The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ) is a leading research institution in the field of science & technology as well as service & transfer of crystalline materials. Our goal is to enable solutions for pressing societal challenges (e.g. communication, artificial intelligence, climate protection, health, etc.) through modern electronic & photonic technologies. The work covers the entire spectrum from basic and applied research to pre-industrial development and is carried out in cooperation with national and international partners from universities, academies and industry. The institute is part of the 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 position (m/f/d)

“Solid-State Optical Refrigeration of Fluoride Crystals”

Solid-state optical refrigeration, or laser cooling of solids, is a technology to cool down solid states to cryogenic temperatures (<123 K) by optical excitation. This technology realizes all-solid-state ultra-compact optical cryocoolers, which possess no moving part and require no cryogenic liquid. Such a vibration-free compact cryogenic cooling system is desired to be implemented, e.g., in space satellites. The cooling is driven by anti-Stokes fluorescence following optical excitation with low-energy photons, thereby the fluorescence photons carry away the vibrational energy of the lattice (or phonons). For efficient cooling, not only spectroscopic properties but also the quality and purity of the crystals are essential.

As a PhD student, you will be involved in multidisciplinary research work focusing on crystal growth, chemical/physical characterization, and experiments using laser sources. The primary objective of this study is to explore novel crystals, to understand the role of impurities, and to demonstrate cryogenic optical refrigeration, towards the milestone to achieve 77 K, the liquid nitrogen temperature. Our research group is widely recognized as one of the leading teams in this field, and this position will provide you with a unique platform to make significant contributions to the scientific community of optical refrigeration.

The key responsibilities of the PhD student will include:

Growth of high-quality fluoride crystals doped with rare-earth ions
Structural and chemical analyses of the grown crystals
Spectroscopic study of the grown crystals at various temperatures
Implementation of optical refrigeration experiments.

The applicant must have

A master’s degree (or equivalent) and strong knowledge in optical science, solid-state physics, materials science, or a closely related fiel
Experience in experimental research, preferably in crystal growth or optical characterizations
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 limited to three years, an extension for another year is possible. Payment is according to TVöD Bund (75 %) (Collective agreement for the public sector) including the usual social benefits (30 vacation days in a 5-day week, flexible working hours). The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung actively supports a healthy work-life balance and is an equal opportunities employer. There is equality for applicants of all genders. Female candidates are encouraged to apply and will be given preference if suitably qualified. Among equally qualified candidates, preference will be given to candidates with disabilities.

If you want to have more information about the project, please contact us:
Dr. Hiroki Tanaka (hiroki.tanaka@ikz-berlin.de)

Have we aroused your interest?
Then apply with a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and all relevant certificates. To do so, please go to Job offers/jobs on our homepage and click on this advertisement and then on "Apply online". Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Apply Online