Three-year PhD position in Physics (Photonics, Optoelectronics, Material Science): Giant interband transition nanostructures - optical and optoelectronic properties and application in photodetection

RESEARCHER PROFILE: PhD/ R1: First stage Researcher                  
RESEARCH FIELD(S)1: Physics
MAIN SUB RESEARCH FIELD OR DISCIPLINES1: Engineering

JOB /OFFER DESCRIPTION: Giant interband transition nanostructures, which are based on semiconductor or semi-metal compounds from the p-block of the periodic table, display high oscillator strength transitions between their electronic energy bands. This endows them with outstanding optoelectronic properties showing great promises for applications in photodetection.

Under UV-visible illumination, these transitions generate a high density of charge carriers’ photo-induced from the valence bands to the conduction bands. This enables the nanostructures to display plasmon resonances that can be spectrally adjusted, and that present an intense optical absorption on a broader spectrum than metal nanostructures usually employed in the field of plasmonics. In the IR, at energies higher than their electronic bandgap, giant interband transition nanostructures display a very high refractive index, which can be higher than 10. This value, much higher than those of usual IR nanostructures (based on Si, PbS, HgCdTe…), enables a spectrally adjustable perfect absorption of light in a few-nanometer thickness, through the coupling between photo-induced charge carriers and very high index dielectric resonances.

Therefore, these nanostructures are appealing candidates that may become the active element of ultracompact photodetectors operating in an adjustable spectral window from the UV to the IR. However, as these nanostructures have been unveiled recently, many fundamental questions remain about their optoelectronic properties. 

That’s why we propose, in the framework of this PhD thesis, to first study thoroughly these properties, the goal being to exploit nanophotonic and nano-optoelectronic concepts to then design photodetectors with adjusted properties. We will evaluate the effect of the composition, morphology and organization of the nanostructures, and of their integration within thin films or metasurfaces. At such aim we will analyze information obtained from well-suited approaches such as optical characterization (spectroscopy), optoelectronic characterization (current-tension, quantum yield) and advanced simulations (finite elements, FDTD, transfer matrix, analytical calculations…). This work will be performed within our team, LUMEN-PV, which owns a strong expertise of harnessing these techniques, and of the fields of photodetection, photovoltaics, nanophotonics, optoelectronics and advanced materials. 

LUMEN-PV is part of the Institut Matériaux Microélectronique Nanosciences de Provence (IM2NP), a shared institute of Aix Marseille Université and the CNRS. The team’s expertise deals with the development of advanced materials and devices for energy and optoelectronics technologies (photovoltaic cells, photodetectors, optical communications…). It is equipped with suitable optical and optoelectronic characterization and simulation tools, and collaborates with several local, national, and international academic and industrial partners. 

Website: https://www.im2np.fr/fr/equipe-light-ultimate-materials-nanodevices-PV

TYPE OF CONTRACT: TEMPORARY / JOB STATUS: FULL TIME /HOURS PER WEEK 35 hours
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 01/09/2024
ENVISAGED STARTING DATE: 01/10/2024
ENVISAGED DURATION: 36 months
JOB NOT FUNDED THROUGH AN EU RESEARCH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME
WORK LOCATION(S): Institut Matériaux Microélectronique Nanosciences de Provence (IM2NP), 142 Av. Escadrille Normandie Niemen, 13013 Marseille, France

WHAT WE OFFER: 

• Gross salary: 2200 euros
• Opportunity to develop a timely research project, in collaboration with expert international researchers 
• Opportunity to work in the academy or industry after the PhD 

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 (years of research experience
The selected candidate, with a Master or Engineer background, will have a very good knowledge in electromagnetism, wave optics, photonics, electronic properties of materials (especially semiconductors), and be interested in working on experimental as well as theoretical aspects. A first experience of spectroscopic and/or optoelectronic characterization, and/or of numerical simulations will be a plus. A good technical English level is required, and, although not mandatory, a good level in French will be helpful.

Soft skills: Other qualities that will be appreciated: curious and critical mind, pro-active attitude, good communication skills, capability to work in an autonomous way as well as part of a team, willingness to develop an international experience.

REQUESTED DOCUMENTS OF APPLICATION, ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, SELECTION PROCESS
The following documents are requested for application:

• Proof of identity (copy of ID or passport)
• Available diplomas and transcripts (bachelor, master, engineer)
• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position. It will be appreciated if this interest can be integrated in a broader professional project (e.g., what is your professional aim, why doing a PhD is cornerstone in your project…)
• If possible, the contact of two references who could be contacted

After these documents are analysed, the shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

The institute belongs to a restricted research area (ZRR). Therefore, the incorporation of the selected candidate will be effective after administrative clearance.

HOW TO APPLY: judikael.le-rouzo@univ-amu.fr; johann.toudert@univ-amu.fr