Missions

Optical antennas are characterized at resonance by confinement of the electromagnetic field in a volume of dimensions much smaller than the wavelength. Used in bolometers, these absorbers have characteristics radically different from the membranes used until now, such as optical resonance, total absorption at resonance, volume reduced by several orders of magnitude. These nano-bolometers then have electro-optical properties that are incommensurate with those of the micro-bolometers currently on the market: spectral selectivity for “color” cameras in the infrared, very greatly increased sensitivity and/or speed. This paradigm shift is so important that it requires a complete revision of the bolometer design.

This study is carried out at Center for Nanoscience and nanotechnology (C2N) under the responsabilty of the Nano-Opto-Electronic (NOE) team, in close collaboration with major industrial partners in the sector within the European BRIGHTER project. It currently focuses on two aspects: the digital simulation of the behavior of these nano-bolometers and their manufacturing in the C2N clean rooms. To complete this action, we would like to entrust their characterization to a research engineer, the subject of this position.

In this context, the proposed position will take charge of the development of manufacturing processes necessary for the manufacture of nano-bolometers. These are mainly:
• Develop the technological building blocks necessary for the manufacture of nano-bolometers
• Assemble technological bricks (new and old) to establish a reliable manufacturing process
• Using this process, produce nano-bolometer matrices suitable for characterization in the laboratory.
• Collaborate closely with team members working on other parts of the study: design and characterization.

Activités

The activities of this research project fall into three categories:

1/ Development of new technological building blocks. These mainly involve processes corresponding to the particularities of nano-bolometers, such as the manufacturing of optical antennas which requires nano-fabrication techniques or that of the suspended structure which, despite its thinness, must remain mechanically stable. Fine characterizations (SEM, AFM, surface analysis, etc.) of the manufactured objects occupy an important place in this part.

2/ Assemble the technological bricks. This involves guaranteeing the sequence and compatibility of the technological bricks with each other. Particular attention must then be paid to the performance of the whole. Compromises are then often necessary.

3/ Make nano-bolometers. This involves creating nano-bolometer matrices for their electro-optical characterization in the laboratory. Various approaches will be tested varying the materials and geometries.

Compétences

The activities of this study are divided between the manufacturing of objects and their detailed characterization. They require a good background in general physics as well as some knowledge of chemistry. Experience in manufacturing and/or nano-fabrication in a clean room is strongly desired, particularly for optical and electronic lithography, plasma etching and metal and dielectric deposition. Mastery of characterization tools is also strongly desired, such as SEM, AFM, surface analysis techniques.

In addition, strong interaction is to be expected with the other components of the team (design and characterization). Skills and good practices in scientific and technical communication are essential for this position as well as ease in writing internal reports.

Contexte de travail

The Center for Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies (C2N) is a joint research unit of the CNRS and the University of Paris-Saclay. Made up of around 410 people, the laboratory moved into new premises on the Paris-Saclay campus in the fall of 2018. The C2N research themes are photonics, nanoelectronics, microsystems and nano-bio-fluidics and materials. The position to be filled is within the Nano-Opto-Electronic (NOE) team in the photonics department.

In this context, this position will have strong interaction with other members of the team both for the design of bolometers and for the characterization of their electro-optical properties.

This study will take place within the framework of close collaboration with leading industrial and academic partners in the field of bolometers, funded by the European BRIGHTER project. More details at: https://project-brighter.eu/

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

Work in the C2N restrictive regime zone (ZRR) requiring the prior agreement of the Security and Defense Official (FSD).
Work in C2N clean rooms requiring compliance with good practices both for safety and for the success of the study.
Travel is expected in the various consortium laboratories.