Postdoc in Mid-infrared (mid-IR) detection

Optical spectroscopy within the ultra violet (UV), Visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) has for decades been an indispensable method for identification and quantization of chemical analytes. However, emerging mid-IR applications like environmental gas monitoring or in life science call for improved detection systems challenging today’s capabilities in terms of sensitivity and/or imaging functionality.

We are seeking a Postdoc focusing on mid-infrared (mid-IR) detection and hyper spectral imaging of faint objects using nonlinear upconversion, typically at distances from 5-100 meters. The objects are solid targets or fumes/gasses.

Description

Responsibilities and tasks:
The postdoc is expected to combine novel light sources such as the supercontinuum laser, Quantum Cascaded lasers or mid-IR OPO for illumination with sensitive sensitive upconversion detection and/or imaging. The research will involve theoretical aspects but also a significant amount of experimental work. The research goal is ultimately a better understanding of the fundamental limits of mid-IR upconversion detection and/or imaging of faint objects.

Apart from the research outlined above, the postdoc position will involve a limited amount of teaching mainly in the form of supervising student projects.

The postdoc project will be part of the newly started project with The Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO), but will work in close collaboration with several other related research activities such as our newly funded ITN project, mid-TECH. Thus the postdoc will be a part of a larger mid-IR initiative comprising about 10 people, including 6 PhD students.

Qualifications:
Candidates should have a PhD degree or equivalent within nonlinear optics and/or laser physics.

A strong background in optics is required. Particularly, experience with nonlinear frequency conversion, solid state lasers and systems design is important. Since the project will involve a significant amount of experimental work also lab experience is preferred, including knowledge of labview, post processing and documentation.

We offer:
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.

Salary and terms of employment:
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years with a starting date as soon as possible.

The workplace is DTU Fotonik, Risø Campus.

Further information:
Further information may be obtained from Group Leader Christian Pedersen, tel.: +45 4677 4508, e-mail chrp@fotonik.dtu.dk.