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back to vacancy list Vacancy: Vibrational circular dichroism of chiral molecules with metasurfaces (Open)Posted on 10/9/2026Context
Circular dichroism spectroscopy is a key analytical technique in biochemistry and pharmacy. Molecular vibrations can produce vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) in the mid-infrared, but there are barriers to its use for low molecular concentrations and small volumes. Nanophotonic structures can enhance chiral sensing but must be tailored to this purpose: high-refractive-index materials like silicon or germanium offer strong resonances to maximize circular dichroism. The goal of this project is to increase VCD by two orders of magnitude for thin molecular films using different metasurface designs and materials. By tuning the resonances with respect to VCD bands, we will clarify the roles of different physical mechanisms in enhancement. Thanks to the combination of our theoretical understanding, fabrication methods, and matching optical instrumentation, our laboratory is uniquely positioned to fulfill the need for more sensitive chiral molecular detection.
 Job Description
You will carry out VCD spectroscopy in the mid-infrared using a custom-made microscope and compare the measurements to a commercial spectrometer. In joint work with a postdoctoral researcher and another PhD student, the thesis involves metasurface design and fabrication using optical lithography and etching methods, chiral analyte deposition, and subsequent optical characterization.
Our laboratory has recently developed a highly sensitive optical microscope for chiral molecular sensing in the visible. In this project, we will leverage this experience to develop a similar setup for vibrational circular dichroism of microscopic samples in the mid-infrared. The Photonics Research Group is equipped with several tunable mid-IR sources (such as quantum cascade lasers and optical parametric oscillators), photodetectors, and a Fourier-transform IR spectrometer. You will characterize first the metasurface resonances using transmission spectroscopy and then measure the fine polarization contrast induced by the presence of chiral molecules on the sensors. Overall, this project will provide the background to work with mid-infrared photonics and polarization modulators, and allow you to develop valuable instrumentation skills.
Candidate Profile
- M.Sc. in Photonics, Engineering Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or similar subjects related to Photonics and Nanotechnology.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Dynamic attitude for finding solutions and attention to detail for methodical work in instrumentation.
- Capacity to work both independently and as part of a team.
- A solid background in optics/photonics.
- Hands-on experience with microscopy, polarization optics, circular dichroism, or infrared lasers will be considered a plus.
- Experience with programming languages like Python and Matlab is a plus.
About Us
You will work in the Photonics Research Group, part of the Department of Information Technology (INTEC) at Ghent University and also an associated of IMEC.
The project will be supervised by Prof. dr. Alberto Curto, with national and international collaborators.
PRG hosts about 100 researchers and has been active in photonics device research for many years. Professors in the group include Roel Baets (emeritus), Dries van Thourhout, Peter Bienstman, Wim Bogaerts, Stephane Clemmen, Bart Kuyken, Nicolas Le Thomas, Yanlu Li, Geert Morthier, Gunther Roelkens, Kasper Van Gasse, and Alberto Curto. The main research directions include silicon nanophotonics, photonic (bio)sensors, heterogeneous integration, programmable photonics, and neuromorphic computing.
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