DC 8: Spatiotemporal Light Generation with Frequency-Gradient Metasurfaces

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e); Eindhoven; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) seeks a Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Applied Physics to design and validate frequency-gradient metasurfaces for spatiotemporal waveform generation. You will work on dispersion engineering, ultrafast structured-light control, and harmonic-beating dynamics, with secondments for advanced modelling and laser physics.

Starting date: February 2027. The project includes collaboration with INESC MN and NKTP to broaden theory and experimental

Qualifications

• PhD or current candidacy in physics or a closely related field.
• Experience with ultrafast optics, metasurfaces, and experimental characterization.
• Strong analytical and experimental skills with a hands-on approach.

Responsibilities

• Develop a unified design strategy for 2D/3D frequency-gradient metasurfaces.
• Demonstrate ultrafast beam steering and temporal focusing via engineered spectral gradients.
• Realize self-torque generation through harmonic beating.

Skills

Metasurface design

Ultrafast optics

Spectral gradients

Femtosecond measurements

Holography

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

Job description

Doctoral Candidate position at the Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands

• Develop a unified design strategy for 2D/3D frequency-gradient metasurfaces
• Demonstrate ultrafast beam steering and temporal focusing via engineered spectral gradients
• Realize self-torque generation through harmonic beating

During the thesis, the candidate will develop core expertise in the design, fabrication, and experimental characterization of frequency-gradient metasurfaces for spatiotemporal waveform generation, including dispersion engineering, ultrafast structured-light control, harmonic-beating dynamics, and femtosecond optical measurements. This expertise will be further strengthened through secondments at INESC MN (theoretical modelling, holography, and experimental ultrafast characterization) and NKTP (supercontinuum-laser physics and characterization).

Starting date: February 2027