Design, nonlinear dynamics and applications of multi-wavelength lasers
ID
MSCA—22-MVirte[01]
Supervisors
Project description
In this MSCA topic proposal, we offer to the candidate to develop an original project in connection with ongoing research activities focusing on multi-wavelength lasers and their applications taking place in the framework of a Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC).
The central idea of ongoing activities is to combine the exploration of the nonlinear dynamics of multi-wavelength lasers with the development of new functionalities or applications. In the past years, our research group has designed different dual-wavelength lasers and successfully implemented them on Photonic ICs compatible with generic foundry processes. They are combined with a short external cavity which can efficiently be used as a phase-controlled optical feedback to balance and stabilize the dual-wavelength emission. It can also be efficiently use to force switching between the two wavelengths.
Following these results, we are now investigating the response of these lasers to a modulated optical injection with a particular focus on the effect of the coupling mechanism between the two emission processes. Based on this study, we aim at exploiting specific dynamical features to achieve all-optical processing functionalities. This development includes the design of custom dedicated multi-wavelength lasers, their on-chip implementation, their characterization and validation of the targeted function. At this stage, we have already identified a few relevant dynamical behavior that we are pushing forward.
In this framework, we believe that many exciting aspects could be the focus of further investigations, including, but not limited to, the novel design and optimization of multi-wavelength lasers structures, investigations of the nonlinear dynamics of the laser triggered by broadband or filtered optical feedback, or innovative applications of multi-wavelength lasers. Each aspect could be individually considered for a MSCA project as well as a smart combination of sub-topics.
Naturally, this short description is only here to steer the discussion as specific topics would naturally be tailored to fit the candidate interest, skills and expertise in order to maximize the chances of success of the project application and the long term career gain for the candidate.
About the research Group
Brussels Photonics B-Phot
We are a self-supporting research and innovation institute of the Faculty of Engineering of Vrije Universiteit Brussel with 35 years of experience in photonics education, research and innovation.
B-PHOT is an international and gender-balanced community hosting 70 experts from 20 countries.
Our continuous mission is to advance photonics, the key digital technology that uses the unique properties of light to innovate. As such we contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
We are recognized by the Flemish Government as “Photonics Spearhead for Industrial Research and Innovation" because of our track record for transferring photonics expertise and innovation breakthroughs to companies.
B-PHOT is also uniquely involved as coordinator of the EC-funded pan-European initiative ACTPHAST that supports both SMEs and researchers with photonics innovation.
B-PHOT is a core research group of Flanders Make, the strategic research center for manufacturing and industry 4.0 in Flanders.