The semiconductor laser is a highly efficient photonic device which is the basis for wired optical networks. The device has allowed the very rapid growth in internet traffic with rates upto 20%/yr for VOIP and data centres. While very efficient, most lasers require active cooling to control the power but more importantly, the wavelength of the laser. For DWDM applications, the laser must remain within its channel in a range of les than 50 GHz. The Donegan group has developed a laser platform based on high-order surface gratings that show ease of fabrication and exhibit high yield. In this project, we will demonstrate the development of athermal laser performance in this laser platform. The project will feature novel designs that incorporate AWG structures, multi-contact structures that incorporate materials with negative thermo-optic behaviour. Laser designs for burst-mode operation will also be researched. We will also continue our research on simple widely tunable Vernier designs that show ease of fabrication. We will further develop techniques that will allow us to map the temperature profile within semiconductor lasers to allow for improved athermal performance. This new platform of semiconductor laser devices will deliver for Ireland with impacts in the area of optical communications and optical sensors. It is anticipated that several patents will be generated from this research which will be licensed to photonic companies within Ireland making a direct impact on the knowledge economy in Ireland.
These studies will provide an excellent base for a career both in academia and in high-value industry. The research is funded by Science Foundation Ireland under its PI programme.
Post-doctoral position:
Salary up to €55,732 depending on experience (4-5 years post PhD and including pension contribution) must be an expert in semiconductor laser design and fabrication. Clearly, we will seek a researcher with strong experience in the design of photonics devices. The post-doc will need strong expertise in translation of device designs into fabricated devices working with an external foundry. They will also supervise the characterisation of the fabricated devices along with the graduate students working on this project.
Candidates for this post-doc position must have a PhD in Physics or Electronic Engineering and have had experience of modelling and fabrication during their PhD programmes.
How to Apply
Prospective candidates should send a detailed CV, a covering letter outlining their educational background, research interests and motivations,and the names and contact details of two academic referees to Professor John Donegan
[email protected] with subject heading “photonics positions laser TCD”.
