Skip to content

Wavefront Characterization with Shack-Hartmann versus Phase Retrieval

Internship 25 to 36 months

Leuven (Belgium)

Published on 20 October 2026

  • Contract

    Internship 25 to 36 months

  • Location

    Leuven (Belgium)

  • Start date

    As soon as possible

  • Salary

    Information not provided

  • Remote working

    Not specified

Computational holography relies on the characteristics of the light source for next-generation display technologies and microscopy. For high-quality color holography, however, the optical field emitted by the light source will need to be accurately characterized. Variations in amplitude, divergence, and wavefront could introduce optical aberrations and degrade holographic image quality.

This project aims to develop a wavefront characterization method for emerging color light sources and to systematically compare Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensing with camera-based phase retrieval.

Objectives

The main objectives are to:
  • Characterize the wavefront emitted by the light source at different wavelengths.
  • Compare Shack-Hartmann sensing and phase retrieval in terms of accuracy, spatial resolution, sensitivity, repeatability, and measurement complexity.
  • Quantify wavefront aberrations using phase maps and Zernike decomposition.
  • Investigate wavelength-dependent wavefront variations between blue, green, and red emission.
  • Demonstrate how the measured wavefront could be used for SLM-based wavefront compensation and color CGH.

Expected Outcomes

The project is expected to establish a quantitative comparison between Shack-Hartmann sensing and phase retrieval for wavefront characterization, together with a practical wavefront calibration method for color computational holography.

The resulting framework could subsequently be extended toward automated wavefront calibration for high-quality color holographic displays.

Supervisors: Hyun-su Kim (< email deleted for security reasons >) and Raees Muhamad (< email deleted for security reasons >)
Duration: 5-9 Months (possible to combine internship and master)

Type of internship: Master internship

Required educational background: Physics, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science

Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Hyun-su Kim (< email deleted for security reasons >) and Raees Kizhakkumkara Muhamad (< email deleted for security reasons >)

The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-145. Mention this reference code in your application.

Only for self-supporting students.

Applications should include the following information:
  • resume
  • motivation
  • current study

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application deadline

As long as the job is online

Study level

Master level or equivalent

Job Category

Technology

More about the company

imec

Embracing a better life.

Our future starts with you
How would you describe imec in just one word? We asked our employees, see what imec means to the people behind the chips.
Spearheading semiconductor R&D with the world's most advanced pilot line
Imec Leuven (headquarters) from the sky. Soon this view will change, as new buildings will be added in the near future.
Imec's headquarters in Leuven: the imec tower and one of our cleanrooms. But there's lots of imec buildings hiding behind it!
Into imec's cleanroom! Wafers are being processed 24/7.
From chips to atoms: a tour inside imec's material and components analysis labs.
Diversity as fuel for innovation.
We're defining the future for a better life through technology.