Towards high-performance photonic-chip-based optical clocks: Developing a testbed for rapid prototyping and characterization of atomic vapor cells – key component for ultraprecise frequency reference in next-generation optical clocks.
Optical clocks represent the frontier of precision timekeeping. Modern integrated photonic technology enables the construction of high-performance optical clocks in an ultra-compact form factor and at substantially reduced cost, thereby enabling the high-level synchronization required for next-generation communication technologies, such as 6G.
We offer a (graduation) internship opportunity for bachelor and master students to build a testbed setup for rapid prototyping and characterization of atomic vapor cells – key component for ultraprecise frequency reference in next-generation optical clocks. Within this internship, you will acquire practical knowledge in modern laser and quantum-optics technologies through challenging but exciting tasks:
- Design and implement a testbed setup and measurement protocols for characterization of iodine vapor cells based on saturated absorption spectroscopy (SAS).
- Adapt the newly developed laser-control electronics for narrow-range SAS measurements of iodine.
- Perform signal analysis to assess frequency stability and linewidth.
- Collaborate with a team of experts in photonics and frequency metrology.
- Collect all the acquired practical knowledge, methodology, and recommendations for further developments in a concise report, manuals, and other technical documentation.
The internship will be conducted at the Saxion research group Applied Nanotechnology and the Talent and Learning Center for Quantum, Photonics, and Semicon (within the PhotonDelta national program), in collaboration with Prof. David Marpaung’s NLNP research group at the University of Twente and the startup Temporal. Besides exciting and challenging tasks, this internship allows getting familiar with the regional and national quantum and photonic ecosystems and offers many networking opportunities.
Project duration:
Start: August 31, 2026 End: January 29, 2027
Internship or graduation project:
Graduation project or internship project
Educational programs:
- Applied Physics (TN)
Interested, please send your motivation letter and CV to appliednanotechnology.led@saxion.nl and include Dr. Dmytro Polishchuk (d.polishchuk@saxion.nl) in the CC.