of Science degree or equivalent, corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits, in Physics or Electrical Engineering, with knowledge in semiconductor physics and optoelectronic devices. Any experience from device simulations, device fabrication in a clean room environment or device characterization will be a merit. You should be able to work independently as well as in a group. A good command of English is a requirement.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200128 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, eg. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 13 April, 2020

For questions, please contact:
Professor Åsa Haglund, Photonics Laboratory 
E-mail: asa.haglund@chalmers.se
Phone: +46(0)31-7721592

Information about the department
The Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience focuses on research, innovation and education within the fields of future electronics, photonics, bio- and nanosystems. A close collaboration with Swedish and international partners within academia, industry and society enables scientific excellence and creates an innovative environment. In addition to the 200 researchers and PhD students, MC2 houses a cleanroom for micro- and nanofabrication with the latest equipment.

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!