Internship: Realizing multilevel switching metasurfaces for optical computing

Internship/Master project: Realizing multilevel switching behavior in metasurfaces for optical computing

Work Activities

Metasurfaces offer exciting possibilities for optical computing, but their functionality is typically fixed after fabrication. In this project, we aim to overcome that limitation by integrating phase change materials into metasurface designs. These materials can be reversibly switched between crystalline and amorphous states by local laser heating, opening the door to programmable optical devices. Your challenge will be to push this concept beyond binary switching and realize multilevel states in practice. You will investigate questions such as: Which designs support controlled switching? What laser pulse powers and durations are required? How many distinct optical states can be achieved, and how reproducibly? Depending on your interests, the project can include numerical simulations, cleanroom fabrication, and optical characterization in the ...