PhD position "Mid-infrared photonics for the Large Interferometer For Exoplanets (LIFE) mission"

Extrasolar planets science is one of the most dynamic and vibrant fields in modern astrophysics. With more than 5500 exoplanets discovered to date, we are beginning to understand statistical trends in the population and unravel the diversity of other worlds. State-of-the-art instruments on ground- and space-based telescopes provide access to the bulk properties of the exoplanets and shed light on their atmospheric compositions. Despite impressive progress in the field, one of the long-term goals of exoplanet science, that is the direct detection and atmospheric characterization of temperate terrestrial exoplanets similar to Earth, is out of reach for the current generation of instruments. Only the next generation of ground-based extremely large telescopes with 30-40 m primary mirrors and dedicated space missions will be powerful enough to address this goal.

One of these missions is the Large Interferometer For Exoplanets (LIFE). LIFE is a space-based nulling interferometer that will investigate the atmospheric properties of hundreds of exoplanets including dozens similar to Earth. LIFE will operate at mid-infrared wavelengths and provide access to atmospheric absorption bands of many molecular species including numerous so-called atmospheric biosignatures. Rooted at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, the LIFE project has supporters and contributors worldwide and the science of LIFE that has been recognized as a candidate topic for a future L-class mission in the Science Program of the European Space Agency.

In this project, you will work within the LIFE instrumentation team at ETH Zurich and investigate crucial components for the LIFE instrument; that is, integrated photonic chips at mid-infrared wavelengths. Photonic devices could in principle replace most of the bulk optics components currently foreseen in LIFE and significantly reduce weight and complexity. However, the full applicability of photonic devices over the LIFE wavelength range remains to be demonstrated. You will be trained in the design steps and fabrication techniques for the so-called III-V platform making use of the ETH-based FIRST lab. You will take full care of the evaluation and characterization of the manufactured devices and measure their loss properties (under ambient and cryogenic temperatures), their instantaneous wavelength range (i.e. bandpass), and the overall applicable wavelength range for the platform. The design of fully functional nulling chips over the LIFE wavelength range would be the final goal of the project. This position is shared between the research groups of Sascha Quanz and Jerome Faist, where organizationally the student is embedded in the Exoplanets & Habitability group, but most of the experimental work will be done in direct collaboration with colleagues from the Quantum Optoelectronics Group.

• have a MSc degree in physics or similar discipline by the starting date
• be eager to pursue experimental research within a highly collaborative environment
• be passionate about physics, hands-on laboratory work, problem solving, space sciences
• have a high proficiency in English and be a good communicator and team player
• have good computer and programming skills

Previous experience in woking in a physics laboratory or similar environment is an asset.

We offer a dynamic, challenging role within an inspiring environment at a world-renowned university. Career development is central to our culture, and we’re committed to supporting your professional growth. PhD students at ETH Zurich earn competitive salaries and are eligible for both social security and retirement benefits (the current annual gross salary starts at CHF 60’800 in the first year and goes up to CHF 67’500 in the third and fourth year). PhD positions are funded for four years. Funding for attending international conferences is available and potential publication costs will be covered.  

ETH Zurich is regularly rated as the best university in continental Europe and Zurich itself is one of the most attractive cities to live in worldwide. Many people at ETH Zurich, and within our research group, have an international background. English is the common language in our research group. 

Our group actively participates in the ETH Centre for Origin and Prevalence of Life (COPL) and the National Centre of Competence in Research PlanetS providing group members with ample opportunity for networking in interdisciplinary setting.