PhD - Development of new technologies for wavefront measurement, with applications in direct exoplanet detection and high-precision optical component metrology (M/F)"
New
- FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
- 36 month
- Doctorate
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Centre de Recherche Astrophysique de Lyon
Contract Type
FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
Working hHours
Full Time
Workplace
69561 ST GENIS LAVAL
Contract Duration
36 month
Date of Hire
01/10/2026
Remuneration
2300 € gross monthly
Apply Application Deadline : 14 July 2026 23:59
Job Description
Thesis Subject
We propose an innovative instrumental PhD project focused on the development and validation of the iMz concept (self-referenced Mach-Zehnder interferometer), with dual applications in ultra-precise metrology at IP2I (LMA) and extreme adaptive optics (XAO) for exoplanet imaging at CRAL.
This interdisciplinary initiative aims to develop a new generation of wavefront sensors capable of achieving sub-nanometric precision at very fine spatial scales, thereby revolutionizing the performance of future optical systems—especially for the direct detection of exoplanets. The methodology will combine advanced numerical simulations, optical modeling, and rigorous experimental validation.
The focus will be on the design, prototyping, and testing of a novel XAO instrument based on the iMz architecture. Unlike conventional sensors (Shack-Hartmann, phase-shifting interferometers), the iMz offers a self-referenced, compact, and highly sensitive solution. Unique numerical models and laboratory experiments, conducted at CRAL, have already demonstrated its effectiveness in extreme adaptive optics, confirming its potential for high-contrast imaging and the detection of reflected light from extrasolar planets with future giant telescopes.
A major objective will be the development of an iMz-based XAO instrument for the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), including the integration of new calibration approaches and control algorithms to address current limitations of very large telescopes, such as the imperfect co-phasing of primary mirror segments. The results are expected to contribute to major international projects, such as ELT/PCS for the European Observatory, or GTC and SELF at the Canary Islands observatories.
Your Work Environment
The Centre de Recherche Astrophysique de Lyon (CRAL) is a Joint Research Unit (UMR5574) under the supervision of Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, ENS de Lyon, and CNRS. CRAL is a laboratory dedicated to fundamental research in astrophysics and the development of instruments for major observatories. The center comprises approximately 30 researchers and faculty members, 20 engineers, technicians, or administrative staff, and 30 PhD students, postdocs, or fixed-term contractors.
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
| Offer reference | UMR5574-MAULAN-015 |
|---|---|
| CN Section(s) / Research Area | Astrophysics |
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.
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