PhD position in physics: Experimental attosecond studies of processes in small quantum systems - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Synchrotron Radiation Physics (www.sljus.lu.se) is a part of the Department of Physics and has more than 40 employees. The focus of the research is on experimental studies of electronic, structural, and chemical properties of materials, as well as on accelerators and instrumentation for Synchrotron radiation. During the recent years, time-resolved studies have been the focus of many research groups to investigate fundamental processes in small quantum systems, charge dynamics in semiconductor and catalytic reactions on surface. We use and develop a wide range of lab- and synchrotron-based techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy/imaging and X-ray diffraction/imaging.

The Lund Attosecond Science Center (LASC, http://www.atomic.physics.lu.se/lasc), located at the Physics Department, is a world-leading research center in attosecond science that involves more than 20 scientists from various disciplines working within ultrafast science and attosecond technology. It is today Sweden’s largest research environment to study ultrafast dynamics of matter. It belongs to the Lund Laser Centre (LLC), Laserlab-Sweden and Laserlab-Europe. At the LASC, state-of-the-art attosecond light sources with intense XUV pulses (~µJ pulse energy at 10 Hz), tunable XUV pulses (at 1kHz) or ultrashort pulses with high repetition rate (at 200 kHz) are available, allowing to study electron dynamics in atoms, molecules and nano-scale systems.

The MAX IV laboratory (www.maxiv.lu.se/) is a national large-scale research laboratory hosted by Lund University and situated within biking distance from the Department of Physics. It provides scientists from Sweden and the rest of the world with the most brilliant Synchrotron radiation source and instrumentation for research on small quantum systems.

Job assignment

The aim of the project is to investigate dynamics of ultrafast processes in small quantum systems such as atoms, molecules and/or small clusters using photoelectron spectroscopy with 3D momentum imaging and coincidence techniques. A special focus on studying photoionization processes in atoms composed of many electrons shall be made to underpin our understanding on electron correlation and the quantum nature of correlated fermions. The PhD student shall work on experiments and the development of methods to study ultrafast dynamics beyond simple photoionization with attosecond light sources, and to some extent free-electron-lasers. Specific topics for the project include:

• The study of ultrafast dynamics with a few attosecond pulses in atoms or more complex quantum systems,
• The investigation of two interacting electrons in a dressed field,
• The development of techniques to perform spin-state selective experiments.

The research group has access to three fully functioning momentum imaging electron-ion spectrometers, two of which are located at advanced light sources like the LASC and the MAX IV Laboratory. The core of the work will be made in collaboration with the LASC. In addition, experiments can be performed at free-electron-lasers or our in-house laboratory at the Physics Department to develop and test new techniques before performing experiments with attosecond light sources.

The PhD position is part of a project entitled “Attosecond chronoscopy of electron wave-packets probing entanglement and time-ordering of quantum processes”, which is a collaboration between Lund, Goteborg and Stockholm Universities. The work will be performed in collaboration with several other researchers at the atomic Physics Division. There are good opportunities for collaboration with theoretical groups at the Mathematical Physics Division of the Physics Department.

The main task for the doctoral student will be to conduct research education which includes work with research but also to master graduate courses.

Entry requirements

A formal requirement for doctoral studies in physics is:

• a university degree on advanced level within a related field, such as a Master's degree in physics or equivalent, or
• substantial advanced course work at the Master level, or comparable, including an independent research project.

Furthermore, the acceptance is based on the estimated ability to accomplish postgraduate studies. Participation in several PhD schools (e.g. on ultrafast science) is offered.

Other requirements:

Good knowledge in spoken and written English is a requirement.

Basis of assessment

Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to postgraduate studies within the research area, such as a broad and thorough preparation in physics. This can be documented by appended documents.
2. Estimated ability to work independently and the ability to formulate and solve scientific questions. This ability can be established, for example, based on undergraduate research experiences, a Master's thesis or in a discussion of scientific problems during a possible interview.
3. Skills in written and oral communication.
4. Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience, programming skills or knowledge in electronics.

Other assessment criteria:

We consider good cooperation ability, drive and independent work ability as positive personal attributes. Experience in scientific interactions with researchers from other disciplines and from other countries is important.

For the present position, experience in the field of attosecond or ultrafast science is considered of high value. The ability for skillful laboratory work is important, including use of imaging spectrometers, mass spectrometers and (ultra)high vacuum technology. Experience in working with high harmonic generation or laser is of additional benefit.

Terms of employment

A PhD position is an employment with the main duty to be engaged in PhD studies according to the study plan. The duration of PhD studies is 4 years full time studies. In addition, those appointed to doctoral student position may be required to work with educational tasks, research and technical/administrative duties at a level of at most 20% of full time. The position is then extended correspondingly, however not longer than corresponding to 5 years full time employment. PhD positions are subject to special regulations. These can be found in the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1993:100, ch. 5, with updates). Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to PhD position.

Application procedure

Apply online! Applications must contain a covering letter in which applicants describe themselves and their particular research interests. Applications must also include a CV, a copy of the applicant’s Master’s thesis (or a summary text if the thesis is not yet completed), contact details of at least two references, copies of grade certificates, and any other documents that the applicant wishes to refer to.

The English version of this announcement is an interpretation of national formalities expressed in the Swedish text. In case of uncertainties, the Swedish text applies.