Postdoctoral/research scientist position is available in the field of theoretical and computational laser dynamics and nonlinear dynamics.
The College of Optics and Photonics/CREOL at the University of Central Florida (UCF). UCF is undergoing rapid growth in the size of external research funding, academic stature, and student and faculty diversity. UCF supports and benefits from economic growth in Central Florida, which is emerging as a major hub for technology development. The University is located in the metropolitan Orlando area, which offers a vibrant lifestyle and a variety of cultural and recreational activities.
CREOL is one of the world’s foremost institutions for research and education in optical and photonic science and engineering. The College offers MS and PhD degrees in optics and photonics, and a BS degree in photonic science and engineering. The faculty engages in fundamental and applied research and education in lasers, optical fibers, semiconductor and integrated photonic devices, nonlinear and quantum optics, and imaging, sensing, and displays. The college is home to the Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL), Florida Photonics Center of Excellence (FPCE), and Townes Laser Institute (TLI), and the Institute for the Frontier of Attosecond Science and Technology (iFAST). In addition, the College of Medicine, which includes the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, provides rich opportunities for collaboration. For more information see www.creol.ucf.edu.
We are studying how to coherently phase- and frequency-lock and beam combine coupled arrays of semiconductor diode lasers. Beam combining is required for wide variety of applications (such as directed energy, optical communication, optical sensing, and many others) since emitted power from a single laser may not be sufficient for a required application. Since diode lasers behave nonlinearly, synchronization of large nonlinear arrays causes an outstanding and yet unsolved challenge. We are employing diode arrays of various wavelengths including near infrared and blue and we are employing single-mode and broad-area diodes.
Our group interests cover variety of research directions in laser dynamics and nonlinear dynamics including: (a) studying dynamics of semiconductor diodes and diode arrays operating in CW and pulsed regimes and dynamics and phase locking of large semiconductor diode laser arrays, (b) effects of parameter heterogeneities in decreasing and/or promoting synchronization in coupled nonlinear systems, (c) effects of very small periodic and pulsed perturbation on the dynamics of nonlinear coupled oscillator arrays, and (d) dynamics and synchronization in arrays of coupled Josephson junctions. In addition, we are interested in studying the dynamics of coupled Josephson junction arrays in general and specifically employing coupled Josephson junction memory cells designing large ultrafast and energy efficient cryogenic memories.
A prospective candidate will study the behavior and phase- and frequency-locking of diode laser arrays computationally or analytically (or both ways), will provide computational and analytical support to beam combining experiments conducted by our group and will help designing new experiments aimed to improve phase- and frequency-locking and beam combining of diode laser arrays. Additionally, prospective candidate will participate in our group studies exploring the effects of heterogeneity in parameters on diode array locking performance, and in particular disorder-promoted synchronization. Our group is capable of providing appropriate guidance in computational and analytical technical issues as needed.
Position Requirements:
- PhD in the fields of Optics and/or related fields (Applied Mathematics, Engineering and Physics).
- Adequate computational skills. Some experience with nonlinear dynamical systems would be beneficial. Knowledge and experience with lasers and optical systems and semiconductor diode lasers, knowledge and experience with Josephson junctions and arrays, familiarity with nonlinear dynamics methods, and well-developed applied mathematics skills would be of advantage.
Start date of position is flexible. Salaries are negotiable.
For interested applicants, please e-mail your application to Professor Yehuda Braiman (yehuda.braiman@ucf.edu).