Internship Project
Physics

Simulation or Characterization of Integrated Photonic Waveguides

Institution
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Department of Physics
Integrated Quantum Photonics Group
Subject Area
Experimental Physics, Optics and Photonics
Availability
01 June – 21 August
15 June – 04 September
 
Internship Modality:
On-site internship in Berlin

Applications for summer 2026 are open from 05 November to 18 December 2025.
Project Supervisor(s)
Domenica Bermeo Alvaro, Prof. Dr. Tim Schröder
Academic Level
Advanced undergraduate students (from second year)
Graduate students
PhD students
Language
English
Further Information
Project Type
Academic Research
Project Content
Quantum information technologies hold great promise for enabling secure communication, highly sensitive measurements, and other emerging applications. Our research group explores these possibilities by using spin defects in diamond as quantum nodes that can generate and interact with single photons — the so-called flying qubits. To build scalable quantum networks, these emitters must be efficiently connected to integrated photonic circuits that guide and control light on a chip.

This internship project contributes to this goal by studying the design and performance of integrated photonic waveguides and coupling structures. Depending on the student’s background and interests, the work will focus either on numerical simulations of photonic components or on the experimental characterization of fabricated devices.
Tasks for Interns
This 3-month internship offers hands-on experience in integrated photonics, with a focus tailored to the student’s interests:

If focusing on simulations:
  • Learn to set up and/or run optical simulations of simple waveguide or coupler structures
  • Study how light propagates through different geometries or materials
  • Visualize optical modes and analyze coupling efficiencies

If focusing on experiments:
  • Assist in optical alignment and coupling of light into photonic chips
  • Measure optical transmission and losses
  • Analyze and visualize experimental data using Python
  • Support improvements and documentation of the optical setup

By the end of the internship, the student will have gained practical experience in either numerical simulations or experimental optical characterization, contributing to the development of integrated photonic components for quantum technologies
 

Academic Level
Advanced undergraduate students (from second year)
Graduate students
PhD students
Requirements
  • Background in physics, photonics, electrical engineering, or a related subject
  • Basic understanding of optics (light propagation, lenses, lasers)
  • Interest in either coding and simulations or hands-on optical experiments, some experience will be appreciated, but is not required
  • Some experience with Python
  • Motivation to learn, attention to detail, and ability to work independently
Expected Preparation
  • Getting familiar with spin-defects in diamond and photonic waveguides
  • No advanced prior experience required; a general understanding of physics and optics is sufficient

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For more information on the Humboldt Internship Program or the project, please contact the program coordinator.