PhD on Electrodynamics of Metal Hydrides probed with Optical Spectroscopy

Job description

Background

Metal hydrides form a class of compounds ranging from the recently discovered high temperature superconductors (up to room temperature at high pressure) to intermetallics
that drastically change their physical properties upon the reversible addition and removal of hydrogen. Examples of the latter class are for instance complex metal hydrides based on transition metals. Gaseous hydrogen that surrounds the material splits at the metal interface
and diffuses through the lattice to eventually cause a metal-to-insulator transition. Despite the spectacular optical, electronic and structural changes at this reversible phase transition, for many hydrides its nature is unknown. Although recent work hints at strong electron correlations in a very narrow density of states at the Fermi level, it is not conclusive about the low energy behavior. For applications, the versatile and reversible response in a wide range of hydrogen concentrations make these hydrides promising candidates for hydrogen sensing.

Research

The goal of this 4 year research project is to study the electronic and vibrational behavior of complex metal hydrides as a function of the hydrogen concentration and to translate these fundamental properties into a concept hydrogen sensing application with societal relevance.  The successful candidate will grow multilayer samples using the NanoAccess facility of the Applied Physics department and perform optical spectroscopy measurements at THz and infrared frequencies as a function of various tuning parameters. He/she is expected to build the measurement setup, analyze the data using physical models and explore complementary experimental techniques (such as magnetometry and transport measurements) required for understanding the intriguing light-matter interaction. Theoretical support is provided through various collaborations, and application-related hybrid signal processing will be developed in collaboration within the Signal Processing Group at TU/e.

Job requirements

We welcome applications from candidates with a MSc degree or equivalent in Physics or a related field. Experience with optical and transport studies, thin film growth and (Python) programming is advantageous.

Conditions of employment

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation after one year.
• To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will have free access to a personal development program for PhD students (PROOF program).
• A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.

Information and application

More information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact
dr. J.L.M. van Mechelen, j.l.m.v.mechelen[at]tue.nl.

For information about terms of employment, click here or contact HRServices.flux[at]tue.nl.

Please visit www.tue.nl/jobs to find out more about working at TU/e!

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the 'apply now'-button on this page.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of
  three references.
• A recommendation letter from at least 2 references.
• Brief description of your MSc thesis.

We look forward to your application and will screen it as soon as we have received it.
Screening will continue until the position has been filled.

Please keep in mind you can upload only 5 documents up to 2 MB each. If necessary please combine files.