Due to the withdrawal of the candidate, the Phd position at the University of Limoges is still open. New deadline for applications: 15/09/2019

PhD position available - University of Limoges: Understanding the relationship between the structure and the third-order nonlinear properties of tellurium oxides-based glasses.

A Ph.D opening is available at the "multi-scale structural organization of materials" group lead by Prof. Olivier Masson at the institute of research on ceramics (IRCER), University of Limoges-CNRS UMR 7315 (France)

Context:
Oxide materials containing elements with lone electron pair feature a particular crystal chemistry generally associated to the stereochemical activity of this lone pair. Among these oxides, TeO2-based materials are of great scientific and technological interest. In the crystalline state, they exhibit a series of extraordinary characteristics associated with their dielectric, electro-mechanical, piezoelectric, opto-acoustic and optical properties. In the vitreous state, they feature exceptional non-linear dielectric susceptibilities: those of order 3 are 20 to 50 times higher than that of silica. This makes them particularly attractive for ultra-fast switching applications in the field of telecommunications and information technology. Binary TeO2 based material could be formed by adding other oxides (Nb2O5, TiO2, WO3...). These systems are targeted in order to reinforce the mechanical properties of the sample, with a subsequent view on the shaping of these materials (production of massive preforms).

PhD project:
In this framework, the present thesis aims at (i) a systematic study of the physico-chemical properties of vitreous TeO2-based systems through molecular dynamics simulations based on classical interaction potentials and ab-initio techniques (based on density functional theory). (ii) clarifying the influence of tellurium and oxygen lone electron pairs on short and medium range orders. (iii) studying the nonlinear optical properties of these glasses with a particular focus at their atomic scale structural origins. (iv) designing binary TeO2-based oxide glasses with targeted optical properties. Depending on the candidate motivation and background, he/she could be also involved in the experimental study of TeO2-based systems (i.e., X-ray total scattering, vibrational spectroscopy, Z-scan and CARS Multiplex)

Qualifications:
Qualified candidates are required to hold a Diploma/Master in physics, chemistry, material science or condensed matter theory with a good background knowledge of density functional theory and/or classical molecular dynamics techniques and/or fundamental quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics. Programming experience (Fortran, Python, C and/or C++) is highly advantageous. Experience in machine learning is a plus.
Good command of English, both written and oral, is compulsory.

How to apply:
The interested PhD candidate should send a single PDF file containing: curriculum vitae, publication list (if any), and the list of passed examinations and relative marks. In addition, the interested PhD candidate should also express his/her motivation in a cover letter and arrange confidential letters of recommendation to be sent to the contact points below. Only complete applications will be processed.

Assessment:
Acceptance of candidates is subordinated to a further selection from the Doctoral School of the University of Limoges. A mandatory oral presentation will be scheduled on September for the selected candidates who will be notified of acceptance.

Appointment: The starting date for the Ph.D. position will be December 1, 2019 and the position is intended for three years.

Application Deadline: September 15, 2019 at 12:00 am (Paris time).

Further information available at: https://www.ircer.fr/

Contact Information Points:
Dr. Assil Bouzid
email: [email protected]
Phone: +33587502402

Prof. Olivier Masson
email: [email protected]
Phone: +33587502376
Institute of research on ceramics
European center of ceramics
12 Rue Atlantis, 87068 Limoges (France)