PhD position - Photonics/Thin films/Multiphysics modeling M/F

Job Description

Thesis Subject

CNRS- Grenoble INP-Université Grenoble Alpes is seeking a highly motivated candidate for a fully-funded PhD position (36 months) focused on thin film deposition for photonics applications.
This position is part of "Silicon carbide photonic integrated circuit (SiCPIC)," a prestigious European Doctoral Network project funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Program under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action (MSCA), Grant Agreement No. 101227010.
• International Collaboration: The PhD candidate will join an international team of 15 doctoral students across five European countries, partnering with 5 universities and one company.
• Research Focus: All 15 PhD projects fall under the project theme of Silicon Carbide on Insulator (SiCOI) devices and integration for applications in classic and quantum optical telecommunication and optical sensing.
This PhD project will take place at CNRS-Grenoble INP-Université Grenoble Alpes (France) .
For amorphous SiCOI stacks the identification of the best processing route exhibiting the most favourable optical properties is important. The PhD thesis aims at developing the deposition process to get ultra-high purity amorphous-SiC thin films by HWCVD (Hot Wire Chemical Vapor Deposition) and PVD (Magnetron sputtering). A coupled approach, involving experiments and Multiphysics numerical simulation will be implemented. A thorough investigation of the relationships between deposition conditions (temperatures of both the filament and the substrate, pressure, gas phase precursor composition) with the film chemical structure and the resulting optical properties will be carried out. The DC candidate will be trained in process engineering, design of experiments, numerical simulation, thin film characterizations by a combination of structural, chemical and physical methods (XRD, Raman, IRTF, SIMS, XPS, Ellipsometry).
Expected results:
• New HWCVD technology validation and optimization.
• Obtain high optical performance a-SiC thin films (test material in small dimension, <2-inch) to be used in other WPs.
• Comprehensive understanding of the deposition process/film physical chemistry/optical properties relationships

Your Work Environment

SIMaP (Science et Ingénierie des Matériaux et Procédés – UMR 5266), a joint research unit of CNRS, Grenoble INP, and Université Grenoble Alpes, is a center of excellence in materials science and innovative processes. It spans diverse fields—from metallurgy to nanomaterials and energy materials—and is equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities.
Embedded in a dynamic network of industrial and academic collaborations, SIMaP provides an ideal environment for ambitious doctoral research, supported by rigorous scientific supervision. The team hosting the PhD candidate is internationally recognized for its expertise in materials science and process engineering, particularly in thin films.

As a participant in the SiCPIC project, the PhD student will become part of a team at CNRS-Grenoble INP, with expertise in synthesis and characterization of thin films for functional applications. The activities within the project will benefit from synergies with other projects in the group as well as with other activities at the institute.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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