PhD Position (m/f/d)

The Paul-Drude-Institut (PDI) performs basic research as a lively symbiosis of materials science and solid-state physics. Our research aims at inspiring and demonstrating new functionalities for future information technologies. As a member of the Leibniz-Gemeinschaft and Forschungsverbund Berlin e. V., we are an independent research institute with about 100 employees and collaborate with all three universities in Berlin. We are located in the very heart of the city near the Gendarmenmarkt.

PhD Position (m/f/d)

Towards quantum polaromechanics

Exciton-polaritons are light-matter particles which hybridize with GHz vibrations (phonons) in mm-sized potential traps defined within an (Al,Ga)As semiconductor microcavity (MC). The strong interactions between the confined particles creates a coherently mixed phonon-polariton state, which manifest itself as mechanical and optical self-oscillations of the intracavity trap upon optical excitation. The goal of the present project is the investigation of dimensionality effects on mixed phonon-polariton particles with frequencies up to 30 GHz in intracavity traps with sub-mm-sizes. The PhD student will fabricate the structures and use optical and electrical techniques to study confinement-induced effects down to the quantum acoustic regime, where the thermal phonon population approaches unit at low temperatures (down to 2 K). Besides insights on many-body quantum physics, the investigations will pave the way for the reversible inter-conversion between microwave and terahertz quantum excitations.

We invite applications from candidates with a master or diploma degree in physics, material science, or related area, a solid background in solid-state physics as well as in either the growth, processing, or optical spectroscopy of semiconductor nanostructures. We are looking for a team player with a high level of communication skills who fits into our team of highly motivated researchers and technical staff.

The position is available for 3 years. Payment is according to TVöD Bund (Treaty for German public service). The Paul Drude Institute aims at increasing the quota of female employees. The application of women is therefore encouraged. Among equally qualified applicants, preference will be given to disabled candidates.

Applications including a dedicated cover letter, CV, two references, degree(s), and transcript(s) should be sent in PDF format using “QuantumPol” in the subject by December 10, 2021, to jobs(at)pdi-berlin.de .

For scientific or technical questions related to the project, please contact Dr. Paulo Santos, santos(at)pdi-berlin.de  or Dr. Klaus Biermann, biermann(at)pdi-berlin.de .

You may find more details at www.pdi-berlin.de .