2025 DEVCOM ARL Summer Student Experience: Meta-Optic Integrated Circuits

This summer research project focuses on developing meta-optic components for integration into photonic circuits. Participants will utilize various optical materials and advanced numerical modeling techniques to investigate the unique capabilities of meta-optics in manipulating light at subwavelength scales, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the performance and functionality of photonic integrated circuits. 

Advisor Email: sang.y.cho.civ@army.mil

Materials (and related manufacturing methods) and devices intended for achieving photonic, electronic, and quantum-based effects.

The DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Research Associateship Program (RAP) Summer Student Experience (SSE) is an educational program that allows undergraduate through PhD students and recent bachelor’s and master’s degree graduates to participate in a paid research experience at a Department of Defense laboratory over the summer break.  Participants are paired with scientists and engineers at ARL who are helping to shape and execute the Army’s program for meeting the challenge of developing technologies that will support Army forces future operational needs.  As a participant in the ARL-RAP SSE, you will be part of high priority research efforts that are broadly supported by 11 research competencies.  While ARL has identified several specific research topics, the opportunity for general research may also exist under each competency. 

The Army Research Laboratory Research Associateship Program (ARL-RAP) is designed to significantly increase the involvement of creative and highly trained scientists and engineers from academia and industry in scientific and technical areas of interest and relevance to the Army. Scientists and Engineers at the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (ARL) help shape and execute the Army’s program for meeting the challenge of developing technologies that will support Army forces in meeting future operational needs by pursuing scientific research and technological developments in diverse fields such as: applied mathematics, atmospheric characterization, simulation and human modeling, digital/optical signal processing, nanotechnology, material science and technology, multifunctional technology, combustion processes, propulsion and flight physics, communication and networking, and computational and information sciences. 

ARL’s Army Research Directorate (ARD) focuses on exploiting concept development, discovery, technology development, and transition of the most promising disruptive science and technology to deliver to the Army fundamentally advantageous science-based capabilities through ARL’s 11 research competencies. This intramural research directorate also manages the laboratory’s essential research programs, which are flagship research efforts focused on delivering defined outcomes.

• Adelphi Laboratory Center, Maryland (ALC)

A candidate typically will be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a Lawful Permanent Resident of the U.S.  Eligibility for foreign nationals is subject to additional approvals.  Candidates must obtain a favorable background check as a condition of eligibility to receive federal funds under this program for their research.

Application Deadline for Non-U.S. Citizens: Friday, February 14, 2025  Non-U.S. Citizens are strongly encouraged to apply early to allow additional processing time for the ORAU Immigration Office and ARL security.

Application Deadline for U.S. Citizens: Friday, March 14, 2025 

Tentative Summer Program Dates: May 12, 2025 – August 29, 2025.  If selected, you will coordinate your exact participation dates with your Research Advisor.

For questions about the Summer Student Experience Program, please email ARLFellowship@orau.org.