PhD position for 3 years

in Project B04 “Non-Equilibrium Dynamics of the Phonon System” of Collaborative Research Center SFB 1242:

Description:   This challenging experimental PhD project is devoted to the ultra-fast non-equilibrium structural dynamics of the phonon system at surfaces and in 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 non-equilibrium 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 successful PhD candidate will gain a profound knowledge in a variety of techniques. Ultrafast reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) with an unmatched temporal resolution better than 300 fs together with femtosecond laser pulses form the experimental basis for the project. Samples are in-situ prepared using molecular beam epitaxy. Scientifically, the successful PhD candidate will work on the scientific topics of electron phonon coupling, mode conversion in adsorbate systems, nanoscale heat transport in thin films, and ultrafast phenomena at surfaces of solid state matter in an extreme non-equilibrium regime. A successful phd student will benefit from a membership in the integrated graduate school of the DFG funded collaborative research center SFB1242 “Non-Equilibrium Dynamics of Condensed Matter in the Time Domain”.

Desired skills and experience:   We are seeking a highly motivated student with an excellent academic record and a good understanding of experimental physics. A degree in Physics (experimental physics) is required. Experience in surface science, ultrafast phenomena and optics is considered favorably. 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.

Advisor: Prof. Dr. M. Horn-von Hoegen

To apply, please send a CV, academic record, and the names and contact details of two referees in one single pdf file to: mhvh@uni-due.de with “PhD B04 of SFB1242” in the subject line.

PhD position for 3 years

in Project B06 “Relaxation Pathways for Collective Electronic Excitations” of Collaborative Research Center SFB 1242:

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.

Advisor: Prof. Dr. Frank-J. Meyer zu Heringdorf

To apply, please send a CV, academic record, and the names and contact details of two referees in one single pdf file to: meyerzh@uni-due.de with “PhD B06 of SFB1242” in the subject line.

PostDoc position for 2 years or Phd position for 3 years

in Project C03 “Driven Phase Transitions at Surfaces: Initial Dynamics, Hidden States and Relaxation” of Collaborative Research Center SFB 1242:

Description:   This challenging experimental project is devoted to the ultra-fast non-equilibrium structural dynamics of photo induced phase transitions at surfaces. The initial structural 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 successful candidate will contribute to the setup of a new ultra-compact diffraction chamber aiming for a temporal resolution of less than 100 fs (FWHM). As the project relies on unique experimental methods, the successful candidate will gain a profound knowledge in a variety of modern techniques at the forefront of research. Ultrafast reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) with a targeted temporal resolution of less than 100 fs together with femtosecond laser pulses form the experimental basis for the project. Samples are in-situ prepared using molecular beam deposition or adsorption. Scientifically, the successful candidate will become an expert in the dynamics of fundamental quantum processes which drive a system into a non-equilibrium state when undergoing a structural transition in a regime far away from equilibrium. A successful phd student will benefit from a membership in the integrated graduate school of the DFG funded collaborative research center SFB1242 “Non-Equilibrium Dynamics of Condensed Matter in the Time Domain”.

Desired skills and experience:   We are seeking a highly motivated person with an excellent academic record and a good understanding of experimental physics. A degree in Physics (experimental physics) is required. Experience in surface science, ultrafast phenomena and optics is considered favorably. 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.

Advisor: Prof. Dr. M. Horn-von Hoegen

To apply, please send a CV, academic record, and the names and contact details of two referees in one single pdf file to: mhvh@uni-due.de with “PhD C03 of SFB1242” in the subject line.

PostDoc position for 2 years or Phd position for 3 years

in Project “Morphology of 2D-Hetero Layers of Graphene, hex-BN, and MoS₂ on Ir(111) studied by LEEM and SPA-LEED”

Description:    The morphology of layers of 2D material like Graphene, hex-BN, and MoS₂ on Ir(111) surfaces depends on growth temperature, pre-cursor pressure, and step density of the substrate. High resolution low energy electron diffraction (SPA-LEED) and low energy electron microscopy (LEEM) will be employed to study morphology, defects, strain state, and lattice accommodation of hetero structures of 2D materials in operandi during growth at elevated temperatures.

Desired skills and experience:  We are seeking a highly motivated person with an excellent academic record and a good understanding of experimental physics. A degree in Physics (experimental physics) is required. Experience in surface science and thin film deposition is considered favorably. A keen interest in the physics of 2D materials and surface electron diffraction/microscopy is needed, along with a talent to manage and maintain complex experimental setups.

Advisor: Prof. Dr. M. Horn-von Hoegen & Prof. Dr. Frank-J. Meyer zu Heringdorf

To apply, please send a CV, academic record, and the names and contact details of two referees in one single pdf file to: mhvh@uni-due.de with “PhD graphene” in the subject line.