Postdoctoral Scholar in Experimental Optics

University of Central Florida • Orlando, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

CREOL (Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers) is a leading institution for research and education in optical and photonic science and engineering, offering MS and PhD degrees in optics and photonics, and a BS degree in photonic science and engineering. The faculty conducts fundamental and applied research in lasers, optical fibers, semiconductor and integrated photonic devices, nonlinear and quantum optics, imaging, sensing, and displays. The college is associated with several institutes including CREOL, Florida Photonics Center of Excellence (FPCE), Townes Laser Institute (TLI), and the Institute for the Frontier of Attosecond Science and Technology (iFAST). Collaborations are also possible with the College of Medicine, including the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences. The Semiconductor Diode Laser Group is seeking a postdoctoral scholar in experimental optics to focus on large, high-power semiconductor diode laser arrays. Research areas include external-cavity coupling, phase locking, coherent beam combining, and the collective dynamics of coupled laser systems, with current projects investigating synchronization, spatial and temporal coherence, and other collective states in large arrays of coupled semiconductor lasers. This research integrates advanced optical experiments with theoretical and computational modeling of nonlinear laser dynamics. The successful candidate will contribute to the development, alignment, characterization, and optimization of advanced optical and photonic experimental platforms involving semiconductor diode lasers and laser arrays.

Requirements

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Optics/Photonics, Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Strong hands-on experience with free-space optical systems, including optical alignment, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Solid understanding of Gaussian beam propagation, diffraction, focusing, imaging, and optical beam characterization.
• Experience working with semiconductor lasers, laser sources, and associated optical components.
• Demonstrated ability to independently align, characterize, and optimize complex free-space optical steps involving lenses, mirrors, beam splitters, spatial filters, detectors, and related instrumentation.
• Must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with optical diagnostics, experimental data acquisition, and analysis is desirable.
• Familiarity with the dynamics and modeling of semiconductor diode lasers and laser arrays.
• Knowledge of nonlinear dynamics, synchronization, or nonlinear systems.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development, alignment, characterization, and optimization of advanced optical and photonic experimental platforms involving semiconductor diode lasers and laser arrays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree