RESEARCHER PROFILE: PhD/ R1: First stage Researcher
RESEARCH FIELD(S)1: Physics
MAIN SUB RESEARCH FIELD OR DISCIPLINES1: Optics, Nonlinear optics, Thin films
JOB /OFFER DESCRIPTION
Two-dimensional thin films are well-known for their high optical nonlinearities. For this reason, they are currently the best candidates for mode-locking of laser systems.1 Recently, during two PhD thesis, we optimized Sb2Te3 and Bi2Se3 layers to obtain significant nonlinear absorption. More specifically, the saturable absorption behavior obtained was the highest ever reported in the field of nonlinear optics by similar experimental techniques.2-5
These high optical nonlinearities are emanating from the topological insulator character of the layers which can be observed in 2D structures. However, the relation between the structural characteristics of topological insulators and their optical nonlinearities is still not sufficiently explored. The target of the thesis is to shed light on the origins of the nonlinear optical properties of 2D topological insulators (like Sb2Te3, Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3). This will allow a better understanding of the physical mechanisms that give rise to the nonlinear refraction and absorption of the thin films. The objectives of the thesis are the following:
Apart from the nonlinear optical investigations the student will participate at all the experimental steps required for obtaining giant optical nonlinearities. This procedure includes thin film deposition, annealing, X-Ray Diffraction studies (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) investigations.
Bibliography:
1) M. Kowalczyk et al. Optical Materials Express 6, 2273-2282 (2016).
2) R.-N. Verrone et al. ACS Applied Nano Materials 3, 7963-7972 (2020).
3) C. Moisset et al. Nanoscale Adv. 2, 1427-1430 (2020)
4) A. Karimbana-Kandy et al. Optical Materials 143, 114211 (2023).
5) A. Karimbana-Kandy et al. « Pulse Duration Dependent Optical Nonlinearities of Bi2Se3 Thin Films » accepted in Optics Express (2023).
TYPE OF CONTRACT: TEMPORARY / JOB STATUS: FULL TIME
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31/03/2024 00:00
ENVISAGED STARTING DATE: 01/09/2024
ENVISAGED DURATION: 36 months
JOB NOT FUNDED THROUGH AN EU RESEARCH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME
HOW TO APPLY: konstantinos.iliopoulos@fresnel.fr
WORK LOCATION(S): Institut Fresnel, 52 Av. Escadrille Normandie Niemen, 13013 Marseille, France
WHAT WE OFFER: Salary
Additional information: The Euraxess Center of Aix-Marseille Université informs foreign visiting professors, researchers, postdoc and PhD candidates about the administrative steps to be undertaken prior to arrival at AMU and the various practical formalities to be completed once in France: visas and entry requirements, insurance, help finding accommodation, support in opening a bank account, etc. More information on AMU EURAXESS Portal
QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED RESEARCH FIELDS, REQUIRED EDUCATION LEVEL, PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, OTHER RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS
The candidate shall have a solid background related with optics/ nonlinear optics.
REQUESTED DOCUMENTS OF APPLICATION, ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, SELECTION PROCESS
CV, grades, motivation letter
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