Thèsis M/F - Design and Fabrication of Nanophotonic Structures for Single Emitters Coupling and High-Brightness Light Source Generation

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Light emitters, particularly those intended for display or mobile applications, are the subject of intensive research to improve their efficiency and compactness, and thus their brightness. Among the approaches being explored, one promising method involves inducing collective effects between localized light sources, such that the spontaneous emission rate of a collection of emitters is higher than that of individual emitters (theoretically up to N times, where N is the number of emitters [1]). In the case of cleverly coupled emitters, the emitted intensity can be significantly increased—by a factor of N² in the ideal case.

This phenomenon, known as superradiance, has been observed in recent years across various media, including gaseous and solid-state systems such as semiconductor quantum dots (inorganic [2] or halide perovskites [3]) and rare-earth-doped matrices [4]. It is fundamentally a quantum effect and, in homogeneous media, requires both the preservation of emitter coherence and small inter-emitter distances.

Nanophotonic approaches can overcome this limitation. This is particularly true for optical metasurfaces (subwavelength-thick, typically nanostructured media), which can enhance collective effects between emitters by enabling precise control over the spatial phase and polarization distribution of light. Specifically, the "Zero Index Metamaterial" (ZIM) regime, occurring at Dirac points in E(k) space, should allow in-phase coupling of emitters over large areas [5].

This thesis will benefit from collaboration with the CNRS-NTU-Thales IRL CINTRA within the framework of the ANR SUPER HERO project.

Job description:

The goal of this PhD is to design, fabricate, and characterize metasurfaces coupled with light emitters to promote collective effects such as superradiance.

Design: The work will rely on existing electromagnetic simulation tools at INL (RCWA and FDTD) to generate optical modes in the visible and/or near-infrared ranges. These modes will be tailored to control the spontaneous emission rate of emitting dipoles (Purcell effect) and synchronize them using ZIM-like modes.
Fabrication: The PhD student will contribute to the fabrication of test structures at INL's Nanolyon platform, including thin-film deposition via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), followed by nanostructuring using electron-beam lithography and, where applicable, nanoimprint lithography, and finally plasma etching.
Characterization: The optical modes of these structures will be characterized using INL's spectroscopy tools. Active light-emitting media will be integrated onto the metasurfaces by CINTRA partners or prepared by other collaborators and integrated at INL. In the first case, this will involve halide perovskite moiré patterns, enabling the use of emitting dipoles with adjustable separations. In the second case, halide perovskite nanoparticles or rare-earth-doped materials may be used.
Experimental Study: The PhD student will participate in the characterization and experimental study of the fabricated structures. Photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved PL measurements will be used to analyze and quantify the achieved collective effects.

Skills and qualifications:

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in Optics, Nanophotonics, and Solid-State Physics, along with prior experience in nanophotonics and/or cleanroom technology (thin-film deposition, micro/nanofabrication). A strong motivation for experimental work is essential. Additionally, experience or interest in electromagnetic simulation will be highly valued.
References:

1. R. H. Dicke, Phys. Rev. 93, 99–110 (1954).
2. P. Tighineanu, C. L. Dreeßen, C. Flindt, P. Lodahl, and A. S. Sørensen, Phys. Rev. Lett. 116, 163604 (2016)
3. G. Rainò, M. A. Becker, M. I. Bodnarchuk, R. F. Mahrt, M. V. Kovalenko, and T. Stöferle, Nature 563, 671–675 (2018)
4. K. Huang, K. K. Green, L. Huang, H. Hallen, G. Han, and S. F. Lim, Nat. Photonics 16, 737
(2022)
5. O. Mello, Y. Li, S. A. Camayd-Muñoz, C. DeVault, M. Lobet, H. Tang, M. Lonçar, and E. Mazur, Applied Physics Letters 120, 10.1063/5.0062869 (2022)

Your Work Environment

The goal of INL is to encourage world-leading multidisciplinary research in the areas of micro and nanotechnologies and their applications. The pioneering research undertaken at the Institute ranges from materials and technology to devices and systems, thus enabling the emergence of dedicated technologies. The Institute is supported in its work by the Nanolyon Technology Platform.

The application areas cover major economic sectors: semiconductor industry, information technologies, healthcare and wellbeing, energy and the environment. The laboratory is located on two leading research campuses at Lyon Ouest-Ecully and LyonTech-La Doua. It has personnel of 200 people including 121 permanent staff. INL is one of the key laboratories of the “Université de Lyon” research and higher education centre.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

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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