Description du sujet de thèse

Throughout the PhD, the candidate will develop both experimental and theoretical tools to enable the visualization of audible sound waves using laser vibrometry. This
interdisciplinary task presents a stimulating challenge, combining acoustics, optics, and fluid dynamics. A key objective will be to isolate acoustic waves from structural and other type of vibrations—requiring a rigorous multiphysics approach.
Beyond the core objectives, the project provides an opportunity to transpose ideas from other areas of physics (e.g., quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, or solid mechanics) into the domain of acoustics. The candidate will thus gain a rich and diverse scientific experience, developing skills that span experimental design, theoretical modeling, and cross-disciplinary research.

Contexte de travail

The PhD will be hosted by Laboratorie d'Acoustique de l'Université du
Mans (LAUM), a joint research unit between the Le Mans Université and CNRS, UMR 6613 (section 9, Institut des sciences de l'ingénierie et des systèmes, INSIS). LAUM has about 160 employees including 60 full-time researchers and professors-researchers. It is a leading institution in Acoustics, with a unique ensemble of equipment for general acoustics. It is associated with CNRS, the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) in France.
The PhD candidate will join the “Waveguides and Structures” team at LAUM (Le Mans Université). The team's research focuses on wave phenomena in waveguides, covering topics such as metamaterials, aeroacoustics, nonlinear waves, disorder, symmetries, and topological effects. The candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Vassos Achilleos and collaborate closely with other team members in the framework of a NASA-funded project.
This PhD project will contribute to one of the central objectives of the NASA project: the development of a novel experimental approach to visualize the spatio-temporal evolution of audible sound waves. While such visualization techniques are common in the context of elastic waves, their application to audible acoustics remains an open and exciting challenge. The ability to “see” sound in this way would open new perspectives, positioning audible acoustics as a rich testbed for exploring advanced wave phenomena—particularly those inspired by non-Hermitian physics. Notable phenomena targeted include unidirectional wave propagation in circular ducts and the realization of broadband acoustic circulators.

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

Travels within France and abroad should be expected for conferences, summer school
and/or collaborations. Travels will be funded by the project.

Informations complémentaires

Skills:
• Holding a Masters degree in Physics, Acoustics or equivalent
• Experience with basic experimental techniques in acoustics, and well appreciated if
there is experience with laser vibrometers
•Experience in working with scientific software and performing numerical simulations
• Language skills: Fluent English both written and spoken are required.
•. Perform research in a structured and scientifically sound manner.
• Read technical papers, understand different theories and implement
methodologies.
• Aptitude for working in a team on multi-disciplinary projects
• Ability to work while respecting rules and procedures.
• Ability to work independently, organisational ability and ability to account for one's
own actions.
Previous experience in wave propagation and metamaterials is preamble. Knowledge of scientific computational software as Matlab and Comsol is expected.