PhD position in condensed matter physics: Ferroelectricity and electrons-phonons dynamics in ep[...]

PhD position in condensed matter physics: Ferroelectricity and electrons-phonons dynamics in epitaxial chalcogenides (Funded by Amidex)RESEARCHER PROFILE: PhD/ R1: First stage ResearcherRESEARCH FIELD(S): PhysicsMAIN SUB RESEARCH FIELD OR DISCIPLINES: NanoPhysics, Condensed matter physicsJOB /OFFER DESCRIPTIONContext: Using light pulses provides a powerful tool for controlling complex systems on ultra-short timescales and for probing the fundamental properties of solid-state materials. This PhD aims at studying the light-induced mechanical stress of ferroelectric chalcogenides thin films with sub-nanosecond time resolution. Time-resolved x-ray diffraction is a powerful tool to study these photostrictive effects and their temporal dynamics. By analyzing the dynamics of shear and longitudinal strain components measured by x-ray diffraction, the contribution of thermal and non-thermal processes resulting from the photoexcitation of charge carriers can be obtained. A close comparison with High Harmonic generation resulting from light pulses should provide a better understanding of charge carrier transport properties in this class of materials and open new routes in the field of THz generation.Description: Due to their use as functional materials, ferroelectric thin films are the subject of extensive research. Complex ferroelectric structures have been evidenced that result from the combined effects of mechanical stress induced by the substrate and electrostatic boundary conditions at ferroelectric domain walls. The control of such structures may be achieved by light. Indeed, ferroelectric materials are a subclass of piezoelectrics, and when light hits a ferroelectric material, the energy carried by light may be converted into a mechanical stress that can modify the ferroelectric polarization state.Among ferroelectrics, ferroelectric Rashba semiconductors are a novel class of materials with strong potential for spintronic applications. Seminal works have been obtained on GeTe thin films; however, many questions remain concerning the possibility of switching the GeTe polarization state with an electric field due to its conductive character. In that perspective, it is proposed to tune the ferroelectric polarization state with light. To decipher the different contributions in the GeTe ferroelectric dynamics (strain field components, polarization, Debye-Waller factor), the use of time-resolved x-ray diffraction on single crystalline thin film is crucial.The aims of this PhD are therefore:To grow chalcogenide thin films by Molecular Beam Epitaxy on well-defined substrates;To investigate the ferroelectric state of the thin films by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and low energy electron microscopy;To address the strain field and the ferroelectric polarization state in the sub-nanosecond range by time-resolved x-ray diffraction.The PhD will focus first on the growth of GeTe thin films and the characterization of ferroelectric polarization. The time-resolved x-ray diffraction experiments will be performed in close collaboration with the LP3 lab (Laser Plasma et Procédés Photoniques) at the ASUR platform on Luminy campus as well as at the ID9 beamline of the European Synchrotron Research Facility (ESRF, Grenoble). This study is part of the AMIDEX project “INDIGENA” and will be carried out in close collaboration with condensed matter theoreticians and THz spectroscopy experimentalists.TYPE OF CONTRACT: TEMPORARY / JOB STATUS: FULL TIMEAPPLICATION DEADLINE: 15/09/2024ENVISAGED STARTING DATE: 01/10/2024ENVISAGED DURATION: 36 monthsJOB NOT FUNDED THROUGH AN EU RESEARCH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMMEQUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED RESEARCH FIELDS, REQUIRED EDUCATION LEVEL, PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, OTHER RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS:The candidate must hold, by July 2024, a Master degree in physics, nanoscience, or any equivalent diploma. A Highly motivated candidate in experimental physics with a solid background in condensed matter physics/nanophysics is foreseen.Soft skills: Autonomy, Teamwork, Analytical and critical thinking, Listening and observing are necessary.Apply nowFill out the form below to apply for this position.Name *Email address *Phone number *Nationality *Country *Upload your CV and attachments *Drop your files here to upload.Allowed file types: PDF, RTF, DOC, DOCX and TXTBy submitting this application, you consent to us retaining your personal data for service-related purposes. We value your privacy and will handle your information securely. Should you wish for your data to be removed, please contact us directly.Job detailsTitle: PhD position in condensed matter physics: Ferroelectricity and electrons-phonons dynamics in epitaxial chalcogenides (Funded by Amidex)Published: 2024-06-04Deadline: 2024-09-15 23:59 (Europe/Paris) #J-18808-Ljbffr