Internship: Synchronized Holographic Control for Super-Resolution Imaging
First seen by Alion on Oct 17, 2026.
Join our
research team in developing a new class of programmable-mask
super-resolution lithography systems . You will develop software and optical
control strategies for the generation and synchronization of computer-generated
holograms (CGH) , enabling the fabrication of nanometer-scale 2D, 2.5D,
and 3D structures beyond the diffraction limit and paving the way for
next-generation lithography and optical manufacturing. This technology has
potential applications in semiconductor manufacturing, integrated photonics,
and bioprinting. Project
overview You will work
with an advanced programmable-mask optical platform for computer-generated
holography (CGH) based on phase-only spatial light modulators (SLMs ) and
multiple laser sources. Machine
learning-based optimization is used to compute high-fidelity computer-generated
holograms. The main engineering challenge is to calibrate and synchronize
multiple SLMs while combining holograms generated by different laser
wavelengths, maintaining precise spatial registration and deterministic timing
throughout the imaging process. Your role You will
contribute to the development of the free-space optical system, with a
particular focus on the phase-only spatial light modulators (SLMs), including
their alignment, calibration, and hologram evaluation. You will develop
strategies for synchronizing multiple SLMs and design, implement, and validate
the software that controls hologram generation. Working closely with
researchers in optics and computational imaging, you will: Develop software to load,
sequence, and synchronously update multiple SLMs. Integrate ML-based hologram
optimization into the experimental control software. Calibrate the spatial
alignment, relative magnification, and optical distortion of reconstructed
holograms. Characterize reconstruction
quality by evaluating imaging performance and identifying practical limits in
resolution, accuracy, and throughput. Document the software,
calibration procedures, and experimental results. Your profile You are pursuing
a degree in Applied Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering,
Photonics, or a related field. Strong programming skills
are essential . You should be comfortable developing
scientific software in Python , with experience in C++ and/or
MATLAB considered an advantage. Experience in one or more of
the following areas is beneficial, but not required: Free-space optics, image
processing, signal processing, or computational imaging. Fourier optics,
computer-generated holography (CGH), or spatial light modulators (SLMs). Hardware interfaces, hardware
triggering, or laboratory instrumentation. Numerical optimization and
experimental characterization. Above all, you
are curious, enjoy solving practical engineering problems, and are motivated to
work at the interface of software and experimental optics. Expected
outcomes By the end of
the internship, you will have developed a documented software framework for
synchronized multi-SLM operation, together with validated calibration and
timing procedures. Your final report will evaluate the system's imaging
performance and recommend improvements to synchronization, reconstruction
fidelity, and acquisition speed. What you will
gain This internship
offers hands-on experience in programmable photonics, computer-generated
holography, synchronized instrumentation, and super-resolution imaging. You
will work at the interface between software engineering and experimental
optics, with direct responsibility for integrating numerical hologram
optimization into a state-of-the-art optical platform.   Type of internship : Master internship Duration : 3 to 5 monhts Required educational background : Computer Science, Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering, Physics Supervising scientist(s) : For further information or for application, please contact John Petersen ( [email protected] ) and Giammarco Nalin ( [email protected] ) The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-292 . Mention this reference code in your application. Imec allowance will be provided for students studying at a non-Belgian university. Applications should include the following information: resume motivation current study Incomplete applications will not be considered