Photonics Engineer - Intern

Primary Duties & Responsibilities


* Device Design & Simulation
+ Design and model backside-emitting VCSEL structures optimized for 1060 nm emission.
+ Develop and simulate photonic crystal cavity structures to enhance light-graphene interaction.
+ Optimize device parameters for >100 GHz 3 dB bandwidth, 3 dB extinction ratio.


* Graphene Integration
+ Collaborate with Graphenea on graphene deposition and doping strategies.
+ Evaluate doping approaches (boron and molecular adsorbate) for Fermi level tuning and resistance control.
+ Define gate oxide materials and thicknesses to minimize RC time constants in device performance.


* Fabrication Coordination
+ Work with Coherent's Sherman facility to coordinate deposition, patterning, and etching processes.
+ Oversee e-beam lithography (EBL) and reactive ion etching (RIE) for photonic crystal patterning.
+ Integrate ITO contacts and graphene layers for electrical backgating.


* Testing & Characterization
+ Perform electrical efficiency and high-speed modulation testing of graphene-based VCSELs.
+ Conduct optical reflection and modulation experiments using spectrometers, beamsplitters, and photodiodes.
+ Collaborate with Coherent teams in Fremont and Stanford University for advanced characterization.


* Collaboration & Documentation
+ Work cross-functionally with materials scientists, process engineers, and external partners.
+ Maintain detailed experiment logs, test reports, and contribute to patent filings and publications.

Education & Experience


* M.S.

or Ph.D.

in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field.


* 3+ years of experience in VCSEL, photonics, or optoelectronic device R&D.


* Hands-on experience with nanofabrication (EBL, RIE, PVD/ALD/CVD).


* Proficiency with optical and electrical modeling tools (Lumerical, COMSOL, or equivalent).


* Experience with high-speed (GHz+) optoelectronic testing.


* Experience working with 2D materials (e.g., graphene) in optoelectronic applications.

Skills


* Knowledge of graphene doping and gate-tunable devices.


* Experience in cross-site collaboration and vendor management (international).


* Familiarity with backside-emitting VCSEL architectures and photonic crystal design.


* Strong interpersonal, teaming, and problem-solving skills.


* Work effectively with other members of Coherent Corp.

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Working Conditions


* Onsite or hybrid work


* Regular collaboration with engineers and scientist in a fast-paced R&D setting, with both independent and team-based tasks

Physical Requirements


* Ability to perform fine manual tasks under a microscope and handle delicate semiconductor components with precision.


* Capability to stand or sit for extended periods while working in a lab or cleanroom environme...