PhD/Postdoc Spiking integrated photonics for neuromorphic sensing and processing

Position PhD-student, (Post-doctoral) Researcher

Irène Curie Fellowship No

Department(s) Electrical Engineering

Institutes and others Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute

FTE 1,0

Date off 06/10/2024

Reference number V36.7696

Job description

Would you like to perform cutting-edge research at the intersection between IC hardware and artificial intelligence? Do you want to explore a new class of electronic-photonic components that mimics how biological neurons behave and helps reduce energy consumption and increase performance for AI hardware accelerators? 

Background

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence technologies have led to powerful models and algorithms that have revolutionized many applications across all fields of science and technology. Deep learning performed within artificial neural networks has yielded new ways to process data, leading to sophisticated systems with impressive functionality and benefits. However, conventional computing hardware is reaching its limits in terms of energy efficiency and speed. A new approach to computing hardware is needed. Novel brain-inspired or neuromorphic chips working with biologically inspired spiking neural networks have gained attention as they promise highly efficient ways to process data. Important research effort has been dedicated to develop such neuromorphic systems in electronic and photonic hardware. We offer a research position (PhD or postdoc level) in this fast-paced research field, embedded within a world-class research group.

The integrated photonics field

Similar to electronic ICs, PICs are revolutionizing areas such as healthcare, communication and sensing, and have the potential to be disruptive to the whole society. Novel PIC components will have a big impact on the fields of sensing and processing. A diversity of PIC-based sensors have been proposed in the last years, such as environmental sensors (e.g. gas sensing), medical sensors (e.g. optical coherence tomography), fiber Bragg grating sensors for temperature or strain measurement, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and others. Equally, novel PIC based solutions for processing data and performing computation had been proposed for information transport (equalization, pulse shaping), sensory data processing (Radar, LiDAR) and algorithmic problem solving (optimization, neural networks) .

Recently, a new field of neuromorphic photonics is emerging, which aims to build artificial opto-electronic neurons that mimic the brain for processing information based on synaptic processes. Taking advantage of their threshold-based characteristics, neuromorphic photonic devices can also be used for spike-based processing and event-based sensing to allow recognition of patterns in an ultra-fast and energy-efficient manner.

We have made initial steps towards implementing opto-electronic neurons in InP integrated photonics. We demonstrated a first generation of resonant tunneling diodes (RTD), which display electrical excitable characteristics via tunneling effects. Full opto-electronic neuromorphic behavior was demonstrated by coupling the RTD with off-the-shelf external laser devices in cooperation with partners. See M. Hejda et.al. Nanophotonics 12(5), 2022.

We are now interested to pursue the monolithic integration of RTDs with integrated photonic devices to form electronic-photonic neurons on chip, thereby setting the grounds for future large-scale neuromorphic circuits. The position links to a new European collaborative project SPIKEPro (Spiking Photonic-Electronic IC for Quick and Efficient Processing) within the European Innovation Council (EIC) framework. Close collaboration with the project partners, University of Strathclyde, University College London, TU Ilmenau and Hewlett-Packard Labs is foreseen.

The positions

The research position focuses on the investigation of RTD-based neuromorphic photonics. The combination of RTDs with photonic devices such as lasers, photodetectors will result in threshold-based excitability making it possible to generate optical or electrical spikes, respectively, upon receiving low-amplitude stimuli. Their integration with other waveguide-based photonic components will be explored as well in order to advance towards a neuromorphic photonics platform. These positions will aim at proof-of-principle demonstration of spike-based neuromorphic sensing and processing (e.g. event-based sensing).

The work will comprise concept development, device design (incl. optical and electrical simulations), photonic chip layout, cleanroom fabrication and chip characterization in our laboratories. You will be part of the Photonic Integration (PhI) research group within the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute (EHCI). The research will be done in collaboration with European partners from academia and industry.

Job requirements

• For PhD, it is required a master’s degree MSc in Electrical Engineering, or (applied) Physics
• For PostDoc, it is required a PhD on Electrical Engineering, or (applied) Physics
• A research-oriented attitude
• Ability to perform team work in an international environment
• Knowledge of the physics of optoelectronic devices
• Skills in programming
• Affinity with hands-on work in laboratory
• A systematic approach to problem solving and curiosity to understand things in-depth.
• Experience with chip characterization is desirable
• Experience with cleanroom fabrication is a plus

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

PhD:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend up to 10% of your employment on teaching related tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,872 max. €3,670).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Postdoc:

• Full-time employment for 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. €4,020 max. €5,278).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

Information and application

About us

The Photonic Integration (PhI) group at TU/e has a long track record of setting pioneering results in indium phosphide (InP) based photonic integration.  Our group consists of approximately 55 members, including 8 permanent faculty members. We are a key player in the field, as evidenced by our founding and coordinating role in the globally leading Joint European Platform for photonic integrated components and circuits JePPIX.  We take a leading role in driving InP-based photonic integration towards the next level. A key enabler for our work is our state-of-the-art Nanolab cleanroom facility, which specializes in III-V materials processing.

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. Some impressions of our photonics research can be seen in this video.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?  Please contact dr. Victor Dolores-Calzadilla (v.calzadilla@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the conditions of employment.

For information about terms of employment, please contact Floortje de Groot (f.r.d.groot@tue.nl).

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references
• Copies of diplomas and a list of your courses taken and grades obtained

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.