PhD position in Laser-driven permanent material modifications induced in out of equilibrium doped zinc oxide deposited by magnetron sputtering

RESEARCHER PROFILE: PhD/ R1: First stage Researcher             
RESEARCH FIELD(S)1: Physics
MAIN SUB RESEARCH FIELD OR DISCIPLINES1: Optics, Laser physics, Thin films

JOB /OFFER DESCRIPTION 
Context: 
Transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) are optically transparent thin films of metal oxides used as functional thin films in many applications such as photovoltaics, OLEDs, touch screens, insulating and smart glazing and are crucial for energy transition. High conductivity TCO films require an energetically costly baking step of the film/substrate system, which makes it difficult to decorrelate crystallization, diffusion, activation and defect formation processes that have different activation times and energies. The very large surfaces necessary to cover all these needs together with environmental concerns demand high yield fabrication processes with abundant non-toxic materials and with the Iowest possible energy and raw material consumption.

Topics: 
This PhD is part of the ANR ULTRAZO project, whose goal is to intimately understand and master the local laser modification dynamics at different time scales in out-of-equilibrium inorganic metal oxides. The idea is to deliver precise amounts of energy with precise spatial and temporal widths to control the transformations and strongly reduce undesired processes. 

Thesis objectives:
a) Understand the impact of selected sputtering parameters on the metal oxide microstructure and dopant insertion. A large pool of characterization techniques, including advanced techniques to investigate the dopant local environment (ex. 2D NMR), photoluminescence spectroscopy and real time analysis (such as infrared thermography).

b) Use laser processing to drive the modifications of the low temperature sputtered out-of-equilibrium films. Different kinds of lasers will be used (CW to ultrashort).

c) The characterization of the laser process will be carried out both dynamically, using different techniques such as fast thermography and optical measurements (thermal modifications), and after the process. The effect of standard baking will be studied for comparison.

d) Use finite element simulations to interpret the observed (thermally induced) modifications and real time data.

The student will interact with a second student (to be hired) studying real time modifications using pump probe experiments, but also with a postdoc (to be hired) carrying out atomistic simulations.

Partners:

This thesis will take place between two main laboratories. “Institut Fresnel” Lab in Marseille and “Surface du verre et interfaces”, a joint unit between Saint-Gobain and the CNRS within the Saint-Gobain Research center in Aubervilliers. Photoluminescence spectroscopy experiments will be carried out during specific campaigns at “Institut de physique et chimie des matériaux de Strasbourg” (IPCMS).

TYPE OF CONTRACT: TEMPORARY / JOB STATUS: FULL TIME                 
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15/08/2025 00:00 
ENVISAGED STARTING DATE: 01/09/2025
ENVISAGED DURATION: 36 months
JOB NOT FUNDED THROUGH AN EU RESEARCH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME

WORK LOCATION(S): Institut Fresnel, 52 Av. Escadrille Normandie Niemen, 13013 Marseille, France

WHAT WE OFFER: 2200€ gross 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
Master in research or engineering school with specialization in physics, optics or materials science. Knowledge of solid-state physics, non-linear optics and/or physical deposition methods would be an asset.

REQUESTED DOCUMENTS OF APPLICATION, ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, SELECTION PROCESS
CV, grades, motivation letter

HOW TO APPLY: [email protected]