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

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 D