Postdoc in Direct view to Quantum Dot prototyping - DTU Nanolab

Explore cutting-edge quantum technology! We seek a postdoc to help prototype Crystal Phase Quantum Dots in nanowires using advanced transmission electron microscopy. Ideal candidates should have expertise in microfabrication, nanowire growth, and optical/electrical characterization.
Quantum dots are "artificial atoms" and key components in advanced quantum control of light and electricity, as they offer discrete energy states that can be finely tuned. Unlike traditional quantum dots made from different materials, Crystal Phase Quantum Dots (CPQDs) are based on changing the crystal structure within a crystal rod or nanowire (NW) of the same material, offering unprecedented control over the quantum dot properties.

This project aims to pioneer CPQD formation in NWs by adjusting growth conditions inside a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), enabling real-time growth observations with a direct view to quantum dot prototyping! This avoids the ‘black box’ of traditional growth reactors where you have little knowledge of what is going on as the CPQD are formed. However, bridging the unique control of the crystal phase engineering during growth in a TEM with optical measurements of the functionality is a major challenge due to contamination of the samples during growth, which will be addressed during the project.

We will use a combination of advanced TEM with integrated MOCVD and MBE systems for in-situ observations and microfabricated cantilevers with local heating and rapid temperature variations changing e.g., 100oC in a few milliseconds. This temperature change is much faster than the growth rate of single crystal layers. The temperature shift and structural changes can be seen during NW growth, which is supported by preliminary results. The TEMs available for the project are the only ones of their kind in the world and the combination of MBE and MOCVD can give otherwise unattainable insights into growth dynamics of well-established ex-situ growth techniques. A combination of established experience and access to state-of-the-art microfabrication facilities gives a head start when it comes to the microfabricated cantilevers. Similarly, on-site expertise will be available at the TEM and PL facilities.

The candidate will preferably be involved in all the individual experimental work including chip fabrication and characterization, TEM and optical measurements including analysis of the results and experimental iterations to reach successful opto-electrical quantum dot devices.

This 2 year Post Doc position will be part of Prof. Kristian S. Mølhave’s Molecular Windows group at DTU Nanolab under the supervision of Christopher R. Y. Andersen at DTU Nanolab. The group develops microchip-based systems and methods or microscopy that provide improved understanding of complex processes by combining key control and analysis capabilities with optical and electron microscopy for use in both fundamental and applied science. The work will be built on previous experience and material available making the optimal start.

Responsibilities and qualifications
For this position it is an advantage with documented experience in one or more of the following key aspects of the project:

• Microfabrication
• Electrical device characterization
• (Nano-)crystal structures and growth
• (Environmental) Transmission Electron Microscopy
• Optical characterization including Raman and Photoluminescence
• Finite element modelling using Comsol or similar software
• Image analysis methods using Python or similar

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The position is open for employment as soon as possible, preferably with starting date 1 March 2025, and employment ending no later than 1 March 2027.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Christopher R. Y. Andersen [email protected] phone +45 2886 2072.

You can read more about DTU Nanolab at www.nanolab.dtu.dk and the research group on www.nanolab.dtu.dk/mowin.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 22 December 2024 (23.59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications
• Reference letters and contact details to persons for reference statements should preferably be included

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As the position involves research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, among other things, open-source background checks will be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Nanolab
The National Centre for Nano Fabrication and Characterization in Denmark is at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). We provide access to a specially constructed facility for advanced electron microscopy and to 1500 m2 of cleanroom allowing state of the art processing to fabricate chips and devices for a large variety of applications. Our expertise is research based, with multiple research groups that focus on methods for imaging and characterization down to atomic resolution and on scalable nanofabrication technologies.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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