Ultrafast dynamics of thin film LEDs and lasers

Thin-film laser diodes based on emerging materials such as quantum dots and metal-halide perovskites are moving closer to practical realization. Yet many of the processes that determine their performance take place on timescales ranging from femtoseconds to nanoseconds and remain only partially understood.

This PhD project will investigate carrier, gain, and photon dynamics in thin-film LEDs, lasers, and laser diodes under optical and electrical excitation. Combining advanced device fabrication at imec with ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy and modelling at Ghent University, the research will provide insight into population inversion, gain formation, and light generation in next-generation thin-film light sources. ]

The project builds on complementary expertise developed at imec and Ghent University in thin-film optoelectronics, laser physics, ultrafast spectroscopy, and photonic device modelling. Both groups have made important contributions to the field and offer access to advanced fabrication and characterization infrastructure.

The candidate will gain hands-on experience spanning device fabrication, ultrafast optical measurements, and modelling, while working at the interface of photonics, semiconductor physics, and materials science. The research will be carried out jointly at imec Leuven and Ghent University and contributes to future technologies for optical communications, sensing, and integrated photonics.

References

• DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01521-0
• DOI: 10.1021/acsphotonics.4c01410
• DOI: 10.1038/s41566-023-01341-7
• DOI: 10.1002/adom.202302496