PhD- student: Harnessing phase transitions for optical information processing

About this position

Work Activities

This PhD project will investigate how phase transitions can be harnessed for information processing with light. Near a continuous phase transition, the susceptibility of a material can increase strongly. This allows weak input signals to generate large responses, which can in turn reduce the optical energy required for an operation.

However, critical slowing down and enhanced fluctuations may limit processing speed and accuracy. The main objective of this PhD project is to quantify this trade-off between energy consumption, speed and accuracy in information processing near a phase transition, and to determine how it depends on properties of the signal such as amplitude and bandwidth.

The project builds on a recent work by the host group [Keijsers et al. , Nature Photon. 19, 733 (2025)], where signatures of a phase transition were observed in the nonlinear response of a laser-driven optical cavity containing a perovskite crystal. The first objective is to characterize the spectral and temporal response of this system near the transition, which is expected to include memory effects and strong fluctuations. Next, controlled time-dependent signals and benchmark optical information-processing operations will be used to compare performance at different distances from the phase transition.

Experiments will be combined with theoretical modelling, statistical data analysis, and numerical simulations to identify the governing mechanisms and to determine whether and how proximity to a phase transition offers an advantage for processing certain signals. The project is primarily experimental and will involve optical cavity measurements, materials characterization and, where needed, nanofabrication. Its expected outcome is an experimentally tested framework for designing photonic information-processing systems that exploit phase-transition physics.

Qualifications

You have an MSc degree in physics, optics, photonics, nanoscience, or a related field. Laboratory experience in optics or photonics is preferable but not strictly necessary. A background in, or strong interest in, one or more of the following areas is valued: nonlinear dynamics, condensed-matter physics, and stochastic processes.

The ideal candidate is an experimentalist who enjoys not only setting up and performing complex experiments, but also thinking deeply about the results and modelling them. Applicants are not expected to bring expertise in all listed areas; the required methods will be learned during the project.

This is a collaborative project between AMOLF and Utrecht University. Your host will be the Interacting Photons group led by Prof. Said R. K. Rodriguez at AMOLF, but you will also work part time at Utrecht University with Prof. Allard Mosk and his group. We are therefore looking for someone who has the personal and communication skills required to connect two groups at different locations (half hour away), besides being able to work independently.

The appointment also includes a contribution to teaching at Utrecht University and participation in the relevant training programs.

Work environment

AMOLF is a part of NWO-I and initiate and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees. www.amolf.nl

In the Interacting Photons group, we search for new physics emerging from photon interactions. As a testbed for new ideas, we use nonlinear nanophotonic resonators. We are driven by fundamental physics questions relevant to improve the energy efficiency, speed, and precision of optical technologies such as novel sensors and computers.

Working conditions

• The working atmosphere at the institute is largely determined by young, enthusiastic, mostly foreign employees. Communication is informal and runs through short lines of communication.
• The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of four years
• The starting salary is 3.115 Euro’s gross per month and a range of employment benefits .
• After successful completion of the PhD research a PhD degree will be granted at a Dutch University.
• Several courses are offered, specially developed for PhD-students.
• AMOLF assists any new foreign PhD-student with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

More information?

For further information about the position, please contact Said R.K. Rodriguez: s.rodriguez@amolf.nl

Application

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Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code

AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

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