MEMS Phase Shifters for Reconfigurable Photonic Integrated Circuits

Photonic integrated circuits are a key technology for quantum computing, optical sensing, LiDAR, communications, and programmable photonic processors. Current tuning approaches often consume significant power and limit scalability. MEMS-based tuning offers a low-power, low-loss alternative but important challenges remain in performance, speed, and reliability.

This PhD will develop the next generation of MEMS-enabled photonic components, creating the design, fabrication, characterization, and reliability framework needed for future large-scale reconfigurable photonic systems.

Research Objectives

You will investigate MEMS phase shifters and related reconfigurable photonic building blocks, including:

• MEMS phase shifters
• Tunable couplers
• Optical switches
• Programmable interferometric circuits

The goal is to achieve a unique combination of:

• Low optical loss
• High tuning efficiency
• Fast response
• Low power consumption
• High reliability and scalability

What You Will Do

• Design and optimize MEMS-photonic devices using multiphysics simulations
• Develop predictive models linking mechanical, electrical, and optical performance
• Participate in microfabrication and process integration
• Perform optical, electrical, and mechanical characterization
• Study device reliability and lifetime
• Demonstrate advanced reconfigurable photonic components

Candidate Profile

We are looking for motivated candidates with a background in:

• Electrical Engineering
• Photonics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Applied Physics
• Nanotechnology
• Related disciplines

Experience with simulation, MEMS, photonics, microfabrication, optics, or data analysis is a plus.