PhD student – scholarship holder. PbTe/CdTe multilayers, a new material with controlled properties...

Job Description:

The PhD student will take part in the study of CdTe/PbTe heterostructures for their

application as infrared detectors. The CdTe/PbTe quantum structures, with PbTe regions

forming quantum wells or quantum dots embedded in the CdTe barriers, are known to

exhibit very strong photoluminescence resulting from the large difference in the energy

band gaps of the both materials. In addition, the both materials show very large contrast

in refractive indexes, what makes the CdTe/PbTe material system particularly attractive

for construction of photonic crystals. Photonic crystal is a well-defined nano- or

microstructure with periodic distribution of refractive index in one, two or three spatial

directions. Within CdTe/PbTe heterosystem (using molecular beam epitaxy) it is possible

to obtain all of types photonic structure in the form of CdTe/PbTe multilayers (1D

photonic crystal), PbTe (CdTe) nanopillars (2D p.c.) and PbTe (CdTe) dots (3D p.c.)

embedded in CdTe (PbTe) matrix. Thus, CdTe/PbTe structures are very promising from

point of view of potential applications as an infrared detectors and light sources.

The main objective of the proposed project is: to manufacture (with molecular beam

epitaxy technique) and investigate (measurements, simulation, optimization) optical

(photonic) and electric properties of 2D and 3D CdTe/PbTe structures (building

experimental systems and performing measurements) as well as analyzing and

presenting obtained data. We expect that the realization of the project will results, among

others, in a development of control and integration methods of CdTe/PbTe structures for

new kinds of optical devices (in particular infrared detectors) exploiting simultaneously

quantum and photonic properties of this semiconductor system.

Requirements:

- experience in solid state physics

- basic knowledge of molecular beam epitaxy technique

- knowledge of optical experimental techniques - particularly in infrared spectral region

- knowledge of written and spoken English

- Master’s degree in physics (or an equivalent that qualifies one for PhD studies in

physics in the country of issue).

- To be employed, the candidate must be accepted into the PhD school in which the

Institute of Physics participates. Applications for the position are through recruitment to

the School, online at warsaw4phd.eu.