System modelling of photoacoustic sensing and imaging solutions

Imec; Vlaams-Brabant; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Allowance for non-Belgian university学生

Job summary

Imec in Belgium is seeking a student researcher to develop a generic system-level framework for photoacoustic sensing and imaging. You will work across optical–tissue interaction, acoustic generation, detection, electronics, and signal processing, with emphasis on photonic integrated circuit (PIC)-based detection concepts, including MOMPS and laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV).

The project is associated with reference code 2026-INT-344 and includes an Imec allowance for non-Belgian university

Job description

/ System modelling of photoacoustic sensing and imaging solutions

System modelling of photoacoustic sensing and imaging solutions

Develop a generic system-level framework linking light–matter interaction, photoacoustic generation, acoustic propagation, PIC-based detection, signal acquisition, noise, and application performance.

Photoacoustic sensing and imaging useabsorbed optical energy to generate acoustic waves. Depending on the application, light may interact with gases, liquids, tissue, or other materials. The generated pressure waves then propagate through the sample and surrounding medium before being detected and processed. The final performance depends on the complete measurement chain, not on a single component.

This project will establish a generic and modular system model for photoacoustic solutions. It will cover optical excitation and light–tissue or light–sample interaction, acoustic generation and propagation, detection, electronics, digitization, signal processing, and noise. Particular attention will be given to photonic integrated circuit (PIC)-based detection concepts, including Micro-Opto-Mechanical Pressure, Sound, and Ultrasound Sensors (MOMPS) and laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV).

The framework should be applicable to different sensing and imaging scenarios, while allowing application-specific parameters, geometries, detectors, and performance metrics to be introduced when needed.

Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Amir Asadollahi ( [e-mail] ) and Victor Garcia Munoz ( [e-mail] ) and Kathleen Vunckx ( [e-mail] )

The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-344. Mention this reference code in your application.

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

Photoacoustic sensing and imaging useabsorbed optical energy to generate acoustic waves. Depending on the application, light may interact with gases, liquids, tissue, or other materials. The generated pressure waves then propagate through the sample and surrounding medium before being detected and processed. The final performance depends on the complete measurement chain, not on a single component.

This project will establish a generic and modular system model for photoacoustic solutions. It will cover optical excitation and light–tissue or light–sample interaction, acoustic generation and propagation, detection, electronics, digitization, signal processing, and noise. Particular attention will be given to photonic integrated circuit (PIC)-based detection concepts, including Micro-Opto-Mechanical Pressure, Sound, and Ultrasound Sensors (MOMPS) and laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV).

The framework should be applicable to different sensing and imaging scenarios, while allowing application-specific parameters, geometries, detectors, and performance metrics to be introduced when needed.