Low-Dark-Current MWIR Thin-Film Photodetectors for Integrated Photonic Systems

Mid-wave infrared (MWIR, 3-5 µm) photodetectors are key enabling technologies for gas sensing, thermal imaging, environmental monitoring, and emerging integrated photonic systems. Realizing compact, low-cost, and scalable MWIR sensing platforms, however, requires photodetector technologies that combine high sensitivity with compatibility with heterogeneous integration onto photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Thin-film semiconductor photodetectors have recently emerged as a promising platform for this purpose due to their potential for wafer-scale processing and backend integration. Nevertheless, their performance is often limited by excessive dark current, which increases noise and reduces detection sensitivity, particularly in the MWIR spectral range.

This PhD aims to establish a technology platform for low-dark-current thin-film MWIR photodetectors and demonstrate their integration with photonic integrated circuits. The project will investigate the fundamental origins of dark current in thin-film infrared photodetectors, building on insights from established short-wave infrared (SWIR) material systems and extending them towards emerging MWIR absorber materials. Advanced electrical, optical, and structural characterization methods will be employed to identify leakage mechanisms originating from bulk defects, interfaces, contacts, and surfaces, and to develop mitigation strategies based on passivation, contact optimisation, band engineering, and novel device concepts. The resulting devices could enable a new generation of compact and scalable infrared sensing systems for applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, industrial process control, and next-generation photonics.

The Candidate

We are looking for an ambitious and driven PhD researcher with a strong interest in infrared photodetection, semiconductor device physics, and integrated photonic technologies. You hold a Master's degree in electrical engineering, physics, photonics, materials science, nanotechnology, or a related discipline, and are eager to contribute to the development of next-generation infrared sensing platforms. You are curious about the physical mechanisms that determine device performance and enjoy combining experimental research with analytical problem-solving. Experience or interest in infrared detectors, semiconductor devices, thin-film materials, characterisation techniques, and/or device modelling is considered a strong asset.

As part of a multidisciplinary team working across materials science, device engineering, and photonics, you are comfortable collaborating with researchers from diverse backgrounds and communicating your results to both academic and industrial audiences. Given the international character of imec, an excellent command of English is required.