Industrial Ph.D. Opportunity: Experimental Photonic Computing
Location: Rome, Italy
Institutions: IIT-CLN2S and Rebel Dynamics SRL Jointlab
Role Type: Experimental / Hardware Development
The Project: WaveCore
The Joint Lab between IIT-CLNS and Rebel Dynamics SRL is seeking a dedicated PostDoc to kick-off and develop WaveCore, a patented Optical Processing Unit (OPU).
WaveCore builds on Photonic Emergent Learning (PhEL) a technique rooted in foundational research on Spin Glass dynamics conducted with Nobel Laureate Giorgio Parisi[1]. By utilizing binarized electromagnetic fields, WaveCore enables accelerated computing/classification [2] and compressed storage [3], significantly outperforming traditional digital systems.
This project focuses on the practical application of these photonic principles for high-speed, low-energy data processing aimed to act as a computing sensor in autonomous systems (drones) and aerospace technology.
Key Responsibilities
* Experimental Kick-off: Lead the assembly, alignment, and optimization of the WaveCore optical processor.
* Hardware Integration: Synchronize adaptive optical devices (DMDs) with electronic control systems and photodetection suites.
* Performance Validation: Measure and optimize the computational advantage of the WPU in comparison tasks.
* R&D Scaling: Transition the current proof-of-concept toward robust, field-deployable applications for onboard data processing.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for an experimentalist with a strong pedigree in physical optics and a drive to build next-generation hardware.
Requirements:
* Master Degree or PhD in Physics, Electrical/Optical Engineering, or a related discipline.
* Experimental Expertise: Strong background in optical design, alignment, and instrumentation.
* Wavefront Shaping: Direct experience with Digital Micromirror Devices (DMDs) and adaptive optics.
* Theoretical Foundation: Proficiency in Wave Optics, Fourier Optics, Optical Design and Light Modulation.
* Technical Skills: Advanced data analysis and hardware synchronization using MATLAB (or similar).
About the Partnership
This position sits at the intersection of prestigious academic research and agile industrial innovation. You will work within the Optical Development Group at IIT-CLN2S in Rome, leveraging the commercial and engineering expertise of Rebel Dynamics SRL to bring the OPU to the market.
To Apply: Please send your CV and a cover letter highlighting your experimental experience in wavefront shaping to
See also
https://mlphotonics.wordpress.com/
https://rebeldynamics.it/
https://www.iit.it/it/clns-sapienza
References
[1]: Optical computation of a spin glass dynamics with tunable complexity
M. Leonetti et al. PNAS, 118 (21) e2015207118.
[2]: Emergent learning: neuromorphic photonic computing with accelerated training
Marco Leonetti et al; https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2512.13372
[3]: Photonic Stochastic Emergent Storage for deep classification by scattering-intrinsic patterns
Marco Leonetti, et al. Nature Communications volume 15, Article number: 505 (2024).