PhD student position: Photonic-Crystal Surface-Emitting Lasers in III-Ns

As the successful candidate you will play an essential role in the development of a new semiconductor laser with emission in the blue to ultraviolet wavelength regime that has potential applications in water purification, metal processing etc. You will be given the opportunity to work in one of the world-leading groups on blue-UV surface-emitting lasers and combine device design and numerical simulations with device processing and characterization in close collaboration with partners at Chalmers within the project who are experts on photonic crystal design and collaborators at international universities who are experts on epitaxial growth.

Information about the research
The Photonics Laboratory at the Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), with about 35 researchers, is working on 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 infrastructure that covers most parts in surface-emitting laser development, i.e. design and simulation, laser fabrication, and material and device characterization. Realizing lasers in III-N-materials is associated with challenges such as achieving efficient electrical pumping due to the low electrical conductivity of those materials and realizing high quality mirrors to enable cavities with high quality factors. Over the past few years, we have developed nano structuring techniques for tailored optical feedback and a thin-film lift-off process to be able to combine III-N-materials with high-quality mirrors. These have enabled us to demonstrate the world's first blue vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL) with a high-contrast grating for polarization pinning and the shortest emission wavelength from an optically pumped VCSEL at 310 nm. With a prestigious collaborative research grant from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, we are now expanding our team. Our goal in the project is to explore the use of our technologies to realize photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers which allows for two-dimensional lasing oscillations to occur over a large area enabling, for example, high optical output powers.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student in our group you will be exploring different schemes for photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers in III-N-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 simulation tools for laser design and modeling. The photonic crystal design will be done in collaboration with partners within the project. Your major responsibility as PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies, during which you are expected to develop your own ideas and communicate the results of your research verbally as well as in writing. The PhD position is a full-time temporary employment with a starting salary of about 3 000 Euro/month, limited to maximum 5 years. The position includes departmental work, mostly as a teaching assistant, corresponding to about 10% of the working hours.

Qualifications
By the starting date in Aug-Sept, you must have a Master of Science degree or equivalent 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 proficiency in English is a requirement.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

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 20210187 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 experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• 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, e.g. 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: 19 May, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Professor Åsa Haglund, Photonics Laboratory
E-mail: asa.haglund@chalmers.se
Phone: +46(0)31-772 1592

*** 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!