Intern, Digital Twin of Liquid Crystal Optical Circuit Switch (OCS)

Posted: Saturday, 14 March 2026
Valid Thru: Monday, 13 April 2026
Index Requested on: 03/15/2026 02:24:10
Indexed on: 03/15/2026 02:24:10

Location: Santa Clara, CA, 95050, US

Industry: Advertising and Public Relations
Occupational Category: 13-0000.00 - Business and Financial Operations
Type of Employment: FULL_TIME

Coherent Corp. is hiring!

Description:

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Develop a digital twin model for Liquid Crystal-based optical circuit switching architectures, including spatial light modulators, LC beam steering devices, and free-space optical relay systems.

  • Model free-space optical propagation and system performance using optical design tools such as Zemax OpticStudio or equivalent ray-tracing platforms.

  • Investigate polarization-diverse switching architectures to support polarization-insensitive operation and improve switching efficiency and scalability.

  • Simulate electro-optic behavior of liquid crystal devices, including phase modulation, birefringence control, and beam steering mechanisms.

  • Explore co-design methodologies that jointly optimize LC device physics and system architecture, including device parameters, optical layout, and switching fabric topology.

  • Analyze key optical system parameters including:
    • beam propagation and diffraction
    • polarization effects and birefringence
    • insertion loss and crosstalk
    • switching contrast ratio
    • optical alignment tolerances and stability

  • Perform tolerance and sensitivity analysis to evaluate the impact of optical alignment, mechanical stability, and thermal variation on switching performance.

  • Use finite element analysis (FEA) tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL) to model thermal effects, mechanical deformation, and packaging influences that may impact optical alignment or LC device behavior.

  • Investigate AI-assisted digital twin modeling approaches, including machine learning techniques to accelerate simulation, predict device/system performance, and optimize switching architectures.

  • Develop modeling and simulation frameworks using Python, MATLAB, or scientific computing environments.

  • Collaborate with optical, device, and system engineers to refine models and validate simulation results against experimental measurements.

  • Document research methodology and findings.

  • Deliver a final technical report and presentation summarizing the digital twin architecture, modeling framework, and design insights for next-generation LC-based OCS systems.

    Education & Experience

  • Current PhD candidate in one of the following fields:
    • Optical Engineering
    • Photonics
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Applied Physics
    • Materials Science (with electro-optic device focus)

  • Research experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:
    • Liquid crystal photonic devices
    • Spatial light modulators (SLM)
    • Free-space optical systems
    • Optical switching architectures
    • Electro-optic modulation
    • Computational photonics or system modeling

  • Open to currently enrolled PhD students or those who have graduated within one year of the internship start date.

    Skills

    Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently in a research-oriented environment.
  • Strong analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills.
  • Experience with optical design software such as Zemax OpticStudio or similar tools.
  • Familiarity with free-space optical systems and polarization optics.
  • Experience with liquid crystal devices, electro-optic modulation, or spatial light modulators is highly desirable.
  • Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as ANSYS or COMSOL.
  • Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or C/C++ for simulation and modeling.
  • Exposure to machine learning or AI techniques for modeling or system optimization is a plus.
  • Experience with multi-physics modeling or system simulation frameworks is highly desirable.

    Additional Information

  • Internship Duration: 10 - 14 weeks.

    At Coherent, interns in the CTO organization contribute to forward-looking research initiatives exploring next-generation optical architectures and switching technologies. This internship offers the opportunity to work alongside leading experts in photonics and optical systems to investigate advanced liquid crystal-based optical switching technologies for future data center and high-performance computing networks.

    Working Conditions

  • This role will be based on-site in [Santa Clara, CA].
  • Regular use of a computer and engineering simulation tools is required.
  • Collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams including optical, device, and system engineers.

    Physical Requirements

    Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or in meetings.
  • Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
  • Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

    Safety Requirements

    All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

    Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

    Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

    Culture Commitment

    Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

    Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust

    Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

    Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome

    Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone

    Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

    Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

    If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com .Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

    Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.The Office of the CTO at Coherent is seeking a PhD-level research intern to develop a digital twin framework for Liquid Crystal (LC)-based Optical Circuit Switching (OCS) systems. This internship focuses on modeling free-space optical switching architectures utilizing liquid crystal beam steering or spatial light modulation technologies. The project will explore polarization-diverse switching architectures, co-design of LC device physics and system architecture, and AI-assisted digital twin modeling to predict system behavior and optimize large-scale switching fabrics. The intern will collaborate with researchers and system architects to develop multi-physics digital twin models capturing optical propagation, electro-optic effects, polarization behavior, and system-level performance.

    • Responsibilities:

    Please review the job description.

    Educational requirements:

    • high school

    Desired Skills:

    Please see the job description for required or recommended skills.

    Benefits:

    Please see the job description for benefits.

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