Postdoc: Shining Light on Atomic Scale Processes
Postdoc: Shining Light on Atomic Scale Processes
Institute AMOLF
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Hybrid Nanosystems group at NWO-Institute AMOLF is looking for a postdoc for investigating light-induced processes in situ inside the transmission electron microscope (TEM). Modern TEMs now can routinely visualize materials all the way down to the atomic level, revealing unexpected insights into the influence of chemical structure on material properties. At the same time, recent developments in nanophotonics and plasmonics make it possible to concentrate light nearly to the atomic scale within picoseconds, opening up unprecedented control over where, when and how energy is injected into a material. At AMOLF, we will get a unique TEM which combines light excitation with atomic scale imaging opening up an exciting world of novel in situ capabilities. As excitingly, with the addition of an ultrafast beam blanker and the Amsterdam Scientific Instruments (ASI) Cheetah T3 detector we will be able to push the underlying time resolution to ultrafast time scales with a resolution of up to 640 million frames per second. With these technical capabilities the TEM will be the first of its kind making so far impossible experiments possible.
Within the project, you will explore the technical possibilities of the new infrastructure and study how photochemical, photothermal and photovoltaic processes alter materials at the atomic scale. Such atomic-scale details are predicted to be crucial for catalytic conversion efficiency and selectivity (essential for solar-driven chemical and fuel production) as well as for photovoltaic efficiency, but are largely unknown. At the start, you will focus on two scientific research questions: 1) How can we atomically engineer metal nanoparticles through pulsed laser excitation? By being able to directly visualize light-induced atomic-scale changes in situ inside the TEM, you will target to make and stabilize high-index facets and program atomic defects by kinetically trapping non-equilibrium structures by tuning laser excitation conditions. Achieving such atomic control is a long-sought goal of catalysis and will significantly contribute to the improvement of catalytic systems. 2) How do mixed perovskite films demix? You will directly visualize the light driven ion migration that leads to phase separation, helping to resolve the debate over the underlying mechanism. This understanding will enable us to tune the light driven phase separation, either enhancing it to enable optoelectronic materials that can learn or suppressing it to yield optoelectronic devices with properties that are stable for many years.
The project is highly collaborative and embedded in a larger consortium of researchers at ARCNL, UvA and VU working on photochemical, photothermal and photovoltaic processes. You will help to set up experiments with researchers inside and outside the consortium. Within AMOLF, you will team up on the perovskite side with Prof. Garnett’s group and connect to ongoing projects on light driven chemistry in Prof. Ehrler, Prof. Alarcon-Llado and Prof. Polman groups. You will also work closely with the NanoLab Amsterdam staff, who are aiding in technical implementations. Furthermore, this project will be performed in close collaboration with JEOL-IDES (TEM manufacturer, light incoupling and ultrafast electron beam blanking units) and ASI (ultrafast detection).
Qualifications
You need to meet the requirements for a doctors-degree and must have research experience in a non-Dutch academic environment. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in transmission electron microscopy and strong social, organizational and communication skills. Excellent verbal and written English skills are essential.
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