PhD - Photonic Integrated Circuits for advanced modulation formats [FP-10]

The internet today uses many discrete components in order to function. These include lasers, modulators, amplifiers, couplers, and many others. Traditionally lasers have been single wavelength, so to implement techniques such as wavelength division multiplexing, many lasers were required. Furthermore, each component was fibre coupled so that each component could be connected to the next. This resulted in bulky systems which were both expensive and optically inefficient. Furthermore, the dominant format of data transmission has been by two-level amplitude modulation, i.e., simply turning the optical signal on and off.

A PhD position is available where the integration of components for advanced modulation format data transmission will be investigated. Advanced modulation formats not only modulate the amplitude but also the phase of the light. As phase will be used to transmit information, the laser must have a narrow linewidth, as linewidth introduces phase noise. While single wavelength lasers can have narrow linewidth, this is more challenging for tunable lasers. The devices that will be developed in this research will be narrow linewidth tunable lasers that can be modulated in both amplitude and phase, where the lasers and modulators are integrated on the same chip.

The successful candidate will have a degree in a physics or engineering related discipline. The position is primarily experimental, and the candidate will be trained to fabricate Photonics Integrated Circuits (PICs) in the III-V clean room at Tyndall. The topic of the research will be PICs for advanced modulation formats, and the initial target will be to create PICs integrating multiple facetless lasers with optical combiners for the generation of coherent optical combs. In addition, while training would be provided, computer modeling skills would be beneficial. The position is available to start immediately.

To apply for this position, please send your current curriculum vitae, listing academic results to date, together with a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and with the names of two referees, to careers@tyndall.ie,quoting reference number FP - 10.

For further information on this position, please contact Dr. Frank Peters, Integrated Photonics Group, Tyndall National Institute (Email: frank.peters@tyndall.iegroup webpage: http://www.tyndall.ie/research/integrated-photonics/index.htm