Master thesis – Physics-Based Simulation & Reinforcement Learning for Photochromic Light Control (w/m/d)

PROFACTOR is a research and technology company focusing on industrial inspection, robotic/digital assistance, micro/nano-manufacturing, and digital printing technologies. We research and develop the production of the future. Our technological developments optimize the production of renowned industrial partners.

Photochromic materials enable reversible color changes when exposed to light of specific wavelengths. In the REPIX project, a novel AI-assisted exposure system is developed to control spatially resolved photochromic state transitions on functional surfaces.
The project combines physics-based optical modeling with reinforcement learning to enable intelligent light control strategies for industrial applications.

Your Tasks

The goal of this thesis is to contribute to the development of a simulation-driven AI control framework for photochromic light
patterning.

• Further development of a physics-based 2D simulation of photochromic thin films
• Integration of experimentally measured material parameters
• Development and implementation of a reinforcement learning framework for exposure control
• Design of state and action spaces for light modulation
• Definition of reward functions for color accuracy and pattern fidelity
• Evaluation of sim-to-real transfer strategies

The exact focus (simulation vs. RL emphasis) can be adapted based on the candidate’s strengths.

Your Qualifications

• Strong experience in Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
• Solid programming skills in Python
• Experience with ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch or TensorFlow)
• Independent and structured working style
• Background in physics, optics, photonics, or spectroscopy

We offer

• Work in a cutting-edge AI + functional materials research project
• Collaboration with industrial partners
• Flexible working hours
• Integration into an interdisciplinary research team
• Access to experimental validation data

Benefits

Start/ Duration

Now / Duration of 6 months (extendable depending on performance)

PROFACTOR’s research improves the competitiveness of European Industry. We are pioneers of the thinking production.
We bring production back home.

We offer for master thesis a compensation of min. 551 EUR per month.

We are looking forward for your application – please apply at https://www.profactor.at or send your application by e-mail to personal@nullprofactor.at.

We are always available for questions! Just contact:
DI (FH) Dr. Christoph Heindl (Visual Computing) +43 7252 885 311