Colloidal Quantum-Dot Photodiodes for Compressed Spectral Sensing

/ Colloidal Quantum-Dot Photodiodes for Compressed Spectral Sensing

Colloidal Quantum-Dot Photodiodes for Compressed Spectral Sensing

From engineered photodiodes to reconstructed spectra: co-optimized optical and electrical photodiodes, and computational sensing.

Spectral sensingcaptures wavelength-dependent optical information that remains inaccessible toconventional broadband imaging systems. In the short-wave infrared (SWIR)range, this capability is particularly valuable for applications such as Earthobservation, agrifood monitoring, waste sorting, and material characterization.Conventional spectrometers typically rely on optical filters and bulk opticalcomponents, which increase system complexity and significantly reduce theavailable optical signal due to filtering losses.

What You Will Do

This projectexplores an alternative approach based on colloidal quantum-dot (cQD)photodiodes combined with compressed spectral sensing techniques. Inparticular, you will investigate the integration of solution‑processable cQDphotodiodes with compressed‑sensing–based spectral reconstruction methods.

You will get thechance to

• Model the device physcics (e.g. TCAD, TMM)of this optoelectronic device
• Fabricate thin film photodiode stacksbased on cQD
• Characterize cQD photodiodes electricallyand optically
• Investigated spectral reconstructionalgorithms

Your experimentalwork will be supported by data analysis and modeling, helping you drawmeaningful conclusions from your results. In addition, you will have theopportunity to work in an international research environment, collaboratingwith experienced researchers and engineers who will support your scientificgrowth.

Requirements

The project offersexperience in device modeling, thin-film processing and optical and electricalcharacterization within a multidisciplinary research team. A background insemiconductor devices, photonics, electrical engineering or materials scienceis desirable. Experience with TCAD, optical simulation, Python or MATLAB is anadvantage, and the balance between modeling, fabrication support andcharacterization can be adjusted to the candidate’s background and interests. Astrong command of English is essential for effective communication.

Time Distribution

40% modeling andsimulation, 30% fabrication support and laboratory work, 20% characterizationand data analysis, 10% literature study and reporting

Type of internship: Master internship

Duration: 12months

Required educational background: Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering

University promotor: Jan Genoe (KU Leuven)

Only for self-supporting students.

The Challenge

Spectral sensingcaptures wavelength-dependent optical information that remains inaccessible toconventional broadband imaging systems. In the short-wave infrared (SWIR)range, this capability is particularly valuable for applications such as Earthobservation, agrifood monitoring, waste sorting, and material characterization.Conventional spectrometers typically rely on optical filters and bulk opticalcomponents, which increase system complexity and significantly reduce theavailable optical signal due to filtering losses.

What You Will Do

This projectexplores an alternative approach based on colloidal quantum-dot (cQD)photodiodes combined with compressed spectral sensing techniques. Inparticular, you will investigate the integration of solution‑processable cQDphotodiodes with compressed‑sensing–based spectral reconstruction methods.

You will get thechance to

• Model the device physcics (e.g. TCAD, TMM)of this optoelectronic device
• Fabricate thin film photodiode stacksbased on cQD
• Characterize cQD photodiodes electricallyand optically
• Investigated spectral reconstructionalgorithms

Your experimentalwork will be supported by data analysis and modeling, helping you drawmeaningful conclusions from your results. In addition, you will have theopportunity to work in an international research environment, collaboratingwith experienced researchers and engineers who will support your scientificgrowth.

Requirements

The project offersexperience in device modeling, thin-film processing and optical and electricalcharacterization within a multidisciplinary research team. A background insemiconductor devices, photonics, electrical engineering or materials scienceis desirable. Experience with TCAD, optical simulation, Python or MATLAB is anadvantage, and the balance between modeling, fabrication support andcharacterization can be adjusted to the candidate’s background and interests. Astrong command of English is essential for effective communication.

Time Distribution

40% modeling andsimulation, 3