RESEARCH PROGRAMMES
P2: Fundamental properties of 2D materials
RESEARCH SUPERVISOR(S)
Dr Cristian Svetina
Research Group website: https://www.nanociencia.imdea.org/x-ray-wave-mixing-spectroscopies-x-waves/home
RESEARCH TOPIC DESCRIPTION
The key to advance towards new materials with extraordinary properties lies in understanding their transport properties at the nano-ultrafast scales. Being able to measure charge, spin, lattice and thermal transport properties of matter at these scales is of paramount importance in understanding the mechanisms governing their physics and to design and realize novel energy-efficient functional nanomaterials with desired properties such as nano-thermal devices, high-temperature superconductors, ultrafast magnetic switches, photo-to-electro catalysis, organic nanosystems for light harvesting, ultrafast non-volatile memory storage, etc.
Nonlinear optical domain techniques represent a major advance in physics and bio-chemistry: the nonlinear response of a sample under the influence of multiple laser beams allows to measure fundamental properties such as electronic response, propagation of wave-packets, electron-phonon coupling, phonons, magnetic properties, etc. Extension of such methodologies in the Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) and X-ray range would allow to study surface and bulk properties reaching unprecedented (sub)-nanometer spatial resolution with (sub)-femtosecond time resolution and element/orbital specificity.
The research line of X-WaveS (X-ray Wave-mixing Spectroscopy) group is the development of EUV and X-ray wave-mixing methodologies at Free Electron Lasers (FELs) and High Harmonic Generation (HHG) table-top sources and their application to condensed matter systems with particular emphasis on novel nanotechnologies employing 2D materials, quantum materials, nanomagnetic systems, semiconductors and materials for light harvesting and efficient energy storage and conversion.
Complementary investigation with optical tools such as table-top Four Wave Mixing techniques (Transient Grating – TG, Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering – CARS, etc.) is also part of the X-WaveS’ activities for which dedicated setups will be built and implemented.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The ideal candidate should have a PhD in Physics, Material Science, Nanotechnology or closely related fields of science and have experience with EUV and/or X-ray science and/or table-top ultrafast lasers. The successful candidate will develop nonlinear wave-mixing methodologies at HHG and FEL sources and apply them to condensed matter systems. Moreover, a dedicated setup will be built in a table-top laser laboratory where complementary studies will be carried.
Research interests of the candidate should be aligned with: EUV and X-ray science, nonlinear optics, material science and in particular transport phenomena, nanodevices. Practical skills on table-top lasers (especially four wave mixing) and/or HHG/FEL science and data analysis are required as well as prolific knowledge of the English language. Highly motivated candidates with strong publication record and systematic research attitude are encouraged to apply.
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
SPRINT laboratory (Ref. Dr. R. Cucini)
FERMI EUV Free Electron Laser (Ref. Prof. C. Masciovecchio)
EuXFEL X-ray Free Electron Laser (Ref. Dr. C. Milne)
