Master thesis: Realizing multilevel switching metasurfaces for optical computing

Master thesis project: Realizing multilevel switching behavior in metasurfaces for optical computing

Work Activities Metasurfaces offer exciting possibilities for optical computing, but their functionality is typically fixed after fabrication. In this project, we aim to overcome that limitation by integrating phase change materials into metasurface designs. These materials can be reversibly switched between crystalline and amorphous states by local laser heating, opening the door to programmable optical devices. Your challenge will be to push this concept beyond binary switching and realize multilevel states in practice. You will investigate questions such as: Which designs support controlled switching? What laser pulse powers and durations are required? How many distinct optical states can be achieved, and how reproducibly? Depending on your interests, the project can include numerical simulations, cleanroom fabrication, and optical characterization in the laser lab.

Qualifications You are currently enrolled in a Master’s program in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field. You have a nationality of an EU-member state and/or you are a student at a university in the Netherlands. The internship has to be a mandatory part of your curriculum. We expect you to be available for at least 5 months, although longer is preferable.

Work environment AMOLF is a part of NWO-I and initiate and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees. www.amolf.nl

The Resonant Nanophotonics (https://intranet.amolf.nl/group/resonant-nanophotonics/)team studies subwavelength resonant nanophotonics to control scattering, emission, absorption and amplification of light. We turn concepts from p/asmonics and metasurfaces into nanolasers, LEDs, and tools for metrology, and pursue new concepts for optical information processing using meta-opties. Projects typically involve realizing your ideas in the Amsterdam Nanolab cleanroom, optical microscopy and interferometry, and theory or simulation -we adjust the ratio of these to your interests.

Working conditions At the start of the traineeship your trainee plan will be set out, in consultation with your AMOLF supervisor.

AMOLF Energy Research Academy (https://www.lmpv.nl/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-AMOLF-Energy-Research-Academy-program.pdf): AMOLF offers a special program for research internships in sustainable energy science. It is composed of a research project in one of AMOLF’s research groups, combined with a series of dedicated tutorials on fundamental aspects of the science behind sustainability technology. Admission to this Academy is only possible in combination with a research internship project at AMOLF.

More information? For further information about the position, please contact prof. dr. F. Koenderink (https://amolf.nl/people/femius-koenderink) or dr.T. Veeken (https://amolf.nl/people/tom-veeken).

Application You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below. Please annex you:

• Motivation letter;
• Resume;
• List of followed courses plus grades.

Online screening may be part of the selection. Diversity code AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

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