PhD in Spatiotemporal Light Generation with Frequency-Gradient Metasurfaces
Develop advanced frequency-gradient metasurfaces for ultrafast control of structured light and femtosecond optics.
Best for:Best for physics or engineering graduates with a strong background in optics, electromagnetics, and experimental or computational photonics.
Overview
This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology focuses on creating frequency-gradient metasurfaces that enable simultaneous spatial, spectral, and temporal control of light. Part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network SPARK, the project bridges electromagnetic design, cleanroom fabrication, and femtosecond optical experimentation. The successful candidate will spend extended research visits at INESC MN in Portugal and NKT Photonics in Denmark. The work aims to establish compact platforms for next-generation imaging, communication, and optical information processing.
What you'll do
- Develop design strategies for 2D and 3D frequency-gradient metasurfaces.
- Model and optimize electromagnetic, spectral, and dispersive responses using numerical tools.
- Explore ultrafast beam steering, temporal focusing, and self-torque generation through harmonic beating.
- Fabricate designed nanophotonic structures using university cleanroom facilities.
- Build femtosecond optical experiments to characterize generated spatiotemporal light fields.
- Refine device designs based on empirical results to improve overall system performance.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Applied Physics, Physics, Optics/Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; strong written and spoken proficiency
Instruction: English
- Strong foundation in electromagnetics, optics, and photonics
- Experience with scientific programming or electromagnetic modelling tools such as Python, MATLAB, COMSOL, Lumerical, or Tidy3D
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research within an interdisciplinary team
- Strong written and spoken English communication skills
- Must not already hold a doctoral degree
- Must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: must not have resided or carried out main activity in the Netherlands for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding recruitment
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-10
Submit your application through the official portal by the stated deadline. Ensure all requested academic credentials, research background summaries, and supporting documents are included in your submission.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Master’s degree transcripts
- BSc + MSc transcripts
Contact
Ahmed Dorrah· Supervisor
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