Description of the thesis topic

The MoxSpin project aims to explore new magnetic oxides suitable for modern spin-based technologies that are ultra-fast and energy-efficient. These innovative materials, such as orthoferrites and hexaferrites, will be used to study magnetization dynamics in fields such as magnonics and THz physics. The approach includes studying thin films of these materials, analyzing laser-induced spin dynamics, and exploring light-matter interactions in the THz range. This research could lead to significant advances in data storage and processing, as well as in THz technologies.

The project involves five partners: IPR in Rennes, IMMM in Le Mans, IPCMS in Strasbourg, IEMN in Lille, and CEMES. IPCMS and IPR will be responsible for the deposition of thin oxide films, while the PhD student at CEMES will carry out and analyze structural and chemical studies of these films using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), to understand the correlations between atomic-scale material organization and properties, such as spin dynamics. These correlations will require experimental mastery of various TEM techniques (imaging, spectroscopy) and quantitative analysis of the results, based on existing methods or adapted to these specific subjects. Original and exploratory electron holography experiments will also be necessary to map magnetic responses at the nanometer scale.

Work Context

CEMES is an internationally recognized laboratory in the field of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as in instrumental and methodological developments.
The laboratory maintains numerous international collaborations and is a founding member of the French national electron microscopy network (METSA).
Electron microscopy experiments will be conducted using our Tecnai F20 microscope, dedicated to high-resolution microscopy and spectroscopic studies. The presence of both an EELS detector and an EDS detector on the same microscope allows for quantitative analysis of thin films, including both heavy and light elements.
The sample preparation facilities include a dual-beam FIB-SEM (ThermoFisher Helios Nanolab 6000), equipped with an Omniprobe micromanipulator and a five-gas injection system.
The laboratory also benefits from privileged access to the nearby nanocaracterization center (Centre Castaing), which houses a probe-corrected JEM-ARM200F (JEOL), equipped with both EDS and EELS detectors.

The position falls under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST) regulations and, in accordance with current legislation, your appointment must be authorized by the competent authority of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR).

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.