Leibniz Institute for Crystal Growth (IKZ), Berlin

The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ) is a leading research institution in the field of science & technology as well as service & transfer of crystalline materials. Our goal is to enable solutions for pressing societal challenges (e.g. communication, artificial intelligence, climate protection, health, etc.) through modern electronic & photonic technologies. The work covers the entire spectrum from basic and applied research to pre-industrial development and is carried out in cooperation with national and international partners from universities, academies and industry. The institute is part of the Forschungsverbund Berlin (https://www.fv-berlin.de/) and the Leibniz Association (https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de). You can find more details on the institute webpage: https://www.ikz-berlin.de.

The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung is currently looking for a

PhD student (f/m/d)

for the topic:

"Novel gain materials for direct blue-to-violet solid-state lasers”

Blue and violet lasers with direct emission in 400-500 nm wavelength range are highly demanded in industry and science. Compared to laser diodes, solid-state lasers offer clear advantages such as a better beam quality, energy storage capability for high energetic pulses and the possibility for simple integration of additional functionalities such as intracavity frequency doubling into the UV range.

Within a DFG funded project, the successful candidate will investigate the temperature-dependent spectroscopic and laser properties of different Tm³⁺-, Tb³⁺- or Pr³⁺-doped fluoride and oxide laser gain materials for direct violet and blue lasers grown at our institute. The research will focus on characterizing these materials and evaluating their temperature-dependent laser performance. The aim is to enable efficient direct violet-to-blue laser emission under moderate cooling conditions achievable with thermoelectric coolers.

The host research group Center for Laser Materials (ZLM) at the IKZ, offers a unique research environment. The rare combination of in-house crystal growth expertise, advanced materials development, and world-leading know-how in visible solid-state lasers combined with a state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure provides outstanding opportunities to advance the performance of violet-to-blue solid-state lasers.

Regular scientific exchange, experiments in collaboration with other research groups and potential research visits are beneficial for the success of the project.

Required qualifications:

• MSc degree in physics, optical engineering, photonics, or a related field
• Strong background in optics, laser physics, or spectroscopy
• Ability to work independently in a laboratory research environment
• Very good written and spoken English; basic knowledge of German is beneficial

Prior experience in the following areas is considered an asset:

• Hands-on experience with laser setups and optical characterization techniques
• Understanding of rare-earth-doped materials
• Programming skills, ideally in Python

What we offer

The position is limited to three years. Payment is according to TVöD Bund (E13 75%) (Collective agreement for the public sector). The contract includes the usual social benefits (30 vacation days in a 5-day week, flexible working hours). The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung actively promotes the development of young scientists and follows the guidelines of the Leibniz Association.

The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung actively supports a healthy work-life balance and is an equal opportunities employer. Female candidates are encouraged to apply and will be given preference if suitably qualified. Among equally qualified candidates, preference will be given to candidates with disabilities. IKZ promotes diversity. We welcome every qualified application, regardless of age, belief, disabilities, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation.

If you want to have more information about the project, please contact us:

PD Dr. Christian Kränkel (christian.kraenkel(at)ikz-berlin.de), Phone: +49 30 246 499 613

Have we aroused your interest?

Then apply with a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and all relevant certificates. To do so, please go to Job offers/jobs on our homepage and click on this advertisement and then on "Apply online". Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

We look forward to receiving your application!