Phd Student in Nonlinear Optics for Analog Computing - Zurich, Schweiz - ETH Zürich

ETH Zürich
ETH Zürich
Geprüftes Unternehmen
Zurich, Schweiz

vor 2 Wochen

Lena Schneider

Geschrieben von:

Lena Schneider

beBee Recruiter
Beschreibung

PhD student in nonlinear optics for analog computing:


100%, Zurich, fixed-term:


The Optical Nanomaterial Laboratory in the Physics Department at ETH Zurich is looking for a PhD student in nonlinear optics for analog computing.


Project background:


A complex medium (also known as _disordered_ or _random_ medium) is an optical system that mixes the spatial and temporal degrees of freedom of an incident field, resulting in a scrambled intensity distribution at its output.

The large number of internal degrees of freedom makes the output intensity pattern random, yet deterministic.

Consequently, it is possible to characterize - and even control - the propagation of light through the medium, allowing the disordered system to perform a variety of tasks when combined with programmable modulators.

Applications include the control of various properties of light, such as intensity, polarization, spectrum, and coherence.

In the Optical Nanomaterial group, we have introduced an additional layer of complexity to random media: optical nonlinearity. The nonlinear disordered medium is composed of nanodomains characterized by a second-order susceptibility tensor. As such, each nanodomain generates second-harmonic (SH) waves with random amplitude and phase when excited by a fundamental beam.

The interference of the generated waves leads to efficient nonlinear light generation without stringent conditions on the polarization and wavelength of the fundamental light, which is not possible with bulk crystals.

Our material provides a unique platform to study the combined effect of nonlinear light generation and multiple scattering.


Job description:


The PhD project aims to exploit the large number of modes supported by the random structure to enable large-scale nonlinear optical operators for photonic machine learning and quantum optics.

The former relies on the second harmonic generation to implement a large reservoir of nonlinear operations, while the latter involves the theoretical and experimental characterization of the spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) process in nonlinear disordered media, and the subsequent control of the generated quantum states.


The project will include all steps from: fabrication of the nonlinear disordered samples, carried out in the group's chemistry lab, followed by optical and material characterization; investigation of the fundamental properties of the interplay between multiple scattering and nonlinear generation; design and implementation of photonic neural network based on the large reservoir of random nonlinear operations; theoretical and experimental investigation of the SPDC process in random nonlinear media and the control of the generated photons' state.

The preferred starting date is June 2024.


Your profile:


We offer:

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.


We value diversity:

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture.

We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected.

Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.


Curious? So are we
:

- a cover letter

  • CV
- transcripts of Bachelor's and Master's degrees
- contact information of two referees.
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