PhD Position (M/F): Modeling and Inverse Design of Resonant Photonic Nanostructures

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research organization in France is offering a PhD position focused on modeling and optimizing photonic nanostructures. The candidate will conduct numerical modeling to enhance optical responses, develop inverse-design methods, and collaborate with scientific partners for experimental characterization. Strong expertise in numerical photonics and familiarity with software like Matlab and Python is essential. This temporary, full-time role starts on February 1, 2026.

Qualifications

• Strong background in numerical photonics.
• Experience with relevant software tools.
• Familiarity with theoretical frameworks in photonics.

Responsabilités

• Model and analyze photonic nanostructures.
• Optimize optical response of dielectric nanoparticles.
• Develop inverse-design methods based on analysis of singularities.

Connaissances

Numerical modeling

Theoretical photonics

Matlab

Python

FORTRAN/C/C++

LaTeX

Formation

Master's degree or equivalent in Physics/Engineering

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut Fresnel Research Field Engineering Physics Technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country France Application Deadline 10 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 2026 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

“This PhD project aims to model and analyze photonic nanostructures in order to optimize their optical response. Particular attention will be given to coupled dielectric nanoparticles capable of supporting Mie resonances. We will model their electromagnetic responses and optimize their parameters to (i) enhance the electric-field intensity within the dielectric material, and (ii) control the scattering spectrum.

The first objective of this work is to implement modeling methods for the electromagnetic properties of coupled dielectric photonic nanostructures and to identify the parameters that lead to internal field maxima based on Mie resonances. Using the far-field spectral response, we will also aim to predict the frequency range for which the internal field enhancement is maximal.

The second objective is to develop an inverse-design method based on the analysis of singularities in the complex-frequency plane of the response functions of optical nanostructures. The innovative idea is to optimize the spectral response of the structure by analyzing the distribution of complex singularities. We will develop deep-learning methods to optimize the spectral optical response within this framework. This approach will be combined with numerical techniques already available in the laboratory for computing scattering matrices of optical nanostructures, such as RCWA, differential methods, or multipolar methods.

The nanostructures modeled and optimized during this PhD project will be fabricated and experimentally characterized in collaboration with the scientific partners of the host group.

Required skills:
The successful candidate should have a strong background and expertise in numerical photonics, numerical modeling, and theoretical photonics. Experience with Matlab, Python, FORTRAN/C/C++, LaTeX, and other relevant software tools will be appreciated.