Photonics Engineer - Intern

Coherent • Santa Clara, CA

123d

About The Position

The position involves device design and simulation, focusing on backside-emitting VCSEL structures optimized for 1060 nm emission. The role includes developing and simulating photonic crystal cavity structures to enhance light-graphene interaction, optimizing device parameters for >100 GHz 3 dB bandwidth and 3 dB extinction ratio. Collaboration with Graphenea on graphene deposition and doping strategies is essential, as well as evaluating doping approaches for Fermi level tuning and resistance control. The candidate will define gate oxide materials and thicknesses to minimize RC time constants in device performance. Additionally, the role requires coordination with Coherent's Sherman facility for deposition, patterning, and etching processes, overseeing e-beam lithography and reactive ion etching for photonic crystal patterning, and integrating ITO contacts and graphene layers for electrical backgating. Testing and characterization of graphene-based VCSELs will be performed, including electrical efficiency and high-speed modulation testing, as well as optical reflection and modulation experiments. The candidate will work cross-functionally with materials scientists, process engineers, and external partners, maintaining detailed experiment logs and contributing to patent filings and publications.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 and 3 dB extinction ratio.
• Collaborate with Graphenea on graphene deposition and doping strategies.
• Evaluate doping approaches for Fermi level tuning and resistance control.
• Define gate oxide materials and thicknesses to minimize RC time constants.
• Coordinate with Coherent's Sherman facility for deposition, patterning, and etching processes.
• Oversee e-beam lithography and reactive ion etching for photonic crystal patterning.
• Integrate ITO contacts and graphene layers for electrical backgating.
• 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.
• Work cross-functionally with materials scientists, process engineers, and external partners.
• Maintain detailed experiment logs, test reports, and contribute to patent filings and publications.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree