PhD position: Modelling and simulation of single-photon avalanche diodes in Freiburg bei Applied Solid State Physics

Applied Solid State Physics

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research institutions throughout Germany and is the world’s leading applied research organization. Around 30 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 2.9 billion euros.

PhD position: Modelling and simulation of single-photon avalanche diodes

The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF is one of the leading research institutions worldwide in the fields of III-V semiconductors and diamond. Together with our partners from industry and science, we research and develop electronic and optoelectronic devices and systems. The focus is on research and development for applications in the fields of security, digitalization, health, energy and communication.

In the field of optoelectronics, single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) based on the material system InGaAs/InP for the wavelength range from 0.9 to 1.7 µm of the short-wave infrared is an important research topic of the Institute with applications in three-dimensional imaging (LiDAR) as well as quantum-based sensing and communication. The SPADs operated in the Geiger mode offer the highest sensitivities and push the resolution limit of detector systems to the quantum limit. Within the framework of a doctoral thesis, such SPADs are to be modelled and numerically simulated in order to interpret the experimentally determined device properties in a reliable manner and to iteratively optimise the device design for subsequent process runs.

What you will do

Your core task includes the creation of a 2D/3D simulation environment in order to model and numerically simulate the SPADs manufactured at the IAF.
You evaluate experimentally obtained characterisation data and identify potential optimisations of the component parameters through your simulation results.
You will carry out experimental work in collaboration with team colleagues and adapt the existing laboratory setups to emerging requirements for the electro-optical characterisation of SPADs.

What you bring to the table

You hold a Master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, microsystems technology or a similar field.
You also have good knowledge of semiconductor electronics and electro-optical components.
Ideally, you have already gained knowledge in the use of 2D/3D TCAD simulation programs, e.g. Silvaco ATLAS, Synopsys Sentaurus or COMSOL Multiphysics.
You are familiar with programming languages (ideally Python) for automated data evaluation and model extraction.
You have an independent scientific approach and can quickly familiarise yourself with new challenges.

What you can expect

An interdisciplinary task to develop and establish a detector concept for the detection of single photons with insight into various aspects of state-of-the-art semiconductor technology from crystal growth to process technology and electro-optical characterization
A modern and internationally oriented work environment with room for independent work and creative collaboration
Attractive topics for scientific publications
Collaboration in national and international projects
Close contacts to international universities, industry and public clients
Professional and personal development opportunities through a wide range of continuing education programmes
Extensive additional benefits such as a company pension scheme (VBL), a subsidy for the job ticket and weekly sports activities (e.g. Pilates)
A family-friendly workplace with offers to reconcile family and career (including mobile working, co-child office, advisory services in the area of home and eldercare

Remuneration up to TVöD pay group 13 (dependent on qualifications).

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage a