Fabrication and Characterization of Low-Loss Phase-Change Materials for Programmable Nanophotonics

/ Fabrication and Characterization of Low-Loss Phase-Change Materials for Programmable Nanophotonics

Fabrication and Characterization of Low-Loss Phase-Change Materials for Programmable Nanophotonics

Exploring novel phase-change materials for the next generation of programmable nanophotonic technologies.

Programmable nanophotonic devices are emerging as a keytechnology for intelligent sensing in future physical AI systems. Phase-changematerials (PCMs) provide a promising platform for realizing such functionalitythrough large, reversible, and non-volatile changes in optical properties.However, the widespread adoption of PCM platforms for photonic applicationsremains limited by optical losses, switching reliability, and an incompleteunderstanding of the physical mechanisms governing phase transitions inemerging low-loss PCM materials. Addressing these challenges is key fornext-generation reconfigurable metasurfaces and nanophotonics technologies.

What You Will Do

In this MSc thesis/internship project, you willexperimentally investigate different thin-film phase-change materials forprogrammable photonic applications. The work will focus on the fabrication ofPCM thin films and the characterization of their structural, optical, andelectrical properties. You will study how processing conditions affectphase-transition behavior, optical contrast, and material stability, providinginsight into the different PCM platforms for future reconfigurable photonicdevices.

You will:

• Fabricate low-loss PCM thin films fornanophotonic applications
• Study the influence of growth andpost-processing conditions on material properties and stability
• Characterize the optical, electrical, andstructural properties of PCM thin films
• Explore phase-transition dynamics and switchingperformance

Your experimental work will be complemented by dataanalysis, enabling you to draw conclusion between material properties,processing conditions, and switching performance. In addition, you will havethe opportunity to work in an international research environment, collaboratingwith experienced researchers and engineers and gaining valuable guidancethroughout your scientific development.

What You Should Bring Along

You are a motivated and curious MSc student witha passion for hands-on experimental research. You have a background innanoscience, engineering, physics, materials science, chemistry, or a relatedfield. Prior experience with laboratory work, materials characterization, dataanalysis, or scientific programming is an asset. You are eager to learn, enjoychallenges, and possess strong communication skills and a good command ofEnglish.

Type of internship: Master internship

Duration: at least 6 months

Required educational background: Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Physics, Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry/Chemical Engineering

University promotor: Jan Genoe (KU Leuven)

Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Gokhan Kara ( Gokhan.Kara@imec.be )

The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-286. Mention this reference code in your application.

Imec allowance will be provided for students studying at a non-Belgian university.

Applications should include the following information:

• resume
• motivation
• current study

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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