Department of Photonics Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark is seeking a candidate for a 3-year PhD position entitled “Long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) upconversion spectroscopy and imaging”. The project aims to extend upconversion techniques from the MIR to longer wavelengths to cover the gab toward the THz range. The project specifically aims at the 5 to 25 µm spectral range. The selected candidate will have his/her work place at the Technical University of Denmark, Risø Campus but will need to collaborate with several external academic partners. The project is part of the ITN “midTECH”.

Project description 
In this project upconversion detection at longer wavelengths will be pursued. One major challenge moving to the longer wavelength range is the limited range of god nonlinear materials, with high transmission at the infrared wavelength, low absorption at the mixing laser wavelength and the ability to phasematch the nonlinear process. Furthermore, due to the dispersion of most materials, the spectral acceptance of these materials are typically too broad to be used directly for spectroscopy.

Key activities

• Development of upconversion modules for 5-12 µm to NIR wavelengths to be used for imaging and spectroscopy exploiting the very low noise contributions from silicon-based detectors. These modules will be made available for external partners early in the project.
• Develop upconversion modules for 5-25 µm. Many LWIR nonlinear crystals are not transparent for shorter wavelengths; however, compared to their NIR counterparts they often have much higher nonlinear coefficient allowing for efficient wavelength conversion using relative short crystals. Using longer wavelength lasers for the mixing process the generated wavelength will be outside the working range of Si-based detectors and thus need InGaAs detectors which have higher intrinsic noise levels or cascaded upconversion processes. The systems can be configured a point detectors, line detectors or imaging detectors depending on the application.

Qualifications 
Candidates should have a master degree preferably in photonics or equivalent. In addition we expect candidates to:

• Have good knowledge on solid-state lasers and nonlinear optics
• Solid experimental background
• Signal acquisition and data processing, i.e. LabVIEW and MatLab
• Be fluent in English
• Be prepared to work in close collaboration with an internal project team and with external international partners, both private and public institutions
• Be willing to supervise master and bachelor students

Candidates must be enthusiastic and feel strongly for optics engineering and applications, be able to combine theory with practical and systematic execution, and enjoy sharing your passion with your colleagues. You should have a creative and positive mindset and thrive in an informal and cross-functional environment.

Application procedure
To apply, please read the full job advertisement at www.career.dtu.dk

Application deadline: 15 May 2015

DTU Fotonik has 210 employees with competences in optics and is one of the largest centers in the world based solely on research in photonics. Research is performed within optical sensors, lasers, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, nano-optics and quantum photonics. 

DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,700 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,000 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.