Openings at ME

Advanced near-infrared technology for 3D image sensors

Distance or proximity measurements & 3D imaging is very important in several applications: robotics, automotive, 3D machine vision applications, etc., to name a few. Furthermore, for outdoor applications, near-infrared (NIR) wavelength is useful to minimize the influence of direct sunlight & provides eye safety.

In this project, we will investigate a highly sensitive, i-TOF image sensor working in the NIR. This project involves very interesting challenges that need to be studied & overcome: design of fast, sensitive pixels; investigation of noise minimizing techniques; developing an efficient way to test these image sensors, etc., to name a few.
For a sample of the topic, the interested candidate may refer to the papers listed below:

• S. Lee et al., “A Time-of-Flight Range Sensor Using Four-Tap Lock-In Pixels with High near Infrared Sensitivity for LiDAR Applications,” Sensors, Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 116(1)-116(17), 2020
• B. Rodrigues et al., ‘‘Indirect ToF pixel integrating fast buried-channel transfer gates and gradual epitaxy and enabling CDS,’’ Proc. IISW, pp. 266–269, 2017
• F. Acerbi et al., "Optimization of pinned photodiode pixels for high-speed time of flight applications," IEEE Journal of the Electron Devices Society, Vol. 6, pp. 365-375, 2018

We are looking to fill a Post-doctoral position (3 years). As a Post-doctoral researcher, you will be part of the CMOS image sensors research group, Electronic Instrumentation Laboratory. You will work together with Assoc. Prof. Padmakumar Rao, under the support of Prof. Albert Theuwissen. This work involves mathematical modeling, device physics simulations, pixel & readout chain layout, as well as characterization of the image sensor.

Requirements

Requirements You should have the following qualifications:

• PhD. Degree in Microelectronics or similar
• Experience in analog design
• Experience in CMOS Image sensor pixel design is an advantage
• Knowledge of semiconductor device physics & process
• Affinity with mathematical modelling
• Ability to use a mathematical software of choice for computation & analysis
• Fluent communication skills in English, both written and oral.
• Ability to steer the project independently

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