DC14 – Thermoelectric Cooling Solutions for Active Thermal Management of Photonic Integrated Circuits
Objective: Develop thermoelectric cooling solutions for active thermal management of photonic integrated circuits, enabling precise temperature control and reliable operation.
Host Institution: University College Cork (UCC)
Location: Cork, Ireland
Main Supervisor: Dr. Kafil M. Razeeb (University College Cork), Ireland
Co-Supervisors: Dr. Alexandre Shen, III-V Lab (France), Dr. Ruomeng Huang, SOTON (United Kingdom), Prof. Dr. Johannes De Boor, DLR (Germany)
Duration: 36 months (full-time employment)
PhD-awarding Institution: University College Cork
Project Overview
DC14 will focus on the design and implementation of thermoelectric cooling solutions for active thermal management of photonic integrated circuits within the MGICIAN Doctoral Network.
The project will address precise temperature control requirements to ensure wavelength stability, signal integrity, and long-term reliability in chip-scale photonic platforms. The research will target compact cooling architectures, efficient heat extraction, and compatibility with integrated device structures.
The project will combine thermal simulations, device-level modelling, and experimental validation to establish cooling-device-performance relationships and ensure scalable integration of magnesium-based thermoelectric modules into advanced optoelectronic systems.
Research Tasks and Training Objectives
The Doctoral Candidate (m/f/div) will:
Define thermal management requirements and performance targets for photonic integrated circuits
Develop and apply numerical models for thermoelectric cooling of chip-scale devices
Optimise thermoelectric module geometry and integration strategies for compact systems
Support integration of thermoelectric coolers into photonic platforms
Characterise cooling performance, temperature stability, and dynamic response of integrated systems
Evaluate energy efficiency and reliability under realistic operating conditions
Collaborate closely with photonic, module, and modelling-focused DCs within the network
Participate in secondments, network-wide scientific training, and transferable skills activities
Disseminate research results through peer-reviewed publications, international conferences, and outreach initiatives
Secondments
To strengthen interdisciplinary and intersectoral training, DC14 will undertake the following secondments:
- III-V Lab (France) – 2 months
Focus: Integration of thermoelectric cooling into photonic platforms and industrial validation - University of Southampton (UK) – 2 months
Focus: Advanced thermal modelling and optimisation of chip-level cooling strategies - IFW Dresden (Germany) – 3 months
Focus: Performance optimisation of thermoelectric modules for compact integration
Requirements
Education
Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field. Applicants must be eligible to enrol in a PhD programme at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland.
Technical Competences
Strong background in photonic devices, thermal management, or thermoelectric systems
Experience with numerical modelling tools (e.g., COMSOL, FEM, or similar software)
Knowledge of semiconductor device physics or integrated photonics is advantageous
Experience with experimental device characterisation is desirable
Interest in compact cooling technologies and high-precision temperature control
Personal Skills
Strong analytical and interdisciplinary problem-solving abilities
Ability to work independently and within an international collaborative research network
Excellent written and spoken English
Documents Required
Copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas and transcripts (with certified translations if applicable)
Candidates may apply before obtaining their Master’s degree by submitting a provisional certificate; however, employment cannot commence before the degree is formally awarded
Join MGICIAN as a Doctoral Candidate
Apply now and become part of MGICIAN as a Doctoral Candidate. Shape the future of sustainable solid-state cooling with us.