Compact mid-IR frequency combs enabled by semiconductor saturable absorption mirrors (SESAMs) (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

Position:
We have an opening for a two-year (initially) post-doctoral appointment at University Paris Saclay (France) and CNRS, with the Centre for Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies (C2N). You will integrate the Mid-IR /THz Quantum Devices Team, specialized in the development of novel optoelectronic devices exploiting quantum electrodynamics effects at mid-infrared wavelengths [1] [2]. Located south of Paris, University Paris Saclay extends across a vast local area and is ranked as France's top university. The salary level can be negotiated depending on the candidate experience. The project is supported by an ERC Advanced Grant (project SMART-QDEV).

The goal of the project is to develop mid-IR ultra-fast modulators. At the device level, this means optimizing the device modulation speed up to several GHz integrating RF technology to the devices.

1. P.-B. Vigneron, S. Pirotta, I. Carusotto, N.-L. Tran, G. Biasiol, J.-M. Manceau, A. Bousseksou, and R. Colombelli, "Quantum well infrared photo-detectors operating in the strong light-matter coupling regime," Appl. Phys. Lett. 114, 131104 (2019).
2. M. Lagrée, M. Jeannin, G. Quinchard, O. Ouznali, A. Evirgen, V. Trinité, R. Colombelli, and A. Delga, "Direct polariton-to-electron tunneling in quantum cascade detectors operating in the strong light-matter coupling regime," Phys. Rev. Appl. 17, 44021 (2021).
3. S. Pirotta, N.-L. Tran, A. Jollivet, G. Biasiol, P. Crozat, J.-M. Manceau, A. Bousseksou, and R. Colombelli, "Fast amplitude modulation up to 1.5 GHz of mid-IR free-space beams at room-temperature," Nat. Commun. 12, 799 (2021).
4. M. Malerba, S. Pirotta, G. Aubin, L. Lucia, M. Jeannin, J.-M. Manceau, A. Bousseksou, Q. Lin, J.-F. Lampin, E. Peytavit, S. Barbieri, L. H. Li, A. G. Davies, E. H. Linfield, and R. Colombelli, "Ultrafast (≈10 GHz) mid-IR modulator based on ultrafast electrical switching of the light–matter coupling," Appl. Phys. Lett. 125, 41101 (2024).
5. A. Schliesser, N. Picqué, and T. W. Hänsch, "Mid-infrared frequency combs," Nat. Photonics 6, 440–449 (2012).
6. A. Parriaux, K. Hammani, and G. Millot, "Electro-optic frequency combs," Adv. Opt. Photonics 12, 223 (2020).
7. M. Hakl, Q. Y. Lin, S. Lepillet, M. Billet, J.-F. Lampin, S. Pirotta, R. Colombelli, W. J. Wan, J. C. Cao, H. Li, E. Peytavit, and S. Barbieri, "Ultra-fast quantum-well infared photodetectors operating at 10{\mu}m with flat response up to 70GHz at room temperature," (2020).

Activity

Applications relying on mid-infrared radiation (MIR, 3-12 um) have progressed at a very rapid pace in recent years. MIR cameras have propelled the field of thermal imaging; the invention of the quantum cascade laser (QCL) was a milestone that made compact MIR laser sources commercially available for a wide range of applications. All recent advances have resulted from the development of revolutionary optical components.
A crucial feature for most photonic systems is the ability to electrically modulate the amplitude and / or phase of a beam at speeds of the order of GHz or higher. This is a valuable feature for a multitude of applications in MIR photonics, such as laser stabilization, coherent detection, spectroscopy and optical communications.
A strategy to implement this vision is to develop active microcavity arrays whose optical properties can be modulated at ultra-fast (GHz) via an electrical input. These so-called “patch” antennas are commonly used in the radio-wave regime, and the novelty here is the translation to optical wavelengths, mid-IR in this case. In the case of modulators, it means developing a nano-structured surface that is capable of applying ultra-fast RadioFrequency (RF) modulation to a laser beam propagating in free space, whether in reflection or in transmission.
We have developed a modulator demonstrator [3], and we have also improved its performances in a 2nd generation devices [4].
The goal of the project, is to bring to maturity this idea. At the device level, this means optimizing the device modulation speed up to several GHz integrating RF technology to the devices. Crucially, the activity implies judicious quantum design of the active region, based on semiconductor heterostructures, using design techniques similar to the ones employed for quantum cascade lasers, as well as electromagnetic design of the microcavity array (an array of metal-insulator-metal resonators) to optimize the optical properties. Once the devices operate at reasonably high performance, we can move to demonstrate specific applications, namely high-resolution fast spectroscopy by sideband generation and electronic generation of MIR frequency combs [5] [6]

Your Profil

Skills

Applicant profile and how to apply:
The work is experimental, but with an important part devoted to quantum/ electromagnetic simulations for device design. We are looking for highly motivated candidates with experience in some (not necessarily all) of the following fields: physics and technology of semiconductor devices; electromagnetic modeling; cleanroom manufacturing; laser physics; optoelectronic characterization techniques; design of quantum hetero-structures.

The successful applicant will have completed an experimental PhD program in Physics, Optics or Engineering. The position is available immediately.

Your Work Environment

Consortium and Funding:
Funding is provided by an ERC Advanced Grant.
This project will benefit from collaborations with the laboratories LPL/Paris 13, University Leeds (UK), IES (Montpellier).

The work will take place at the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, on the Plateau de Saclay.
The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (C2N) is a joint research unit of CNRS, Paris Saclay University, and Paris Cité University. The C2N, with approximately 410 staff, is located in Palaiseau (91), at the heart of the Paris Saclay campus.
C2N encompasses four scientific departments (photonics, materials, nanoelectronics, and nanobiofluidic microsystems). This position is located within the photonics department. This position requires access to the cleanroom.

Constraints and risks

N/A

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

between 3081.22 Euros and 4291.70 Euros gross salary

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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