PhD position: Neuromorphic Materials for Photonic Integrated Circuits

We are offering a PhD project in the area of neuromorphic materials for photonic integrated circuits.

Photonic integrated circuits are transitioning from speculative research to a mature industrially scalable platform, transforming our daily lives by providing a solution to the ever-increasing demand for internet traffic and replace bulky and energy inefficient components in applications such as biosensing, communication and precision measurements. In this project, we will go one step further and explore how photonic integrated circuits can emulate the functions of our brains forming memories. However, to enable this functionality we require neuromorphic materials which can switch their optical properties with very little applied power and once set, they remember the setting without drawing any power. Please contact us for a detailed PhD project description.

To pursue this project, we are looking for a highly motivated and passionate PhD student to become part of our team. You will work with team members from diverse research backgrounds in the disciplines of material science, engineering, physics, chemistry and biology and have the opportunity to participate in our strong international collaborations to the US and Europe. During the PhD project you will also have the opportunity to access world class facilities, such as the InPAC Photonic Systems Lab (www.inpac.org.au/research/facilities), the world leading Micro Nano Research Facility (www.rmit.edu.au/mnrf ) and the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication (http://nanomelbourne.com).

The successful applicants will learn important research skills in the field of neuromorphic material deposition and characterisation, and their hybrid integration with photonic component to create single chip systems with unprecedented performance.  You will also gain other soft skills such as engaging with both industrial and academic end-users, working towards milestone and promoting your work in presentations and the media. The knowledge, key skills and contact with world leading companies and international research labs that you will gain during your PhD studies will set you up for an inspiring career and would be particularly suitable if you have ambition to join the emerging and rapidly growing Integrated Photonics segment within the broader global high-tech industry.

Please contact Distinguished Professor Arnan Mitchell or Associate Professor Sumeet Walia for more information and for a details PhD project description.