PhD Position (M/F): Growth and Characterization of Hexaferrite Thin Films for Sub-THz and THz Applications

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Spin-based information technologies represent a promising route toward the development of ultrafast and energy-efficient devices. Among the various material families under investigation, insulating magnetic oxides are particularly attractive owing to their low losses and high magnetic resonance frequencies. In particular, M-type hexaferrites with the magnetoplumbite structure exhibit characteristic frequencies ranging from several tens to several hundreds of gigahertz, making them excellent candidates for spintronic devices and sub-THz/THz technologies.
The Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg (IPCMS, UMR 7504 CNRS - University of Strasbourg) has internationally recognized expertise in the synthesis and characterization of functional magnetic oxides. Within the framework of the French PEPR SPIN project MoxSpin, carried out in collaboration with the Institut de Physique de Rennes (IPR), the Institut d'Électronique, de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie (IEMN), and the CEMES laboratory, IPCMS is responsible for the development of M-type hexaferrite thin films and for the investigation of their structural, magnetic, and dynamical properties.
We are currently seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the Inorganic Materials Chemistry Department of IPCMS and contribute to the development of novel hexaferrite thin films for high-frequency spintronic applications.
The main objective of the PhD project will be the growth, characterization, and optimization of epitaxial BaFe12​O19​-based thin films and their substituted derivatives (Al, rare-earth elements, etc.), with the aim of tailoring their magnetic properties and excitations in the sub-THz and THz frequency ranges.
The materials will be synthesized by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on single-crystal substrates. Particular attention will be devoted to controlling the chemical composition, crystallographic properties, microstructure, and magnetic properties in order to tune the characteristic frequencies of magnetic excitations in the sub-THz regime.
Experiments at large-scale facilities (ESRF, ILL, etc.) will also be carried out during the PhD to complement the characterizations performed at IPCMS.
The fabricated samples will subsequently be used in ultrafast dynamics experiments performed in collaboration with the partners of the MoxSpin project, with the aim of investigating sub-THz excitations and the mechanisms responsible for spin-current generation.

Your Work Environment

The Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg (IPCMS, UMR 7504 CNRS – University of Strasbourg) is a joint research unit located on the Cronenbourg campus of the University of Strasbourg. IPCMS brings together approximately 230 permanent staff members (researchers, faculty members, engineers, technicians, and administrative personnel), together with a large number of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scientists.
The institute's research activities are organized into five departments covering a broad range of topics in physics, chemistry, and materials science. Its main research areas include magnetic materials, functional oxides, materials for energy applications, nanoscience, optical and electronic properties, and materials for biomedical applications. IPCMS provides a first-class experimental environment, with numerous facilities dedicated to structural, magnetic, optical, and electron microscopy characterizations.
The PhD project will be carried out within the Inorganic Materials Chemistry Department, whose research activities focus on the synthesis, understanding, and optimization of advanced functional materials. More specifically, the successful candidate will join the Thin-Film Oxides Group, which is devoted to the development of functional materials for spintronic and high-frequency applications. This group has internationally recognized expertise in the synthesis of complex oxides in both bulk and thin-film forms, as well as in their structural, magnetic, and electromagnetic characterization. The PhD project will be conducted within the Doctoral School of Physics and Physical Chemistry (ED 182) of the University of Strasbourg.
IPCMS is located on the Cronenbourg campus of the University of Strasbourg and is easily accessible by public transportation (tram and bus) as well as by the Eurometropolis cycling network. The campus offers an attractive working environment with a university restaurant and sports facilities.
The successful candidate will work in an international scientific environment and will benefit from regular interactions with the academic partners of the MoxSpin project. The position may involve occasional travel within France and Europe for consortium meetings, experimental campaigns at large-scale research facilities (ESRF, ILL, synchrotrons, etc.), and participation in national and international scientific conferences. No night shifts, on-call duties, or regular weekend work are expected.

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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