Description du sujet de thèse

Research Focus
By simply sliding one 2D crystal atop another, the electronic properties of the resulting heterostructure can change dramatically. Remarkably, a large-bandgap insulator can become ferroelectric, solely due to this relative twist—without any additional modification. This phenomenon gives rise to out-of-plane ferroelectric domains.
The goal of this PhD is to optically detect, track, and ultimately control the ferroelectric state in such materials. Key objectives include imaging ferroelectric domains in a new class of 2D ferroelectrics using state-of-the-art cryogenic micro-spectroscopy techniques. This work involves understanding the influence of the dielectric environment on interlayer excitons and unraveling the mechanisms governing domain dynamics, such as flipping and domain wall propagation—central to the emerging physics of sliding ferroelectricity.
The ultimate ambition is to develop a strategy to optically switch these domains, laying the groundwork for a novel optoelectronic device. Such a system could serve as a non-linear optical activation function in photonic neuromorphic computing, where no fully compatible component currently exists.

Contexte de travail

The 2D+ Research Group at CRHEA, located on the French Riviera near Nice, France, is seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join our cutting-edge research in nanophotonics with 2D materials. We offer a unique opportunity to explore emerging phenomena such as sliding ferroelectricity, ultra-low-threshold nonlinear photonics, and exciton engineering. The project is part of the European-funded 2DFERROPLEX consortium, bringing together leading experts in the field.

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

Facilities and Equipment
Our state-of-the-art cryo-optics lab covers 100m² and includes cutting-edge tools such as a fully functional cryostat for micro-photoluminescence, reflection spectroscopy, and optoelectrical measurements. We also have a fully equipped FabLab dedicated to building custom van der Waals heterostructures, which are essential for the assembly of quantum devices. These advanced facilities will enable the intern to contribute to groundbreaking experimental research directly.
Responsibilities
• Conduct in-depth literature reviews, experimental design, and data analysis focused on the optical properties of 2D ferroelectric materials.
• Design and implement experiments to monitor and control ferroelectricity using optical techniques and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
• Contribute to the fabrication and optimization of 2D heterostructure devices in a state-of-the-art cryogenic optics laboratory.
• Drive innovation toward emerging applications in 2D quantum photonics and light-based neuromorphic computing.

Desired Skills and Qualifications
• Master's degree (or equivalent) in physics, photonics, or condensed matter—either completed or currently in progress.
• Genuine enthusiasm for photonics, nanofabrication, and hands-on experimental physics.
• Proficiency in Python; familiarity with Arduino, robotics, or 3D printing is a plus but not essential.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with a proactive and collaborative approach to teamwork.

Opportunities for Professional Growth
• Present your research findings at international conferences and publish in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with leading researchers in the 2D materials community, both at CRHEA and across the 2DFERROPLEX consortium (Barcelona, Manchester, Munich, Strasbourg, Prague).
• Develop hands on expertise in a state of the art cryogenic optics laboratory and FabLab, acquiring the skills vital for a successful career in photonics or semiconductor physics, whether in academia or industry.