Application of integrated lasers and detectors to advanced NIR spectroscopy

imec is developing laser sources and detectors for a wide range of applications. This master’s topic is a chance to work on advanced hybrid III-V and silicon laser devices and advanced integrated detectors for applications in medical and gas sensing.

If chosen for this project, you will start by characterize the laser sources in a photonic lab, then integrate the laser sources and detectors in a lab setup for solid/liquid spectroscopy. Next, you will perform extensive spectroscopic experiments to quantify the performance of the laser/detector system in terms of signal to noise ratio, resolution and minimum detectable limits. This will also necessitate the application of your signal processing knowledge. By using different laser sources and operating modes we hope that you are able to optimize the system and provide recommendations on how the system, the lasers, and the detectors can be optimized.

The ideal candidate understands how lasers work and knowledge of optics and photonics. The candidate is also comfortable with working with electronic lab equipment and practical programming, and the candidate should be proficient in analysing experimental data.