Investigation and Optimization of Testing Methodologies for Photonic Chips
Project Details: Effective testing of photonic chips at different production stages remains a critical challenge, especially when considering the integration of active and passive components. The primary goal of this project is to research, develop, and optimize methodologies for testing photonic chips with/without integrated active components at each of wafer-/die-/cartridge- levels. These methodologies need to be cost-effective, reliable, reproducible, and aligned with industry standards.
Key Responsibilities: Throughout the project, the student will be involved in a range of tasks aimed at both theoretical and practical advancements in photonic chip testing. Initially, the student will assist in an ongoing literature review study for investigating existing testing methodologies. Then, the student will design testing structures and experimental setups, focusing on optical testing on chips, analyzing performance features such as optical losses, coupling efficiency, alignment, wavelength characteristic, and signal integrity and so on. Furthermore, additional research is required to develop a framework for electrical, structural, and functional tests on photonic chips, followed by the execution of the desired testing procedures. The student will then participate in analyzing test results and discuss data with his/her project supervisor regularly for optimizing the testing procedure. The preparation of a comprehensive report is a crucial aspect of this project, as it serves to document all results and findings for future reference and implementation.
In the final stage of the project, the student shall be tasked with developing a demonstrator to showcase the optimized testing methodologies, thereby ensuring the process can be reliably repeated and applied to multiple chips and wafers. Desired Knowledge and
Expertise: The ideal candidate will be a student pursuing a degree preferably in Applied Physics with an interest and experience in Photonics, or else a degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering or a related field. The student should have fundamentall knowledge of integrated photonics and optical testing techniques. Familiarity with optical measurement systems (e.g., optical spectrum analyzers), lasers, optical alignment and coupling concept is an advantage.
Project duration:
Spring 24/25 (February 2025 – July 2025)
Educational programs:
– Applied Physics (TN)
– Mechatronics (MT)
– Electrical Engineering (ET)
Interested? Then, please send a brief motivation letter outlining your relevant experience and CV before the 17th of January 2025 to Dr. Sevilay Akca (s.akca@saxion.nl)