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We offer a PhD position in the research group of Dr. Frederik Kotz-Helmer, which is embedded within the NeptunLab led by Prof. Bastian E. Rapp at the Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg. NeptunLab is a highly interdisciplinary research environment focusing on the development of novel materials, manufacturing technologies, and processes for industrial applications. Research from the NeptunLab has been published in leading international journals, including Lab on a Chip, Advanced Materials, Angewandte Chemie, and Nature, and has received attention from national and international media outlets such as the BBC, The New York Times, and the Discovery Channel.
Microstructured optical fibers are key components for next-generation photonic technologies including quantum communication, high-speed data transmission, and advanced sensing. However, current manufacturing methods such as stack-and-draw strongly limit the achievable fiber geometries and prevent the realization of many theoretically predicted high-performance fiber designs.
Within this PhD project, novel silica nanocomposite materials and manufacturing technologies will be developed to overcome these limitations. The project combines the Glassomer technology with high-resolution additive manufacturing and scalable extrusion processes to directly fabricate complex microstructured glass fiber preforms. The developed materials will be converted into high-purity fused silica glass and further processed into optical fibers in collaboration with project partners.
A particular focus will be placed on the development of photocurable and thermoplastic silica nanocomposites, optimization of their processing behavior, and tailoring of the glass composition to improve thermal stability during fiber fabrication. The project aims to establish a new manufacturing platform for optical fibers with unprecedented design freedom.
The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of materials science, glass science, polymer chemistry, additive manufacturing, and photonics. The project offers the opportunity to contribute to next-generation optical fiber technologies with applications ranging from quantum technologies to future communication systems.
Microstructured optical fibers are key components for next-generation photonic technologies including quantum communication, high-speed data transmission, and advanced sensing. However, current manufacturing methods such as stack-and-draw strongly limit the achievable fiber geometries and prevent the realization of many theoretically predicted high-performance fiber designs.
Within this PhD project, novel silica nanocomposite materials and manufacturing technologies will be developed to overcome these limitations. The project combines the Glassomer technology with high-resolution additive manufacturing and scalable extrusion processes to directly fabricate complex microstructured glass fiber preforms. The developed materials will be converted into high-purity fused silica glass and further processed into optical fibers in collaboration with project partners.
A particular focus will be placed on the development of photocurable and thermoplastic silica nanocomposites, optimization of their processing behavior, and tailoring of the glass composition to improve thermal stability during fiber fabrication. The project aims to establish a new manufacturing platform for optical fibers with unprecedented design freedom.
The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of materials science, glass science, polymer chemistry, additive manufacturing, and photonics. The project offers the opportunity to contribute to next-generation optical fiber technologies with applications ranging from quantum technologies to future communication systems.
PhD Position – Materials Science – Microstructured Glass Fibers via Polymer Processing
Activities and responsibilities
- Developing novel photocurable silica nanocomposites for high-resolution additive manufacturing of microstructured glass preforms.
- Formulating highly filled thermoplastic silica nanocomposites for extrusion-based glass processing.
- Investigating particle dispersion, rheological properties, curing behavior, and processing windows of nanocomposite systems.
- Processing nanocomposites using advanced manufacturing technologies, including: Stereolithography-based 3D printing, Extrusion-based shaping
- Developing strategies for modifying glass compositions (e.g., dopant integration) to tailor processing and material properties.
- Characterizing nanocomposites and glasses using techniques such as SEM, XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, rheology, thermal analysis, and optical characterization.
- Collaborating with project partners on the fabrication of next-generation microstructured optical fibers.
- Presenting research results at international conferences and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.
Qualification profile
- Master’s degree/Bachelor’s degree/Studies in Chemistry, Material Science or related subjects
- Profound knowledge of polymer chemistry, material science and processing is required
- Knowledge of glass science, ceramic processing or polymer extrusion are/is beneficial.
- Excellent academic track record
- Excellent English skills in reading and writing
- You should be a team player with ambitions who can conduct research projects independently
- You should be able to structure and document your work properly
- You should be a creative mind without causing excessive chaos around you
We offer
- An interdisciplinary work environment with a team of motivated scientists that strive to develop clever solutions for scientific as well as industrial problems
- Well-funded projects with access to excellent state-of-the art infrastructure, generous lab space and scientific equipment
- An aspiring young team with great emphasis on publications and publicity
- A lab structure that promotes the development of the individual members and fosters open-minded scientific discussions
- A strong focus on the career development of the candidate including submitting to and attending the most relevant international conferences and summer schools
- An environment that supports start-up mentality - if your research is industrially applicable and promising, we will move towards commercialization of your solution
- Payment of TV-L 13 75% (full time)
- Depending on the performance of the candidate the PhD degree is generally finished within three years
Visit our homepage to find out more: www.neptunlab.org
Please note the "before you apply" section for instructions: https://www.neptunlab.org/index.php/open-positions#BeforeYouApply
Please note the "before you apply" section for instructions: https://www.neptunlab.org/index.php/open-positions#BeforeYouApply
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