Positions
The group is always interested in supporting PhD scholarship application or Postdoctoral Research applications nationally and at EU level. See below for further details.
Postdoctoral Researcher Position (Dissipative Kerr Soliton Microcombs)
The aim of the project is to develop powerful and practical soliton microcombs based on the silicon nitride (SiN), Aluminium nitride (AlN) or lithium niobate (LiNbO3) platforms. Our dual-mode scheme shows great promise for developing octave- spanning combs with high efficiency pumped by high power semiconductor lasers [1]. This project is co-funded by EPSRC (UK) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). The candidate will be based in the group of Professor John Donegan in the School of Physics, Trinity College Dublin, but will also collaborate closely with Prof. Dmitry Skryabin of Bath University, a world-leading expert on modelling of soliton dynamics in microresonators.
The candidate will require skills in optical design, characterization of optical microresonators, in particular pumping such devices for microcombs and ultimately soliton generation. The research objectives are 1) Design, and characterise SiN microresonators supporting dual-modes providing optimized soliton-existence range and octave-wide combs. 2) Through the development of AlN and LiNbO3 microresonators possessing second-order optical nonlinearity, extend comb spectral coverage and achieve effective soliton control with enhanced nonlinear and electro-optic effects. 3) Demonstrate the SiN and AlN comb sources with > 1mW per line and bandwidth greater than 20 nm. We will work closely with the Bath team on the design and modelling of such resonators and look for novel effects including soliton crystals while seeking designs for high efficiency. Develop applications of such microcomb sources for ultra-broadband WDM communications, LiDAR and sensing.
Requirements: A PhD in Physics or Engineering is an essential requirement. Only those with experience in microcomb generation in resonators or fiber systems will be considered. They should also have laboratory experience of building and testing optical characterization systems. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in photonic simulations using Lumerical FDTD, COMSOL or equivalent software. Excellent written and oral communication skills are also essential. It would be advantageous to have demonstrated leadership skills.
The appointment will be made for either a senior or starting post-doctoral researcher with an annual salary decided by relevant experience.
Interested applicants should submit a CV highlighting relevant experience, a full list of publications and a letter explaining your motivation for this position. The documents should be sent with subject heading “post-doc SiN” to Prof. John Donegan by email at jdonegan@tcd.ie .
[1] Dual-mode microresonators as straightforward access to octave-spanning dissipative Kerr solitons Haizhong Weng, Adnan Ali Afridi, Jing Li, Michael McDermott, Huilan Tu, Liam P. Barry, Qiaoyin Lu, Weihua Guo, John F. Donegan, APL Photonics 7, 066103 (2022) https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0089036
PhD opportunities
Most PhDs in Ireland are funded via personal scholarships. The most common in astronomy is with the Irish Research Council, which pays student fees plus a stipend for 4 years. Calls open annually, generally in September, with deadline in October. You should contact your potential supervisor well in advance of the deadline.
Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunities
The Irish Research Council also offer funding for postdoctoral fellowships. These are typically 2-year positions, with funding deadline in November.
Finally there is also funding available via the European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowships program. These are available for anyone moving to Ireland from abroad, and are typically 2 years.