Postdoc Spiking integrated photonics for neuromorphic sensing and 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.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Short introduction

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? 

Job Description

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 neuromorphic chips working with brain-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 in this fast-paced research field, embedded within a world-class research group.

The integrated photonics field

Similar to electronic ICs, photonic ICs 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 structural monitoring (temperature or strain measurements), light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and others. Also, novel circuit architectures are being proposed for performing computation and the processing of real-time sensory data at the edge.

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 (RTDs), which display well-defined electrical excitable characteristics via tunneling effects through a single quantum-well. Full opto-electronic neuromorphic behavior has been demonstrated by coupling the RTDs with external lasers and photodetecting devices in cooperation with partners. See M. Hejda, ACS Photonics 2024, 11(10) [1].

We are now pursuing 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 photonic circuits. The position links to a European collaborative project SpikePro (Spiking Photonic-Electronic IC for Quick and Efficient Processing) within the European Innovation Council framework. Close collaboration with the project partners, University of Strathclyde, University College London, TU Ilmenau and Hewlett-Packard Labs is foreseen.

The position

This postdoctoral research position focuses on advancing neuromorphic photonic systems based on resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs). You will work closely with a PhD student who is currently developing RTD–photodetector integration for optical-to-electrical spiking in response to low-amplitude optical signals. Depending on your background and interests, you will be expected to conduct research in the following areas:

• Increase performance and extend functionalities. Current RTD-based photonic neuron implementations are at a preliminary stage. You will contribute to significantly enhancing their performance in terms of footprint, energy efficiency, and operating speed. You will also contribute to extend the spiking building block functionalities (photodetectors, lasers, modulators) to build more complex circuits.
• Neuromorphic event-based sensing. You will perform proof-of-concept experiments demonstrating intelligent sensing capabilities using RTD-based photonic chips. The specific sensing use case will be defined in a later stage.

The work will comprise concept development, device design (incl. layerstack, optical and electrical simulations), photonic chip layout, and chip characterization in our laboratories. The chip fabrication will be carried out by a colleague. 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 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:

• Full-time employment for 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,060 max. € 5,331).
• 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

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@TUe, 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.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact dr. Victor Dolores-Calzadilla ([email protected]).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment or contact [email protected].

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 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.