PhD student (m/f/d)

Tätigkeitsprofil:

We seek a highly motivated PhD student for experimental work on ultrafast electron diffraction (UED) of lead-free doped metal halide perovskites. The project aims to directly resolve the structural dynamics accompanying exciton dynamics and to determine how doping, morphology, excitation wavelength and temperature influence these their structural dynamics.

The work will use the state-of-the-art 90 keV UED instrument at MBI, Berlin (see DOI:10.1063/4.0000256 and arXiv:2601.02055), including radiofrequency compressed electron pulses with ~100 fs temporal resolution (see arXiv:2601.02597) as confirmed by THz streaking (see arXiv:2601.02333), high-sensitivity direct electron detection, and tunable optical excitation. A tunable optical parametric amplifier and harmonic generation provide microjoule-level pulses spanning the ultraviolet and visible spectral range, enabling tunable excitation under a broad range of conditions relevant to perovskite nanostructures.

This project is embedded in the CRC research environment and includes close collaboration with colleagues in Berlin and Universität Rostock on nanocrystal synthesis, thin-film preparation, transient absorption spectroscopy, time-resolved photoluminescence, modelling, and complementary steady-state optical and electron spectroscopies. Complementary MeV-UED measurements at major international facilities are also envisioned as part of the project.

The successful candidate will perform pump-probe UED measurements, design and implement cryocooling of samples down to ~20 K, analyse diffraction data, and contribute to joint studies aimed at establishing a complete microscopic picture of the structure and dynamics of these class of materials.

Anforderungsprofil:

Applicants must hold a Master’s or Diploma degree in physics, with very good knowledge in solid-state physics being essential. Prior experience in ultrafast electron diffraction, microscopy, ultrafast laser physics and/or working with high vacuum equipment is desirable. Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English are required.