Postdoc in AlGaAs Nonlinear Nanophotonics for Terahertz Detection

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with strong competencies in nanophotonics, nonlinear optics, metasurfaces, and nanofabrication to develop a new generation of high-sensitivity terahertz (THz) detectors based on nonlinear frequency upconversion.

You will join an interdisciplinary research team at DTU working at the interface of integrated photonics, THz science, and advanced imaging. Your research will focus on designing, fabricating, and experimentally demonstrating AlGaAs metasurface-enhanced THz-to-near-infrared converters, with the ambition of increasing conversion efficiency by orders of magnitude and enabling coherent focal-plane-array THz imaging.

The position offers the opportunity to develop cutting-edge nonlinear nanophotonic devices, work extensively with DTU Nanolab facilities, collaborate with leading international research groups, and contribute to a new platform for high-speed, hyperspectral and super-resolution THz imaging.

Responsibilities And Qualifications

Your primary responsibility will be to develop high-efficiency AlGaAs-based THz-to-NIR detectors using four-wave mixing and metasurface field enhancement. You will investigate the combination of microscale metallic THz structures and dielectric AlGaAs metasurfaces to enhance both THz and optical fields and optimize their spatial overlap. The work covers the complete research cycle from electromagnetic design and nanofabrication to optical/THz characterization and system integration. You will work closely with researchers specializing in THz spectroscopy and imaging and contribute to demonstrating focal-plane-array coherent THz detection.

Your main tasks will include:

• Design AlGaAs metasurfaces for enhanced nonlinear THz-to-NIR conversion.
• Design metallic structures for strong THz field confinement.
• Develop and optimize nanofabrication processes at DTU Nanolab.
• Characterize metasurface resonances and THz-to-NIR conversion efficiency.
• Optimize spatial overlap between confined THz and optical fields.
• Integrate and test detectors in coherent THz imaging experiments.
• Collaborate with international partners on metasurface design and characterization.

You should hold a PhD in photonics, optical engineering, applied physics, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.

We are looking for candidates with a strong experimental background and experience in one or more of the following areas: nanophotonics, nonlinear optics, optical metasurfaces, integrated photonics, semiconductor photonics, or THz technologies. Experience with cleanroom nanofabrication, electromagnetic simulation, and optical characterization is highly desirable. Experience with AlGaAs or other III–V photonic platforms, nonlinear frequency conversion, THz spectroscopy, or metasurface characterization will be considered an advantage. You should be able to work independently while contributing effectively to an interdisciplinary and international research environment.

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures.

The period of employment is 2 years. Starting date is 1 November 2026. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Minhao Pu, mipu@dtu.dk.

You can read more about DTU Electro at www.electro.dtu.dk/research/research-areas/nanophotonics/nanophotonic-devices

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Electro employs more than 300 skilled researchers with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. As a department, we strive towards crea