Master Student – Internship/Thesis: Development of an experimental setup for the photothermal lensing effect in gas sensing applications.

20.04.2026, Studentische Hilfskräfte, Praktikantenstellen, Studienarbeiten

Description:
Photothermal lensing is an indirect absorption-based sensing effect in which modulated laser radiation is absorbed by gas molecules and converted into heat through non-radiative relaxation. The resulting local temperature rise creates a spatial refractive-index gradient because the gas refractive index depends on temperature. This gradient acts like a weak thermal lens, changing the phase, divergence, or position of a probe beam passing through the heated region. By monitoring this probe-beam distortion, gas absorption and, therefore, gas concentration can be determined with high sensitivity and selectivity.

In this project at the Chair of Analytical Chemistry at TUM, we aim to develop a photothermal gas sensing system tailored for biogas plant applications.

Possible tasks in the project:
-Design and implementation of an optical experimental setup for investigating photothermal gas-sensing effects
-Calibration and characterization of the system using controlled conditions (pressure, flow, and humidity, etc.)
-Signal processing, data evaluation, and documentation of results

Your Profile:
-You are currently enrolled in a degree program in Physics, Chemistry, or another STEM-related field
-Initial laboratory experience, ideally with lasers and/or optical systems
-Basic understanding of spectroscopy, measurement technology, or sensor principles
-Familiarity with experimental data acquisition and analysis
-Strong communication skills in English
-Independent and structured working style

Start:
As soon as possible.

Our Team is located in Großhadern, Georg-Heberer-Straße 11.

Note:
This position is unpaid, and it is designed for Master's students as a research intern/thesis student.

Organisation:
Simply contact Saikrishna Naidu Enjam (saikrishna_naidu.enjam@tum.de) or Prof. Dr. Christoph Haisch via E-Mail (haisch@tum.de)

Kontakt: saikrishna_naidu.enjam@tum.de or haisch@tum.de