Optical Characterization of Perovskite Lasers with Photonic Crystal Resonators

The development of compact and efficient laser sources is a central challenge in modern photonics, with applications ranging from optical communications to sensing and on-chip light sources. Metal-halide perovskites have recently emerged as highly promising materials for lasers due to their strong light emission and tunable wavelengths. To move perovskite lasers closer to practical and scalable devices, eventually including electrically injected lasers, it is essential to understand how light interacts with these materials when they are integrated into well-designed optical resonators.

This internship focuses on the experimental optical characterization of perovskite-based lasers integrated with photonic crystal resonators, including two-dimensional (2D) lattice designs. These periodic dielectric structures enable strong light–matter interaction, mode confinement, and tailored dispersion properties, making them ideal platforms for next-generation laser devices.

The project will involve systematic characterization of key laser performance metrics, such as:

• Lasing threshold and efficiency under controlled excitation conditions.
• Spectral properties including emission wavelength, linewidth, and mode spacing.
• Angular and polarization dependence of emission to probe photonic band structure effects.

To achieve these objectives, the intern will work with a state-of-the-art optical setup equipped with high-resolution spectrometers, imaging systems, and precision alignment tools. Advanced techniques such as Fourier-space imaging will be employed to map dispersion relations and identify resonant modes within the photonic crystal lattice.

Beyond data acquisition, the project will include interpretation of experimental results in the context of photonic crystal theory and perovskite material properties, providing insights into how structural design influences lasing dynamics. These findings will guide optimization strategies for perovskite laser devices with tailored emission characteristics for integrated photonic applications.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge optical characterization methods, photonic device physics, and experimental data analysis, contributing to the development of novel light sources for emerging technologies.

Key skills:

• Background in photonics or physics
• Fundamental knowledge of optics and photonics, including laser physics and resonator theory.
• Optional but beneficial: Simulation tools (FDTD, COMSOL, or similar) for photonic structures.

This internship offers a hands-on introduction to experimental photonics research in a supportive and collaborative environment. The student will be part of an international team of researchers and experts, with continuous supervision and mentoring throughout the project. Training and support will be provided at every stage, making this internship well suited for motivated Master’s students seeking to strengthen their experimental skills and gain experience in photonic research.

Master's degree: Master of Engineering Science, Master of Science, Master of Engineering Technology

Required educational background: Physics

Duration: 1 year

University promotor: Jan Genoe (KU Leuven)

For more information or application, please contact the supervising scientists Racha Akrour (racha.akrour@imec.be) and Robert Gehlhaar (robert.gehlhaar@imec.be).