Missions

The post-doc will perform mass-spectrometry studies to identify the different reactive species that are formed in reactive plasma. The post-doc will perform studies on wide range of plasma ranging from low pressure ECR plasma to morderate pressure MW microplasma torch. The reactive species will be analyzed using an in-situ mass spectrometer EQP 500 (Hiden Analytical), which allows mass detection up to a ratio m/z=500 a.m.u of neutral species. At present, the mass spectrometer can be used for low pressure plasmas upto 1 mbar. However, the group is in process of adapting the spectrometer pressures up to atmospheric pressure. This adaptation is being performed by having a series of intermediate pressure chambers that allow for sampling the reactive species from high pressure plasma chamber to the mass spectrometer. The candidate will work towards optimizing the mass spectrometer system applied to higher pressures.

Activités

The candidate will also contribute to the studies on molecular growth of hydrocarbon species and nucleation of carbon nanoparticles in a microwave plasma torch. Molecular growth of hydrocarbon species in reactive plasma is complex and small changes in local plasma conditions may lead to wide variety of carbon materials such as crystalline phases of graphite or diamond to amorphous phases including soot. Therefore, the candidate will use the MBMS for having a global perspective of the different species (small radicals to large molecules up to 500 amu) produced by the plasma. The candidate will interact closely with different scientists working on plasma diagnostics, numerical modelling and material processing to identify the key reaction pathways occurring in the reactive plasma.

Compétences

- PhD in Experimental Physics, Plasma Physics and Diagnostics, Physical Chemistry (combustion), or Lasers
- Strong computer skills and capacity in data analysis using scientific software (Origin®, MATLAB®, Python…)
- Experience in chemical analysis using Mass spectrometry is an asset
- Experience in Vacuum engineering
- Experience with LabVIEW would be an asset
- Strong organization and methodology, high autonomy, commitment, respect deadlines, flexibility, collaboration, efficient problem solving
- Supervision of PhD and Master students and cooperation with research engineers
- High efficiency in preparing research papers and conference presentations
- Communicative personality
- Fluent in English and (ideally) in French

Contexte de travail

The IPS–MP group belongs to the Plasma, Nanostructures and Thin Films Processes (PPANAM) research axis of the LSPM and is specialized on the design, implementation, and characterization of plasma processes related to novel materials and applications.
IPS–MP has undergone a quasi-reconversion in recent years, moving from the study of plasma-carbon surface interaction to plasma-metal surface interaction (W, Al). These activities are essential for the study of the behavior of materials relevant for fusion (tokamak edge plasmas). The experimental devices dedicated until now to the studies realized by IPS–MP in the context of “on-board plasmas” are also used for exploratory studies of synthesis of materials of interest (e.g., carbon-metal composites). Nanostructured thin films (rather oxides) are also synthesized by sol-gel processes and functionalized by plasma to test their performances for various applications (photovoltaic, …). Besides, the design of atomic sources (nitrogen in particular) is a new important axis of study using:
(a) High energy density microwave plasmas for studying dissociation processes involving excited electronic states of N2 : (i) low-pressure microwave reactor (ECR among others), and (ii) atmospheric pressure microplasma torch.
(b) Micro-hollow cathode discharges for the synthesis of advanced material such as hexagonal boron nitride (intra-collaboration with “Diamond and Carbon Materials” group of LSPM).
Besides well-known material characterization tools (Photoluminescence, Raman spectroscopy, …), advanced optical diagnostics are implemented to better understand the behavior of the different plasmas and optimize them for the targeted applications. Among others, fast (ns timescales) and ultrafast (ps timescales) laser diagnostics, ultrafast detectors (e.g., ps streak camera) and high-resolution optical emission spectrometers/monochromators are installed (or under implementation) in the group. These diagnostic tools are also useful for the characterization of other plasma sources (e.g., cold plasma jets, rf plasmas, surface DBDs) available in the group in the frame of national and international projects.

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

None

Informations complémentaires

This position is located 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 authorized by the competent authority of the MESR