Doctoral scholarship holder, Nonlinear Optics of Bistable Molecules and One-Dimensional Arrays

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Departement: Departement Fysica
Regime Voltijds

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The Department of Physics in the Faculty of Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field ofNonlinear Optics of Bistable Molecules and One-Dimensional Arrays.

Position

In this project you will elaborate, and ultimately combine, two breakthrough concepts in molecular (organic) nonlinear optics (NLO) of which proof-of-principle experiments have recently been performed by the NANOrOPT group:

• (1) Spontaneous symmetry breaking in a priori symmetric molecules can lead to extremely large 2nd order NLO responses. This yields an entirely new route towards the design of NLO systems, but also forms an excellent model system to investigate (by 2nd order light scattering) the effect of spontaneous symmetry breaking, including its dynamics, which can also provide important insights on the general concept of resonance and conjugation in organic molecules.
• (2) Elongated dipolar molecules naturally form head-to-tail aligned 1D arrays inside carbon nanotubes, resulting in coherent addition of their NLO responses. This solves the classical problem of organic nonlinear optics, that dipolar molecules tend to align in a pairwise antiparallel way in a bulk (3D) material, cancelling out each other’s NLO responses. Besides elaborating this idea, you will also pursue its ambitious combination with the former concept and create coupled 1D arrays of electronically bistable molecules, to create purely organic ferroelectric systems with a large, and switchable NLO response.

You will learn state-of-the-art preparation and optical/laser-spectroscopic characterisation techniques available at UA, including NLO characterisation using a worldwide unique setup for second harmonic light scattering with widely tuneable laser wavelength. You will also contribute to the further development of these techniques. You will be supervised by W. Wenseleers, and benefit from interactions within a highly multidisciplinary team, as well as from the wide network of collaborations of the host group.

Profile

• You obtained a diploma of Master in Physics or Engineer in a related field, with excellent grades.
• You are very motivated for experimental scientific research and you wish to prepare a PhD thesis in this area of research.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for two years (provided positive evaluation after 1 year), extendible to four years depending on results and funding.
• Starting date: the position is available immediately; exact date to be agreed with candidate.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff.
• You will receive ecocheques, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 15 december 2021(by midnight Brussels time). Click on the ’Apply’ button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter, a detailed CV (including followed courses, honours, grades, previous work, programming skills, publications, …) and contact info of two references.
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Wim.Wenseleers@uantwerp.be.

Laboratory address:

Nanostructured and Organic Optical and Electronic Materials (NANOrOPT)

University of Antwerp (campus Drie Eiken),

Physics Department,

Universiteitsplein 1,

B-2610 Antwerpen

BELGIUM

web: www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/nanoropt/

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’sHR Excellence in Research Awardfor its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encouragediversityand attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.