Master thesis (m/f/d)

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.

We are currently looking for a

 Master thesis (m/f/d)

for the topic:

 “Growth and characterization of conductive perovskite films for vertical devices”

Introduction. In order to realize all-oxide vertical electronic devices with ferroelectric, memristive or piezoelectric films as functional element, conductive oxide thin films are necessary as a bottom electrode. In this heteroepitaxial stack, strain engineering (introduction of a targeted lattice strain) plays a crucial role since it allows the modification of both structural and physical properties of the functional layer. Conclusively, the lattice of the bottom electrode and substrate have to be tailored to the functional layer since a reasonable film thickness without relaxation/cracking can only be achieved if the lattice mismatch is not too high. In order to enable versatile device design, a variety of conductive perovskite bottom electrode and substrate combinations are necessary.

The aim of the Master thesis is to explore several perovskite and substrate combinations in terms of their lattice mismatch and suitability to act as bottom electrodes. For this purpose, the master candidate will epitaxially grow conductive oxide films with different lattice parameter by pulsed laser deposition. First, the structural quality of the layers will be investigated to ensure fully strained films without cracking. Subsequently, the electrical properties of the films will be investigated as a function of lattice strain and growth conditions.

The candidate will perform the research activities at the Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ, Berlin, Germany) in the group “Strained functional perovskite films” in close collaboration with the group “Transport and electrical properties”. We offer state-of-the art equipped laboratories, a young and dedicated team and a productive research environment. The project is embedded in the Leibniz Science Campus GraFOx and the results will feed in the FAIRmat machine learning algorithms for material development. This gives a great opportunity to network in an early stage of your career. The project may include the modules for introduction to scientific work, the research documentary evidence as well as the master thesis.

There is also the possibility of a part-time position as a student assistant which includes the assistance in the laboratory operation and must not serve for the work in the master project.

Your tasks:

• the epitaxial growth of perovskite oxide thin films with different lattice parameter like (La,Sr)MnO₃, SrVO₃, CaVO₃
• determination of the structural properties of the films by XRD, AFM
• characterization of the electrical properties via van der Pauw and Hall measurements, TLM contact resistivity measurements and cAFM measurements
• the optimization of deposition parameters with regard to epitaxial films with low defect density and high electrical conductivity

The candidate must have a Bachelor or an equivalent degree in physics, physical chemistry, chemistry, materials science, or a related discipline. Because of the international team, candidates with good English language skills would be preferred.

Severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability. Equal opportunities exist for female and male applicants. The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung actively supports the compatibility of work and family life.

If you want to have more information about the project don’t hesitate to contact us. Dr. Jutta Schwarzkopf (Tel.: 030/6392-3053, jutta.schwarzkopf@ikz-berlin.de) for film growth topics and Dr. Andreas Fiedler (Tel.: 030/6392-3125, andreas.fiedler@ikz-berlin.de) for electrical characterization tasks.

Are you interested?

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!