PhD Position Broadband Semiconductor Photodetectors for Spectropolarimetric Imaging

Develop CMOS-compatible broadband photodetectors for compact spectropolarimetric cameras. You will design, fabricate and characterise detector structures for space-based Earth observation.

Job description

Compact instruments that measure both the spectrum and polarisation of light can improve the monitoring of aerosols and other atmospheric constituents from space. The INTERPRETER project is developing an integrated spectropolarimeter in which photonic-crystal filter arrays are combined directly with an imaging detector. This approach could reduce instrument size and enable more scalable acquisition than conventional systems.

This PhD position focuses on a broadband semiconductor photodetector platform spanning the visible and short-wave infrared (SWIR). You will translate system requirements into detector specifications, design and model suitable device structures, develop a CMOS-compatible fabrication and integration route, and fabricate experimental devices. You will characterise spectral responsivity and quantum efficiency, dark current, noise, linearity, uniformity and stability. You will also investigate detector integration with the overlying photonic-crystal filters, including alignment and integration tolerances, optical crosstalk between neighbouring filter–pixel channels, electrical crosstalk within the detector array, and calibration requirements.

The final objective is to demonstrate and quantitatively benchmark a detector or detector array suitable for integration into a compact spectropolarimetric camera. You will work in the Electronic Instrumentation group of the Department of Microelectronics at TU Delft, supervised by Prof. Kofi Makinwa and Dr. Padmakumar R. Rao. You will collaborate closely with the parallel metaoptics PhD researcher, SRON and the other INTERPRETER partners.

Job requirements

• A Master’s degree in electrical engineering, microelectronics, applied physics, photonics, materials science, nanotechnology or a related discipline.
• A solid foundation in semiconductor device physics, particularly photodetectors or image sensors.
• Experience in at least one of the following: semiconductor processing, cleanroom fabrication, device modelling or TCAD, electrical characterisation, or optical detector characterisation.
• Experience measuring spectral responsivity, quantum efficiency, dark current or noise is an advantage.
• Ability to analyse experimental data and use scientific programming or simulation tools such as Python, MATLAB, COMSOL or equivalent software.
• Ability to plan experiments systematically, quantify uncertainty and document results reproducibly.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English, with the ability to collaborate across device, optics and system disciplines.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.