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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 Forschungsverbund Berlin (https://www.fv-berlin.de/) and a member of the Leibniz Association https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de. You can find more details on the institute webpage: https://www.ikz-berlin.de. 

We are offering a 

PhD Student Position (m/f/d)

for the topic:

“Ferroelectric fluoride crystals for nonlinear optics in the vacuum-UV and mid-infrared spectral ranges”

Fluoride single crystals are uniquely suited for applications in the vacuum-UV and mid-infrared spectral ranges due to their exceptional transparency, where conventional oxide crystals fail. To achieve versatile frequency conversion, the quasi-phase matching (QPM) technique is essential. However, the QPM technique requires the crystals to be ferroelectric—a property not easily predicted through structural analysis alone. BaMgF4 is a known ferroelectric fluoride crystal, highly transparent from 120 nm to 13 µm, but it exhibits minimal second-order optical nonlinearity. This doctoral research project aims to identify and investigate new ferroelectric fluoride single crystals with enhanced nonlinear optical properties for applications in the specified spectral ranges.

The key responsibilities of the PhD student will include:

  • Growth of novel fluoride crystals by the Czochralski and Bridgman techniques
  • Structural, chemical, optical, and electrical characterization of grown crystals
  • Collaborating with the research team to design and implement new experimental setups
  • Analyzing and interpreting results, and contributing to scientific publications and conferences
  • Keeping up-to-date with the research on the related areas.

The applicant must have:

  • A master’s degree (or equivalent) and strong knowledge in solid-state physics, optics, laser physics, materials science or a closely related field
  • Research experience, preferably in optical characterization and/or material synthesis
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
  • Motivation and passion for scientific research.

What we offer

The position is starting on April 2025, and at first limited to three years, and an extension for another year is possible. Payment is according to TVöD (Collective agreement for the public sector) 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 position, please contact:
Dr. Hiroki Tanaka (IKZ), hiroki.tanaka@ikz-berlin.de, Phone +49(0)30 6392 2821

Are you interested?
Then apply with a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and all relevant certificates by 21.06.2024. To do so, please go to Job offers/jobs on our homepage https://www.ikz-berlin.de/en/career/vacancies and click on this advertisement and then on "Apply online". Please send us your complete application documents this way.

We look forward to receiving your application!