Research Fellow (Thermal photonics, Nanophotonics, Metasurface physics, Chiral photonics)

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE; Singapore; On-site; SGD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Singapore is seeking a candidate for a role focused on exploring novel physical mechanisms in nanophotonic structures and their applications in controlling thermal emission. The ideal candidate should hold a PhD in Optics or Physics, possess in-depth expertise in thermal photonics and nanophotonics, and have practical experience in designing multifunctional thermal emission devices. The position offers a fixed-term contract.

Qualifications

• In-depth theoretical and experimental expertise in thermal photonics.
• Experience in designing multifunctional thermal emission devices.

Responsibilities

• Explore novel physical mechanisms and topological protection properties.
• Design dual-layer or multi-layer waveguide-coupled metasurfaces.
• Combine anisotropic structures with temperature-tunable materials.
• Develop mid-infrared photonic devices using various techniques.

Skills

Experimental experience in optical characterization

Nanofabrication skills

Mathematical and specialized knowledge

Technical proficiency in numerical modeling

Excellent analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

PhD degree in Optics, Physics or related fields

Tools

Software for numerical modeling

Electron-beam lithography

Reactive-ion etching

Electron-beam evaporation

Job description

Interested applicants are invited to apply directly at the NUS Career Portal.

Your application will be processed only if you apply via NUS Career Portal.

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Job Description

This work focuses on exploring novel physical mechanisms in nanophotonic structures and their applications in controlling thermal emission. The position involves the theoretical design, fabrication, characterization, and testing of thermal emitters based on new nanostructures. The main objectives include:

1. Exploring novel physical mechanisms and topological protection properties in nonlocal metasurfaces: Controlling the reflection topology of the structure to achieve narrowband thermal emission with near-unity emissivity and topological robustness, providing new approaches for unconventional manipulation of thermal light, with potential applications in thermal management and thermal camouflage.
2. Designing dual-layer or multi-layer waveguide-coupled metasurfaces in the mid-infrared range: Realizing rainbow‑free, polarization-selective coherent thermal emission to enhance collection efficiency. Advanced micro/nanofabrication techniques (e.g., electron‑beam lithography, reactive‑ion etching, and electron‑beam evaporation) and infrared spectral characterization will be employed to evaluate the performance of the structures.
3. Combining anisotropic structures with temperature‑tunable thermo‑optic materials and phase‑change materials (PCMs): Enabling dynamic polarization control at a single frequency in a single thermal emitter. Further studies will investigate the effects of symmetry breaking and non‑Hermitian control on polarization manipulation and full Poincaré sphere coverage, providing new pathways for dynamic thermal management, infrared detection, and energy conversion.
4. Developing mid‑infrared photonic devices using geometric phase, diffractive optics, and other techniques: Enhancing emission power through coherent thermal emission focusing and other device designs. These novel coherent thermal emitters are being developed for practical applications, including replacing miniature bulbs in conventional nondispersive infrared (NDIR) systems and enabling efficient detection of gases, molecules, and other target substances. Additionally, high‑performance circularly polarized thermal emitters are being explored to distinguish between different isomers.

Considering the above research targets, the candidate should possess in‑depth theoretical and experimental expertise and interdisciplinary knowledge in thermal photonics, nanophotonics, chiral photonics, nonlocal metasurface physics, phase‑change materials and related fields. Candidates with practical experience in designing, fabricating and characterizing multifunctional thermal emission devices is preferred.

Job Requirements

1. A PhD degree in Optics, Physics or related fields, with a strong background in coherent thermal emission, metasurface physics, and chiral photonics.
2. Work experience and knowledge in the fields of thermal photonics, nanophotonics, material growth, and nanofabrication.
3. Mathematical and specialized knowledge required in thermal photonics, electromagnetic theory of nanophotonics, and optical coherence theory.
4. Technical proficiency:
   • Experience in numerical modeling and analysis of photonic devices using appropriate software.
   • Design and optimization experience of photonic devices, including designing thermal emission photonic devices with high coherence, polarization selectivity, and dynamic spectral control.
   • Experimental experience in optical characterization, including thermal emission spectroscopy, angle‑resolved optical measurements, and chiral photonic device testing.
   • Nanofabrication skills for photonic device fabrication, including electron‑beam lithography, reactive‑ion etching, and electron‑beam evaporation.
5. Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
6. The candidate should have a strong publication record in renowned international journals in the fields of thermal emission and nanophotonics.
7. Open to Fixed Term Contract.