2 PhD openings in the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech republic (to begin Oct. 2016).

Advanced scanning probe microscopy simulations of surfaces and nanostructures

The aim of this PhD project is development and application of advanced simulation method of atomically resolved scanning probe microscopy. Working very closely with in-house experimental group, which focus on advanced characterization of atoms and molecules on surfaces by means of advanced UHV scanning probe techniques. This PhD project will explore new possibilities to simulate advanced scanning probe techniques using home-built tools and their further development. Among the areas of principal interest will be:

• Further development of high-resolution AFM/STM imaging tool with functionalized tips
• Understanding of atomic scale contrast of Kelvin probe force microscopy
• Simulation of in close collaboration with in-house experimental group operating low-temperature AFM/STM microscopes (single-electron charging, atomic manipulation, ultimate resolution of atoms and molecules, single-atom chemical analysis etc.)

References:

P. Hapala et al, Phys. Rev. B 90 (2014) 085421(1) - 085421(9).

P. Hapala et al, Phys. Rev. Lett. 113 (2014) 226101(1) - 226101(5).

J. van der Lit et al, Phys. Rev. Lett. 116 (2016) 096102(1) – 096102(5).

Large scale non-adiabatic molecular dynamics

The aim of this PhD project is further development and application of non-adiabatic molecular dynamics implemented in home-built local orbital DFT Fireball code. This PhD project will explore new possibilities to simulate time-dependent evolution of excited electronic states in molecules on surfaces and Silicon nanocrystals including hundreds of atoms. Among the areas of the principal interest will be:

• Further development of non-adiabatic molecular dynamics in local orbital DFT Fireball code
• Understanding of electron-hole pair dynamics in silicon nanocrystals with different surface passivation and its impact on their photoluminescence.
• Molecular switching of single molecules on surfaces and junctions

References:

V. Zobač et al, J. Phys.-Condens. Mat. 27 (2015) 175002(1) - 175002(11).

E. Abad et al, J. Chem. Phys. 138 (2013) 154106(1) - 154106(8).

P. Hapala et al, Phys. Rev. B 87 (2013) 195420(1) - 195420(13).

K. Kůsová et al, Adv. Mater. Interf. 1 (2014) 1300042(1) - 1300042(9).

Benefits of this studentship include:
• A tax-free stipend of 72k CZK per annum for 4 years (free of tax). The stipend may increase according to scientific progress.
• Employment contract per annum for 4 years up to 240k per annum submitted to regular tax
• Free tuition fees for up to 4 years.

Contact for Informal enquiries:

Dr. Pavel Jelinek: e-mail [email protected]

More information about research activities of the Nanosurf Lab can be found here:

http://nanosurf.fzu.cz/

Note: An official application for PhD study should be submitted to given PhD program after mutual agreement no later than 1. April 2016.