Analog Integrated Circuit Design for Photonic Drift Compensation

Photonics systems deployed across different application domains require long-term operational stability. In optical communication, wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) channels must remain precisely aligned to their designated wavelengths, and coherent optical transceivers demand stabilized phase and amplitude control. Large-scale switching networks for programmable photonics rely on accurate tuning of individual switching elements, while optical phased arrays necessitate precise phase control of each emitter. However, environmental fluctuations and material changes can induce drift in the optical characteristics of photonic components, resulting in wavelength misalignments, phase errors, or signal degradation. To counteract these effects, feedback control loops can be integrated into programmable photonic circuits. These loops utilize monitoring signals obtained by tapping a small fraction of optical power at strategic locations within the photonic circuit , detected via integrated or external photodetectors. The feedback mechanism itself may be implemented in software, on an FPGA, or through fully analog on-chip circuitry. This internship offers the opportunity to investigate automated drift compensation circuits for stabilizing optical wavelength, phase, and amplitude in programmable photonic components such as Mach-Zehnder interferometers, tunable filters, and phase shifters. Working in close collaboration with a photonics engineer, the student will explore and design analog feedback loop IC architectures. The internship student will be in charge of the conceptualization, design, and layout of stabilization feedback circuit s to be fabricated on a 200mm CMOS-photonics integration platform. Required skills: Strong background in a nalog circuit design. Good k nowledge of Cadence environment for schematic entry, simulations and custom layout Strong problem-solving skills . Eagerness to learn and innovate . Good communication skills. Required background : Major in electrical engineering or related . Type of work : 20% literature review, 20% architecture definition and modelling , 60% circuit innovation ( analog IC design) Type of internship : PhD internship Duration : 12 month Required educational background : Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering University promotor : Chris Van Hoof (KU Leuven) Supervising scientist(s) : For further information or for application, please contact Xiaolin Yang ( Xiaolin.Yang@imec.be ) and Pieter Neutens ( Pieter.Neutens@imec.be ) The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-333 . Mention this reference code in your application. Imec allowance will be provided. Applications should include the following information: resume motivation current study Incomplete applications will not be considered