Integrated photonic structures for UV spectroscopy

/ Integrated photonic structures for UV spectroscopy

Integrated photonic structures for UV spectroscopy

Sensing proteins using UV laser on sapphire chip

Over the past years nanotechnology has enhanced scalability, sensitivity, and drastic cost reductions in sensing & detection of biomolecules, cells, etc.

Using integrated optics, methods like Fluorescence detection and Raman spectroscopy have been proven in the Infrared and (to a large extent) in the visible range of light.

Moving towards shorter wavelengths makes things harder because of optical losses - from material absorption and surface scattering.

Demonstrating this in the blue, and especially in the UV range remains a challenge.

Upon excitation by light in the UV-C range, the bases of DNA and the acids of proteins emit fluorescence in the UV-A band. Demonstrating capability in this wavelength range would be an important step forward, as it can enable label-free fluorescence sensing.

Objectives:

In this project,you will contribute to the design of next-generation integrated UV photonicdevices based on the low-loss Al2O3 waveguide technology of imec. The ultimate goal is to measure on-chip fluorescence of amino acids under excitation by 266nm laser; thus providing proof-of-concept for the necessary building blocks.

The project involves simulation, design, and layout of integrated spectrometers and frequency-selectivefilters for fluorescence detection operating in the UV and bluewavelength range. Target will be to create 2 types of sensing structures - 1 with broaddynamic range, and the otherwith narrow range and high sensitivity.

You will usestate-of-the-art photonic design tools to develop components such as arrayedwaveguide gratings, directional couplers, ring resonators, and other spectralfiltering architectures.

Depending on the interests of the student and therequirements of the project, the work can include numerical simulations, mask layout generation, and/or nanofabrication. Depending on the progress, you may also get the chance to participate in the analysis of fabricated devices and compare experimentalresults with your designs.

We are open to both internship and thesis projects for Master students.

Required educational background: Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Physics, Bioscience Engineering, Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering, Other

University promotor: Pol Van Dorpe (KU Leuven)

The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-283. Mention this reference code in your application.

Imec allowance will be provided.

Background:

Over the past years nanotechnology has enhanced scalability, sensitivity, and drastic cost reductions in sensing & detection of biomolecules, cells, etc.

Using integrated optics, methods like Fluorescence detection and Raman spectroscopy have been proven in the Infrared and (to a large extent) in the visible range of light.

Moving towards shorter wavelengths makes things harder because of optical losses - from material absorption and surface scattering.

Demonstrating this in the blue, and especially in the UV range remains a challenge.

Upon excitation by light in the UV-C range, the bases of DNA and the acids of proteins emit fluorescence in the UV-A band. Demonstrating capability in this wavelength range would be an important step forward, as it can enable label-free fluorescence sensing.

Objectives:

In this project,you will contribute to the design of next-generation integrated UV photonicdevices based on the low-loss Al2O3 waveguide technology of imec. The ultimate goal is to measure on-chip fluorescence of amino acids under excitation by 266nm laser; thus providing proof-of-concept for the necessary building blocks.

The project involves simulation, design, and layout of integrated spectrometers and frequency-selectivefilters for fluorescence detection operating in the UV and bluewavelength range. Target will be to create 2 types of sensing structures - 1 with broaddynamic range, and the otherwith narrow range and high sensitivity.

You will usestate-of-the-art photonic design tools to develop components such as arrayedwaveguide gratings, directional couplers, ring resonators, and other spectralfiltering architectures.

Depending on the interests of the student and therequirements of the project, the work can include numerical simulations, mask layout generation, and/or nanofabrication. Depending on the progress, you may also get the chance to participate in the analysis of fabricated devices and compare experimentalresults with your designs.

We are open to both internship and thesis projects for Master students.

References:

A 200 mm Wafer-Scale Al2O3 Photonics Waveguide Technology for UV and Visible Applications | IEEE Journals