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The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ) is a leading research institution in the area of science & technology as well as service & transfer of crystalline materials. Our goal is to enable solutions for urgent societal challenges (e.g. communication, artificial intelligence, climate protection, health etc.). by modern electronic & photonic technologies. The work covers the full spectrum from basic over applied research up to pre-industrial development and is performed in collaboration with national and international partners from university, academy and industry. The institute is part of the Forschungsverbund Berlin (https://www.fv-berlin.de/) and a member of the Leibniz Association www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de. You can find more details on the institute webpage: www.ikz-berlin.de.

The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung currently offers a 

PhD student (m/f/d)

for the topic

 “Crystal growth and characterization of novel hexagallate-based

 substrate single crystals for energy-efficient magnetic devices”.

Modern information and communication technologies will require frequency bandwidths from ~600 MHz up to several terahertz for ultra-fast, low-cost and energy-efficient data processing. For these challenges, magnetic devices based on single-crystalline barium hexaferrite films are attractive. To achieve epitaxial films of BaFe12O19 with excellent structural and magnetic perfection, lattice-matched substrate crystals are required. Additionally, isostructural substrate crystals with well-defined lattice parameter offsets are needed to engineer the properties of hexaferrite films using strain engineering, e. g. to create a room-temperature magnetoelectric-coupled multiferroic.

The focus of this project is to develop tailored hexagallate-based substrate (bulk) single crystals for barium hexaferrite films by means of the top-seeded solution growth (TSSG) technique. It requires a comprehensive characterization of inhouse grown crystals and the exploration of phase diagrams to determine suitable growth windows. After proper initial skill adaptation training, the PhD student will support the crystal growth activities and is evaluating the grown crystals in dependence of the growth conditions using various characterization techniques. Main focus of the work will be on analyzing the chemical homogeneity and structural quality of doped crystals for the development of tailored high-quality substrates. His/her activities further include thermal analysis and some small-scale experiments by the optical floating zone technique. The project work is embedded in activities with research partners in Europe and in the framework of the German-American Joint Lab between Cornell University (USA) and the Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ).

Requirements:

  • MSc degree in materials science, mineralogy, physics or in a related discipline
  • Work in a team of passionate scientists, technicians and students
  • Good knowledge of the English language and at least basic knowledge of German

Prior experience in the following fields is an asset to your application:

  • Hands-on experience for bulk and thin-film characterizations (e.g. optical polarization microscopy, μ-XRF, rocking curve XRD measurements, single and powder XRD techniques for lattice parameter measurements or high-resolution XRD)
  • DTA/TG or DSC analyses for phase diagram studies
  • Synchrotron radiation X-ray topography and absorption spectroscopy
  • Crystal growth by the optical floating zone technique

What we offer

The position is limited to three years, an extension for another year is possible. Payment is according to TVöD Bund (75 %) (Treaty for German public service) including the usual social benefits (30 vacation days in a 5-day week, flexible working hours). The IKZ is an equal opportunity employer and actively supports reconciliation of work and family life. There is equality for applicants of all genders. Qualified women are especially encouraged to apply. Among equally qualified applicants, preference will be given to disabled candidates.

For information about the project please contact:

Dr. Christo Guguschev, Tel. +49(0)30-6392-3124, christo.guguschev@ikz-berlin.de

Have we aroused your interest? 

Then apply directly by clicking on the “Apply online” button below with a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and all relevant certificates. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

 We look forward to receiving your application!