PhD : Integrated mid-IR photonics for astrophotonics (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Optical spectroscopy is a universal way to identify chemical and biological substances. Indeed, when interacting with a light beam, most molecules are responsible for absorption at specific wavelengths in the mid-IR spectrum, allowing to detect and quantify small traces of substances. In the recent years there has been a lot of efforts towards the miniaturization and/or the integration optical spectrometers. This would allow not only to reduce the size, cost and weight of the systems but also to open new opportunities based on the integration of complex optical functions.
Ge-rich SiGe photonics has been developed in our group in the recent years, in strong collaboration with Politecnico Di Milano. It has been demonstrated that graded index SiGe waveguide can be used in a large wavelength range, and a large range of passive building bloc including Mach Zehnder interferometers, integrated resonators have been obtained. Then, the demonstration of large bandwidth optical source on chip based on non-linear optical effects of SiGe waveguides, and the realization of optoelectronic devices (modulator and photodetector) complete the photonics platform.
Recently a new field of application of integrated photonics appeared, related to the astronomy observation. Indeed more than 5000 exoplanets have already been identified, which show a large diversity in their demographics and properties. The next frontier of exoplanet science is thus to understand how unique or common Earth-analogs could be in our galactic neighbourhood by searching for bio-signatures such as O2, CO2, CH4, H2O in their atmosphere, which is ultimately linked to the quest of life in the Universe. To do so, analyzing atmospheric spectra is an ideal way especially in the 3 to 20 µm wavelength range. To detect the photons of the faint planet and separate them from those of their close and bright parent star, interferometric techniques are commonly used, based on the combination of light from different (up to 4) telescope. While current solutions exploit free space optics, there is currently a growing interest to develop integrated optics solutions for these beam combiners.
In this context the objective of the PhD project is to develop mid-IR SiGe photonics circuits for astrophotonics, in the context of a collaboration with astronomers (group of Lucas Labadie, Université de Cologne, Germany)
The research activity will include:
- Theoretical study, optical simulations, device designs
- Clean room fabrication
- Experimental characterizations of the devices within mid-IR optical bench
The work will be developed in strong collaboration with Politecnico Di Milano and the University of Cologne.

Your Work Environment

The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (C2N) is a joint research unit of the CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, and Université Paris Cité, located in Palaiseau, near Paris. The laboratory conducts world-renowned research projects in the fields of photonics, materials science, nanoelectronics, microsystems, and nanofluidics. C2N has a staff of nearly 400 and houses one of the largest university-based nanotechnology facilities in France, with a 2,900 m² cleanroom.

Within C2N, the Silicon Photonics group (https://minaphot.c2n.universite-paris-saclay.fr/en/) has extensive expertise in passive and active photonic devices based on silicon, silicon nitride, and germanium. The group is at the forefront of photonics research, with several pioneering demonstrations of optoelectronic devices, including optical modulators, photodetectors, passive devices, metamaterials, and metasurfaces. The group has access to several optical setups for the active and passive characterization of photonic devices from 600 nm to 16 μm wavelengths. The research group's main anticipated applications are optical telecommunications/interconnects, microwave photonics, biochemical and gaseous detection, spectroscopy, and data communications.

This position offers the opportunity to work within an enthusiastic and international team in the exceptional environment of C2N. We provide access to state-of-the-art fabrication infrastructure and characterization laboratories, with the opportunity to propose and explore new research ideas.

The position is located in a sector related to the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with regulations, that your arrival be authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

n.a.

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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