Phd Scholarship

**PhD Scholarship - Photonic Circuits for Microcombs**:
**Job No.**: 670131

**Location**: Clayton campus

**Employment Type**: Full-time

**Duration**: 3.5-year fixed-term appointment

**Remuneration**: $35,013 p.a. (tax-free), with top-ups potentially available

**Project**

Photonic chips control the flow of light, in an analogous way to electronic chips controlling the flow of electrons. The bandwidths available in optics are orders of magnitude larger than for electronic, which has the potential for processing information in a very energy efficient way. More complex and reconfigurable photonic chips can now be used than before, thanks to self-calibration techniques
This project focuses on the use of self-calibrating photonic chips in a variety of optical systems. From optical communications links, to artificial neural networks, to scientific instruments based on optical microcombs, this work will enable energy efficient functionality at ultra-high bandwidths.

**Opportunity**

As part of this PhD, you will be trained in photonic chip design, photonic device characterization, and the use of photonic chips in various systems. You will also become one of the world’s few experts in the use of a new type of laser - optical microcombs. You will have opportunities through this project to work with local & international academics and through local & international industry (specifically for this project, through COMBS partners NBN Co. and Infinera/Nokia). This PhD will provide you with skills to develop a
career in academia or industry.

**Details**

The scholarship (Monash RTP) is $35,013 p.a. (tax free), with top-ups potentially available. Tuition fees are waived by Monash. PhD positions in Australia are open to graduate with honours or masters degrees, and run for 3-3.5 years. Your home campus will be Monash Clayton, located within the metropolitan area of Melbourne. The main supervisor for this work in Professor. Arthur Lowery. H1-equivalent preferred, in Australia this is a GPA of >80%, and varies with country of degree. Due to trade embargos, we cannot consider applicants with Iranian citizenship.

**Background**

Applicants with a background including project work in optics, photonics, optical communications, and/or communications engineering will be starting off with an advantage for this PhD topic.

This work builds on research from the group at Monash, often in collaboration with COMBS partners, and aims to leverage microcombs to make the most of the bandwidth advantage. See the papers below for more:
At Monash, work feels different. There’s a sense of belonging, from contributing to something groundbreaking - a place where great things happen. You know you’re part of something special and purposeful because, like Monash, your ambitions drive you to make change.

The **Faculty of Engineering** is one of the largest in Australia, renowned worldwide for the quality and calibre of our teaching, research and graduates. We offer a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate and higher degree by research programs in a wide range of engineering disciplines.

The **Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering** aims to provide high quality programs for undergraduate and research students as well as undertaking and publishing high quality research. We offer internationally recognised undergraduate and research programs in telecommunications, electronics, robotics, biomedical engineering and electrical power systems. We maintain strong links with engineering professionals to ensure our programs remain at the leading edge of professional practice. We have a
vibrant research culture, with major research areas in communications & RF identification, intelligent robotics, biomedical engineering and power electronics & energy.

The **ARC Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS - **combs.org.au**)** is a large dynamic, diverse and inclusive community that spans across Australia and beyond. Optical frequency combs hold remarkable promise for reshaping the realms of precision measurements, highspeed communication, sensing, and astronomical discovery. Recent advances in nanofabrication make it possible to miniaturise bulky optical and electronic systems onto microchips, thus streamlining the production and reducing costs. This emerging microcomb technology holds the key to unlocking the full potential of optical frequency combs. By joining the ARC Centre of Excellence in Optical Microcombs for Breakthrough Science (COMBS), you will play an important role in developing these microcomb technologies to transform science and society.

As a member of COMBS, you will have the opportunity to work with other COMBS scientists within the eight Australian Universities network, take advantage of internships with industry and our many international partners in Europe, Asia and the US. There will be many opportunities for learning through workshops, technology tran