Postdoc in Increasing Data Capacity using Metasurface Mode Mmultiplexer/Demultiplexer for Multi-Mode Optical Fibers – DTU Electro

The Postdoc project is part of an interdisciplinary project that aims to combine the two research fields of mode-division multiplexing optical fiber communications and metasurfaces in order to obtain orders of magnitude higher data capacity than present commercial systems.
Are you interested in advancing optical fiber communications such that we can transmit orders of magnitude more data using multi-mode optical fibers? The main aim of the MEMORY project, that you will be an integral part in, is to combine the two highly relevant fields of optical fiber communications and metasurfaces to obtain a mode multiplexer/demultiplexer capable of realizing ultimate data capacity.

Therefore, your experience with measuring modal crosstalk in multi-mode optical fibers as well as fiber-to-fiber coupling coefficients will be an important asset for the project.

The MEMORY project, funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark, addresses the key question of how one can pack data channels in optical transmission links with a density, orders of magnitude higher than current optical fibers. It is an increasingly pressing issue due to the rise in traffic demands for digitalization. The most spatially dense way of packing data channels is achieved by exploiting the properties of guided light. Known as optical spatial modes, they are specific stable spatial distributions of the light inside an optical fiber. Multiple modes can exist simultaneously in the optical fiber and act as parallel data channels to realize so called mode-division multiplexing (MDM). The mode multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX/DEMUX) is an essential component in MDM systems, enabling controlled coupling of specific desired modes into a multi-mode fiber, as well as separation of specific modes at the output of such fibers.

Among the different types of modes that exist, the so-called “twisted photons”, or modes carrying an orbital angular momentum (OAM) of different orders are particularly interesting since, theoretically, these modes cannot interfere with each other as they propagate together in the fiber. The MEMORY project aims at developing a highly scalable mode MUX/DEMUX enabling multiple OAM beams for further transmission through a single multi-mode optical fiber.

Responsibilities and qualifications
As a postdoc, you will be responsible for device characterization and MDM system demonstration. Specifically, you will:

• Assemble the characterization setup,
• Fulfil complete characterization of the devices in MDM fiber data transmission
• Give feedback for improving the design of the metasurfaces as well as
• Help in designing optimized metasurfaces to advance the state of the art

In the present Postdoc project, you will have strong synergies with other activities within the MEMORY project, among which nanofabrication and metasurface design, and benefit from collaboration with other activities within the groups involved in the project to further enhance the outcome of the Postdoc project.

The applicant must have experience in characterizing photonics devices such as multi-mode fibers, MUXs/DEMUXs systems, and in conducting optical fiber transmission experiments. Expertise in using Matlab™ for in-house optical simulations and knowledge of the functionalities of metasurfaces is an advantage.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in Engineering/Physics with emphasis on optical fiber communication systems.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

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

The period of employment is 2 years, and we plan to start the project in March, 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Leif Katsuo Oxenløwe and Prof. Toshio Morioka, Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering.

You can read more about the Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering at https://electro.dtu.dk/.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 12 January 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications
• 1-3 names of collaborators that can, if asked, provide references

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Electro is the central DTU department within electrical and photonics engineering. We research into understanding the nature of light and electronics and conduct research within nanophotonics, lasers, quantum photonics, optical sensors, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, acoustics, power electronics, robotics, and autonomous systems. An important part of our research is carried out in close cooperation with the industry and international research institutions. It is our goal to ensure research and engineering training at the highest international level. We educate engineers within electrical and photonics engineering technologies, offering studies at BEng, BSc, MSc and PhD levels.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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