Open positions of CRC 1242
What we offer
You will be a key player in one of the scientific projects of the CRC 1242 and will do research in a highly cooperative and excellent scientific environment. We provide you with research experience in an international context and ensure that you develop scientific independence and the skills to work successfully in a team. In addition, the Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG) will help you to develop the skills necessary for a future career in academics or industry.
Since several types of activities organised by the graduates among themselves act as catalysts for team building, participation in these also will allow you to develop and test your self-reliance. Moreover, the IRTG supports a one-month exchange visit to a partner laboratory abroad during the course of your PhD work.
What we expect
Aside from excellent performance in your studies, we anticipate that you have a great enthusiasm for science and a keen interest in attaining research goals. Furthermore, we expect your participation in the joint organisation of the IRTG and its activities, such as workshops, training courses and presentations
How to apply
Send your application form and your CV to Prof. Jürgen König. Qualified Master of Science or comparable degree (i.e. 4 years of studies) required.
Salaries are according to the TV-L scale up to 75% of level E13.
Description
An experimental analysis of the spatio-temporal correlation of hot electrons propagating in heterostructures using time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy shall be carried out by this project’s student. The activity comprises preparation and the conduction of first experiments on Fe/Au heterostructures, in which optical excitations in a Fe layer generated by femtosecond laser pulses are analyzed by pump-probe techniques at a different position in space on the Au surface similar to a time-of-flight experiment inside a material.
The PhD student will acquire expert knowledge in a variety of fields, including ultrafast laser systems and physics, ultrahigh vacuum technology, surface preparation and characterization methods and photoelectron spectroscopy. He or she will be incorporated into a well established research group that combines expertise in these and other fields in the context of ultrafast science.
Desired skills and experience
You should have a degree in physics, laser science or related field and should be interested in challenging, state-of-the-art experimental setups. Knowledge and/or experience in one or more of the above mentioned areas is desired, but by no means necessary.
Description
The PhD student shall study the time evolution after a quench/excitation for experimentally relevant model Hamiltonians (e.g., Fermi-Hubbard model), especially in the regime of strong correlations. The goal is the theoretical understanding of the dependence of this temporal evolution on the intrinsic dynamics of the system, the initial conditions (e.g. temperature), and the specific mechanism of excitation or quenching.
To this end, mainly analytical methods shall be developed and applied (possibly supplemented by numerical simulations, when appropriate).
Thereby, the PhD student will develop expertise with advanced analytical approaches to many-body quantum dynamics.
Desired skills and experience
Master in Theoretical Physics, preferably with emphasis on analytical methods. Experience with many-body quantum dynamics (e.g., in solid state physics or optical lattices) are advantageous.
Description
This challenging experimental PhD project is devoted to the ultra-fast non-equilibrium structural dynamics of the phonon system of surfaces and thin films. Upon excitation of the electrons with fs-laser pulses the lattice system reacts delayed due to electron-phonon coupling on a time scale of a few ps. The dynamics of such processes and the underlying fundamental processes are so far “terra incognita” and will be studied by ultrafast time resolved electron diffraction in a pump-probe setup.
As the project relies on several modern experimental methods, the PhD student will gain a profound knowledge in a variety of techniques. Ultrafast reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) with an unmatched temporal resolution of 330 fs together with femtosecond laser pulses form the experimental basis for the project. Samples are in-situ prepared using molecular beam epitaxy. Scientifically, the PhD student will study electron phonon coupling, mode conversion in adsorbate systems, nanoscale heat transport in thin films, and ultrafast phenomena at surfaces of solid state matter.
Desired skills and experience
A degree in Physics (experimental physics) is required, preferably with a background in surface science or ultrafast phenomena. A keen interest in dynamics of ultrafast processes at surfaces and surface electron diffraction is needed, along with a talent to manage and maintain extensive experimental setups.
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Description
This challenging PhD project is devoted to nonlinear electron emission triggered by surface plasmon polaritons. Surface plasmon polaritons are longitudinal electron density waves that can be excited by a femtosecond laser pulse and that propagate along the surface of a noble metal. It is the aim to understand the electron emission in the presence of extremely intense plasmonic excitations, and to manipulate the electron emission pathways by forming plasmonic foci both in the presence and absence of nanoparticles. The distinction between light- and plasmon-induced emission processes in time and space is accomplished in a femtosecond time-resolved photoemission microscopy experiment.
As the project relies on several modern experimental methods, the PhD student will gain a profound knowledge in a variety of techniques. Low Energy Electron Microscopy and Photoemission Electron Microscopy in conjunction with femtosecond laser pulses form the experimental basis for the project. Samples are prepared using molecular beam epitaxy and focused ion beam milling. In collaboration with project A1, the PhD student will integrate nanoparticles into the plasmonic focusing structures. Scientifically, the PhD student will learn about surface plasmon polaritons, nonlinear electron emission, ponderomotive acceleration of electrons in confined structures, and plasmon-nanoparticle interaction.
Desired skills and experience
A degree in Physics (experimental physics) is required, preferably with a background in surface science, plasmonics, or ultrafast phenomena. A keen interest in surface plasmon related phenomena and surface electron microscopy is needed, along with a talent to manage and maintain extensive experimental setups.
Description
This challenging experimental PhD project is devoted to the ultra-fast non-equilibrium structural dynamics of photo induced phase transitions at surfaces. The initial dynamics of the atoms, the evolution of so-called hidden states and the recovery to the ground state shall be studied by means of ultrafast time resolved electron diffraction in a pump-probe setup. The phd student will contribute to the design and setup of a new ultra-compact diffraction chamber aiming for a temporal resolution of less than 200 fs (FWHM).
As the project relies on unique experimental methods, the PhD student will gain a profound knowledge in a variety of modern techniques. Ultrafast reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) with an attempted temporal resolution of less than 200 fs together with femtosecond laser pulses form the experimental basis for the project. Samples are in-situ prepared using molecular beam deposition. Scientifically, the PhD student will become an expert in the fundamental quantum processes which drive a system into a non-equilibrium state when undergoing a phase transition.
Desired skills and experience
A degree in Physics (experimental physics) is required, preferably with a background in surface science or ultrafast phenomena. A keen interest in dynamics of ultrafast processes at surfaces and surface electron diffraction is needed, along with a talent to manage and maintain extensive experimental setups.