Postdoctoral position in attosecond physics

Description of the workplace

The Department of Atomic Physics at the Department of Physics, Lund University, has a staff of approximately 50 researchers, including visiting researchers and doctoral students. The research at the department is primarily based on the use of lasers, ranging from diode lasers to terawatt lasers at the High-Power Laser Laboratory. The research areas include the interaction between intense laser fields and matter, attosecond science, quantum information, solid-state X-ray spectroscopy, laser applications in medicine and biology, as well as industrial applications. More information is available at www.atomic.physics.lu.se. 

Subject description

The positions are linked to the attosecond group at the department. The group's research includes ultrafast optics and lasers, generation of attosecond pulses and applications of these to the study of ultrafast phenomena in various systems.

We are looking for one to three postdocs to develop attosecond pulse sources and to study dynamic processes in atoms and molecules using electron spectrometers. The positions imply the development of ultra-short pulse technology at high repetition rate in new wavelength ranges, with the help of multipass cells or optical parametric amplifiers.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

The postdoctoral positions are proposed around one of the following projects:

1. Manipulation of ultrashort laser pulses from an industrial ytterbium laser for high-order harmonic generation.
   The project involves pulse compression in a multipass cell, pulse shaping in both time and frequency domains, beam shaping using spatial light modulators (SLMs), and generation of new wavelengths via nonlinear optical processes. These pulses will be used to optimize high-order harmonic generation for applications.
2. Development of an attosecond pulse source in the X-ray region.
   The goal is to continue the development of a high-repetition-rate (200 kHz) short-pulse laser system in the infrared spectral region (1.8 μm), optimize the generation of attosecond pulses with high photon energy, and develop time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy using these pulses.
3. Time-resolved studies of atoms and molecules.
   The project involves the generation of short attosecond pulse trains from a CEP-stabilized 200-kHz, 6-fs OPCPA laser system. By manipulating the pulses’ CEP, the number of attosecond pulses in the train can be controlled. We will study the interaction of these pulses with atomic and molecular gases using a three-dimensional photoelectron momentum spectrometer.

The tasks include:

• Operation and development of a femtosecond laser system,
• Generation of attosecond pulses by harmonic generation in a gas,
• Explore applications.

Duties also include supervision of master and doctoral students.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience in ultrafast optics
• Practical experience with femtosecond lasers or harmonic generation
• Works well in a group.

Assessment criteria

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Other qualifications:

• Experience with femtosecond lasers and ultrafast optics
• Experience in harmonic generation and attosecond physics
• Other skills, e.g. instrument programming, data analysis, vacuum technology, mechanical design

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University.

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English. Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome to apply!