PhD position in Fabrication and Characterization of Hyperbolic Metamaterials

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet

Lyngby-Taarbæk, 1 stilling

The Technical University of Denmark, Department of Photonic Engineering, advertises an open PhD position within the field of hyperbolic metamaterials. The PhD project is multidisciplinary and will cover topics within the fields of semiconductor technology, chemistry and optical measurement systems. The project will be carried out at the department, with important collaboration with DTU Danchip and DTU Nanotech.



Project description

Metamaterials are offering a new paradigm in the manipulation of the electromagnetic waves. By having nanoscale engineered structures, the propagation of waves inside the device can be significantly altered thus leading to the possibility of obtaining new functionalities. The hyperbolic metamaterials are a specific branch of the metamaterials research field. For these types of materials, one of the components of the permittivity tensor is positive while another is negative. Due to this extreme discrepancy of the values, the dispersion diagram has a hyperbolic shape, thus allowing, for example, propagation of light with theoretically infinite wavevectors.



The PhD student will collaborate with other groups from DTU Fotonik (e.g. Structured Electromagnetic Materials Group for theory aspects, optical near-field microscopyand electron energy-loss spectroscopy), DTU Nanotech (e.g. Polymer Microsystems for Medical Diagnostics for chemistry-related issues) as well as initiate new collaborations to understand and overcome the new challenges that will appear during the project. DTU Danchip plays an important part in the project since it will provide the necessary facilities for fabricating the structures.



The goal of this PhD project is to develop the technology to fabricate and then measure the characteristics of hyperbolic metamaterials as well as comparing the obtained characteristics with the theoretical ones. The main topics the researcher will tackle within the project are:

•Optimize the deposition technique for obtaining ultra-thin (below 5nm) metallic layers

•Develop the obtained technique for fabricating multi-layer structures

•Measure the obtained structures using total internal reflection setups as well as optical near-field microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy

•Compare the results with the theoretically predicted characteristics.



Qualifications

The candidate must have a master's degree in engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering. A solid background of cleanroom fabrication or optical measurement setups constitutes an advantage. Good communication skills in written and spoken English is a must. Incorporation date is spring 2015.



Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, only candidates with an above the average marks are accepted in the program. We recommend the applicants to contact the supervisors in advance to assess the suitability of the application. Candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programs of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.



You can read more about Department of Photonics Engineering on <a href='javascript:openLinkWindow("http://www.fotonik.dtu.dk")' "="" data-cke-saved-href='javascript:openLinkWindow("http://www.fotonik.dtu.dk")'>http://www.fotonik.dtu.dk.



Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be made by Senior Researcher Radu Malureanu.



Salary and appointment terms

The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current Danish rules for Ph.D. degree researchers. The period of employment is 3 years.



Supervisors

•Senior Researcher Radu Malureanu, Plasmonics and Metamaterials Group, rmal@fotonik.dtu.dk

•Assistant Professor Nicolas Stenger, Structured Electromagnetic Materials Group, niste@fotonik.dtu.dk

•Associated Professor Andrei Lavrinenko, Plasmonics and Metamaterials Group, alav@fotonik.dtu.dk



Application

Please submit your online application no later than 8 November 2015. Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:

•A letter motivating the application (cover letter)

•Curriculum vitae

•Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (an official translation into English)

•Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)



Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their MSc degree, but cannot begin before having received it.



All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.



DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,800 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,300 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.