Semester/Master Theses
Related to our research work, we offer a large variety of semester and master projects.
Currently offered specific projects can be found below.
In case of general interest in a project in the area of THz Photonics, Plamonics, Optical Communications or Atomic-Scale Devices, please contact Prof. Dr. Juerg Leuthold.
In case of general interest in a project in the area of Modelling and Simulation, please contact Dr. Jasmin Smajic.
In case you have your own idea, please do not hesitate to contact any member of our scientific staff.
Note: Both the report and the presentation must be done in English.
ETH Zurich uses SiROP to publish and search scientific projects. For more information visit external page sirop.org.
Simulation and optimization of BaTiO3-based edge couplers
Having demonstrated conclusive results in both light guiding and modulations, BaTiO3 (BTO) presents great potential in demonstrating a monolithic integration of PICs. This platform could indeed present scalable circuits that include both the passive and active devices for high speed modulation. However The transmission's efficiency is currently limited by the fibers to chip losses. Edge couplers (EC) appear as a suitable approach to address this issue while guaranteeing a simplified layer stack.
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Keywords
Photonic circuits, BTO, Edge couplers, Simulations, FDTD, EME, Modal analysis, Optimization, Design
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Semester Project
Vision and Future Application
The edge couplers would then be fabricated and assessed on the BTO platforms. They will then be integrated with the active devices to demonstrate a high-speed and loss efficient modulators, with the aim of reaching Tb/s in a single lane.
Description
The work will mostly focus on simulations of BTO-based EC. The student shall propose and evaluate designs, as well as optimize the geometrical parameters to reach the following objectives: - Low insertion loss - Broadband response in the C-band - High tolerance to fabrication imperfections, for example misalignment - Simplified layer stack, the student shall ideally only use BTO as the core material and glass for cladding - (Bonus): Polarization independent
The student will then generate a gds file that will include the optimized designs, which will then be processed to fabrication and characterization.
Type of Work
Literature and writing (20%), Simulations (60%), Design (20%)
Requirements
Experience with Lumerical (FDTD, EME, Interconnects) and/or Comsol Wave Optics and Matlab/Python are considered a plus, but not essential. Basic knowledge in light coupling and guiding is also a plus but not essential
Contact Details
Guillaume Zajac, zajac@ief.ee.ethz.ch, +41 78 268 96 72 Davide Filice, filice@ief.ee.ethz.ch Arnaud Schneuwly schneuwly@ief.ee.ethz.ch
Earliest start: 2025-03-03
Latest end: 2025-10-01
Organization: Institute of Electromagnetic Fields
Hosts: Zajac Guillaume
Topics: Engineering and Technology
Details: Open this project...
Electro-optical frequency comb: CMOS based Electrical oscillator design
Optical frequency combs have emmerged with the need for precise measurement of optical frequencies. Since their first practical realisation, they’ve enabled a plethora of applications going way past metrology, such as optical and wireless communcations, spectroscopy ranging and radar. Electro optical frequency combs integrated within a plasmonic-photonic platform is a key tool for high resolution THz radars and high speed communication. A low phase noise electrical
oscillator represents a key element of such a platform
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Keywords
EO Frequency comb, IC design, EM simulation, High speed electronic, photonic
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Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)
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Earliest start: 2025-02-17
Latest end: 2025-12-31
Organization: Institute of Electromagnetic Fields
Hosts: Chérix Loic
Topics: Engineering and Technology
Details: Open this project...
Fabrication and Characterization of Low-Loss SiN Waveguides
Silicon nitride (SiN) has become a key material in integrated photonics and is increasingly seen as a potential replacement for silicon as the main waveguiding platform. Its advantages—low optical losses, a wide transparency range, high power handling, and easier coupling to fiber modes—make it ideal for a broad range of applications. These include telecommunications, data centers, biosensing, LiDAR, and emerging quantum technologies.
In our lab, we focus on its application in heterogeneous integration with an active material for electro-optic modulation, enabling high-speed and efficient signal processing.
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Keywords
Optics, Nanotechnology, Photonics, Integrated Optics, PICs, Nanofabrication, Cleanroom, Waveguides, Ring Resonators
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Master Thesis
Description
As part of this thesis, you will fabricate and characterize SiN waveguides and ring resonators at the Binning and Rohrer Nanotechnology Center (BRNC). You will deposit SiN using chemical vapor deposition methods, pattern photonic waveguides with dry etching methods and analyze the sidewall angles and surface roughness using a scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM). Finally, the devices will be tested in the lab to measure optical performance and properties.
Type of Work
Literature (10%), simulations (15%), fabrication (50%) and characterization & analysis (25%) of photonic integrated circuits (PICs).
Requirements
Interest in nanofabrication and process development. Cleanroom experience is advantageous.
Contact Details
Earliest start: 2024-12-11
Latest end: 2025-12-19
Organization: Institute of Electromagnetic Fields
Hosts: Filice Davide
Topics: Physics
Details: Open this project...