Missions

The post-doctoral researcher will contribute to the development of an optical cochlear implant prototype based on visible GaN/InGaN micro-LEDs. His/her tasks will be :
- The design and micro-fabrication of the LEDs, as well as their integration on a flexible substrate using the micro-transfer-printing technique. This development will be based in particular on specific GaN-based heterostructures grown on an h-BN/sapphire substrate, where the "van der Waals" epitaxy on the h-BN layer should facilitate transfer operations
- The development of an ultra-compact flexible microcircuit enabling the individual addressing of at least 5 micro-LEDs, and the methodology for integrating the micro-LEDs into this circuit, in order to realize a cochlear implant prototype for studies on optical stimulation of sound recognition.
- Steering this action, in direct interaction with the C2N researchers, engineers and technicians involved in this project, and in collaboration with the external partners involved in the design and epitaxy of the structures, and in the hearing studies.

Activities

The work is mainly experimental and will take place in a cleanroom for the micro-nanofabrication part. In collaboration with researchers and two engineers of the C2N technology centre involved in this project, the post-doctoral researcher will contribute to the optimisation of all the technological setps required to realize the prototype. He or she will also carry out the optical and electrical characterisation of the fabricated devices (outside the clean room), on an experimental bench dedicated to studies under bending, which he or she will have to modify to allow studies under millimetre radii of curvature.

Skills

Theoretical and experimental knowledge of light emitters based on semiconductor materials, such as laser diodes or electro-luminescent diodes (LEDs). Theoretical and experimental knowledge of III-N semiconductor opto-electronic devices. Good experience expected in micro-nanofabrication and micro-nanotechnologies for the production of photonic devices. Experience in electrical and optical characterisation of opto-electronic devices, and in setting up and running associated experimental benches.

Work Context

The technological work will take place in C2N cleanroom. The post-doctoral researcher will be motivated by technological development in this environment, and will have to interact with numerous engineers and technicians in addition to the team involved in micro-transfer-printing and in the production of flexible micro-circuits. Work efficiency and good interpersonal skills are an asset. The optical characterisations will be carried out on an experimental bench that the post-doctoral researcher will be required to manage and develop, in close interaction with researchers and a PhD student who are also using the bench for related projects. The work will be carried out as part of a multi-partners project funded by the ANR. The epitaxial structures specific to the project are grown by other colleagues as part of this project, and the implants will be designed for use by a biologist partner conducting hearing studies. The post-doctoral researcher will be expected to interact regularly and effectively with the partners.

The position is in a sector covered by the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival be authorised by the competent MESR authority.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

There are no specific associated risks. The constraints are those of working in a cleanroom, and knowledge of laser safety procedures for the optical characterisations.