Multi-objective inverse design framework for nonlinear photonic processes in silicon photonics:[...]

Université Paris-Saclay GS Sciences de l'ingénierie et des systèmes; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading technology university in France is seeking a motivated PhD candidate to explore advanced topics in nonlinear photonics. Candidates should possess a strong background in Physics or Engineering and be eager to contribute to innovative solutions at the intersection of theory, simulation, and experiments. The role involves developing models to enhance integrated nonlinear photonics, with a start date of October 1, 2026.

Qualifications

• Applicant must be motivated and proactive with a strong interest in nonlinear optics.
• Experience in theory and numerical modeling for photonic design is mandatory.
• Willingness to work at the intersection of theory, simulation, and experiments.

Responsabilités

• Explore innovative solutions in nonlinear photonics through modeling.
• Develop predictive tools for designing and optimizing nonlinear phenomena.
• Collaborate with the research team for experimental validation.

Connaissances

Technical skills in nonlinear photonics

Creativity

Strong interest in integrated photonics

Proactive attitude

Attention to detail

Open-mindedness

Formation

Master's degree or equivalent in Physics or Engineering

Outils

Numerical simulation software

Modeling tools

Description du poste

Organisation/Company Université Paris-Saclay GS Sciences de l'ingénierie et des systèmes Research Field Engineering » Electronic engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Leading Researcher (R4) First Stage Researcher (R1) Established Researcher (R3) Country France Application Deadline 30 May 2026 - 22:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The proposed PhD thesis lies in the field of integrated silicon photonics [1]. The integration of diverse materials and advanced miniaturization in photonic platforms enables the realization of numerous optical functions within mm²-scale footprints, comprising hundreds of components and complex light-manipulating circuits. This field bridges fundamental physics and technological applications, from waveguide-level studies to large-scale photonic systems.

Nonlinear optical effects have long been central to scientific advances, from the first ruby laser (1960) to modern attosecond laser sources used to probe ultrafast electronic and spin dynamics. Nonlinear optics underpins a vast range of applications, including optical signal processing, material surface analysis, high-resolution imaging, and medical treatments. Historically, these developments occurred in free-space and fibre optics, but integrated nonlinear photonics—merging both worlds—has recently emerged as a powerful research frontier [2].

Planar photonic platforms based on Si, SiN, or AlGaAs offer tight mode confinement and long interaction lengths, ideal for exploiting χ² and χ³ nonlinearities. These effects enable key functionalities such as frequency comb generation, supercontinuum extension, wavelength conversion (FWM, SHG, DFG), all‑optical signal processing, and quantum photon‑pair generation. Yet, achieving efficient on‑chip nonlinear processes remains challenging. Device performance depends on numerous coupled parameters—geometry, material composition, dispersion, coupling, and losses—making analytical design often insufficient [3]. The optimization of such systems requires accounting for phase matching, group‑velocity dispersion (GVD), confinement factors, and fabrication tolerances.

Given the complex cascade of nonlinear effects in realistic structures, AI‑driven inverse design offers a promising approach to uncover unconventional geometries (e.g., multi‑section tapers, asymmetric waveguides, coupled resonators) that may elude human intuition [4]. However, data scarcity poses a major limitation: generating high‑fidelity nonlinear simulation data is computationally costly, and existing datasets are too narrow for robust large‑scale training. Addressing this requires strategies such as dimensionality reduction of opto‑geometric parameters and incorporating physical constraints—symmetries, conservation laws, and modal structures—to reduce the effective search space.

Within this context, the PhD aims to explore the frontiers of integrated nonlinear photonics through a unified modelling framework for complex nonlinear interactions in coupled photonic systems. The overarching goal is to develop a general, flexible theoretical foundation enabling inverse design of advanced nonlinear devices.

Rather than focusing on a single component, the project seeks to capture the interplay of dispersion, nonlinearity, and coupling in integrated resonant structures—such as photonic crystal cavities and hybrid material platforms. Through rigorous modelling, numerical simulations, and experimental validation, it will deliver predictive tools for designing and optimizing nonlinear phenomena.

A central aspect is the integration of emerging nonlinear materials—particularly two‑dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and chalcogenide glasses—within silicon photonics. Their large nonlinear coefficients and broad transparency windows make them ideal candidates for validating the framework's predictive and design capabilities.

Ultimately, this research aims to advance the understanding of nonlinear light–matter interactions in integrated systems and enable the development of purpose‑designed, scalable, and reconfigurable nonlinear photonic circuits. By uniting modelling, inverse design, and experimental demonstration, it will contribute to the next generation of chip‑scale technologies for ultrafast signal processing, low‑noise amplification, and quantum light generation.

Début de la thèse : 01/10/2026

WEB : https://minaphot.c2n.universite-paris-saclay.fr/en/

Funding category: Contrats ED : Programme blanc GS-SIS*Programme pour normalien ENS Paris‑Saclay

We are seeking a motivated candidate to join our team and actively contribute to the proposed research topic. This thesis offers the opportunity to develop models leveraging both your technical skills and creativity to explore innovative solutions in nonlinear photonics.

We are looking for a student eager to work at the intersection of theory, simulation, and experiments, with a strong interest in integrated photonics and nonlinear optics. Motivational for theory and numerical modelling for photonic design is mandatory. We encourage applicants who are proactive, detail‑oriented, and open‑minded.

Additional Information

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Université Paris‑Saclay GS Sciences de l'ingénierie et des systèmes Country France City Palaiseau Geofield