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Open Positions

Ph.D. position in Chemical Physics

Spectroscopy driven design of hybrid photo-catalytic systems for efficient CO2 to fuel conversion

Click here for further details and the link to the application.
Click here to come to the Pullerits group.

Postdoc in single molecule spectroscopy group of Ivan Scheblykin  (1+1 year) is available.

The general direction of the project is to utilize luminescence micro-spectroscopy of different kinds (single molecule/nanocrystals spectroscopy at room and cryogenic temperatures, polarization luminescence microscopy (2DPOLIM technique), super-resolution microscopy (including STED), photon correlation experiments and so on) to study different types of semiconductors from conjugated polymers to metal-halide perovskites.
Starting date: as soon as possible.
 
The candidate should have a good publication record and a strong background in optical spectroscopy (especially in luminescence spectroscopy) of organic/inorganic semiconductors and preferably in single molecule spectroscopy. Previous experience with cryogenic measurements is a plus.
 
Deep understating of fundamentals of light-induces processes in molecules and solids is required. We do not use standard fluorescence microscopes, that is why excellent experimental (ability to design and built your own unique experimental setup) and programming skills (Mathlab, Python, Labview) are expected.
 
The applications should be sent by email to ivan.scheblykin@chemphys.lu.se

Master/Bachelor Projects

We are always seeking motivated students to undertake master/bachelor projects in our labs. Currenlty we have 17 such projects listed below: 

  1. Sub-10 Femtosecond Pulse Compression Using Deformable mirror: From Deep-UV to NIR
    (Contact person: Donatas Zigmantas, email: donatas.zigmantas@chemphys.lu.se )
     
  2. Mapping Ultrafast Relaxation in Photosynthetic Pigments Using Multidimensional Electronic Spectroscopy
    (Contact person: Donatas Zigmantas, email: donatas.zigmantas@chemphys.lu.se )
     
  3. Spontaneous Synchronization for Cooperative Light Emission 
    Brief description: The project’s focus is to investigate how two-level systems synchronize light emission spontaneously at the nanoscale. The project has both theoretical and experimental dimensions: modeling of cooperative interactions (e.g., dipole-dipole, field-dipole coupling) with relevance to adjacent phenomena of amplified spontaneous emission and lasing; experimental studies of nanocrystal assemblies exhibiting collective emission, as well as macroscopic LED prototypes.
    (Contact person: Dmitry Baranov, email: dmitry.baranov@chemphys.lu.se)
     
  4. Chirality Transfer at Nanoscale
    Brief description: The project’s focus is to develop chiral nano-emitters with high quantum yield and circular polarization in photoluminescence. This is mainly an experimental project involving the synthesis of chiral nano-luminophores, their self-assembly on metasurface patterns, and characterization with circular dichroism, circular photoluminescence, as well as femtosecond transient absorption with polarization control.
    (Contact person: Dmitry Baranov, email: dmitry.baranov@chemphys.lu.se
     
  5. Machine Learning for Materials Discovery
    Breif description: The project’s focus is to study and apply computational approaches to parse unstructured scientific data, identify knowledge gaps, and discover interdisciplinary opportunities in material science and chemical physics. The project combines machine learning, natural language processing, and large language models to analyze complex research literature to discern patterns and accelerate innovation.
    (Contact person: Dmitry Baranov, email: dmitry.baranov@chemphys.lu.se)
     
  6. Enzymatic reaction enabled by photo-electro catalysis. 
    In this project, you will work with our novel nanowire electrode for light-induced water splitting and catalytic reactions. We are using this electrode to regenerate NAD+ to NADH. NADH is the co-factor used in 1/4 of all enzymatic reactions. In this project we study the regeneration reaction using light as one of the driving components. What makes this project unique is that we currently have a remarkable quantum efficiency of 13.3% solar to hydrogen conversion efficiency in a system that can effectively be created even on a larger scale and thus see a clear pathway for later industrialization.
    (Contact person: Uhlig Group, email: Jens.uhlig@chemphys.lu.se
     
  7. Simulation of matter-light interaction in porous nanowire-based Photo-electrode with world record quantum efficiency
    In this project, you will work with our novel nanowire electrode for light-induced water splitting. In this electrode based on silicon nanowires coated with a plasmonic layer, we have found plasmonic and light-guiding effects that significantly influence the optical absorption. In initial Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) calculations, we could reproduce the effects such as diameter, length coating. This work now needs to be expanded to include more complicated structures that will allow us to precisely tune the optical absorption. What makes this project unique is that we currently have a remarkable quantum efficiency of 13.3% solar to hydrogen conversion efficiency in a system that can effectively be created even on a larger scale.
    (Contact person: Uhlig Group, email: Jens.uhlig@chemphys.lu.se
     
  8. Using Atomic layer deposition to create a passivation layer on porous nanowire-based Photo-electrode with world record quantum efficiency
    In this project, you will work with our novel nanowire electrode for light-induced water splitting. In this electrode based on silicon nanowires coated with a plasmonic layer we have found plasmonic and light-guiding effects that significantly influence optical absorption. Essential for the functioning of these electrodes is their longevity. To reach industrial-relevant periods, we need to extend our current lifetime by developing and depositing a novel passivation layer using atomic layer deposition at the NanoLund facilities. You will develop this layer and use state of the art analysis methods at e.g. MaxIV to characterize it. What makes this project unique is that we currently have a remarkable quantum efficiency of 13.3% solar to hydrogen conversion efficiency in a system that can effectively be created even on a larger scale.
    (Contact person: Uhlig Group, email: Jens.uhlig@chemphys.lu.se
     
  9. Studying light-matter interactions in porous nanowire based Photo-electrode with world record quantum efficiency using action spectroscopy
    In this project, you will work with our novel nanowire electrode for light-induced water splitting. In this electrode based on silicon nanowires coated with plasmonic layer we have found plasmonic and light-guiding effects that significantly influence optical absorption. Based on Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) calculations and experiments, we can in principle, tune the optical absorption of silicon nanowires by adjusting their shape. In this work, we want to explore this effect to create nanowires that absorb specific wavelengths in the infrared.  What makes this project unique is that we currently have a remarkable quantum efficiency of 13.3% solar to hydrogen conversion efficiency in a system that can effectively be created even on a larger scale.(Contact person: Uhlig Group, email: Jens.uhlig@chemphys.lu.se
     
  10. Studying the efficiency of photocatalysis in porous nanowire based Photo-electrode using in-situ Raman Spectroscopy
    In this project, you will work with our novel nanowire electrode for light-induced water splitting. In this electrode based on silicon nanowires coated with plasmonic layer we have found plasmonic and light-guiding effects that significantly influence optical absorption. The electrode we are creating is highly efficient in creating e.g. hydrogen. However to further improve the efficiency it is essential that we can characterize the produced gases in-situ, meaning during operation. For that you will design a setup in which we can perform Raman spectroscopy in the headspace (the place above the electrodes) to determine the hydrogen concentration without disturbing the reaction below. This will include building a resonator setup and to write the analysis software. What makes this project unique is that we currently have a remarkable quantum efficiency of 13.3% solar to hydrogen conversion efficiency in a system that can effectively be created even on a larger scale. 
    (Contact person: Uhlig Group, email: Jens.uhlig@chemphys.lu.se)
     
  11. Spectro-electrochemistry using X-ray absorption spectroscopy
    In this project, you will work with our novel nanowire electrode for light-induced water splitting. The electrode we are creating is highly efficient in creating e.g. hydrogen. However, to further improve the efficiency, it is essential that we can understand under what conditions charges can travel through the different layers in the system. In this project we will use in-situ X-ray spectroscopy to observe the change of oxidation state and influence of different potentials onto the materials. What makes this project unique is that we currently have a remarkable quantum efficiency of 13.3% solar to hydrogen conversion efficiency in a system that can effectively be created even on a larger scale. 
    (Contact person: Uhlig Group, email: Jens.uhlig@chemphys.lu.se)
     
  12. Fluid dynamics simulation of molecular motion in a matrix of porous nanowires
    In this project, you will work with our novel nanowire electrode for light-induced water splitting. Our electrodes are based on a dense forest of porous silicon wires coated with a plasmonic active layer. In this project you will use fluid dynamics or molecular dynamics simulations to determine how the reactions affect the material transport into and out of the pores of the wire. What makes this project unique is that we currently have a remarkable quantum efficiency of 13.3% solar to hydrogen conversion efficiency in a system that can effectively be created even on a larger scale. 
    (Contact person: Uhlig Group, email: Jens.uhlig@chemphys.lu.se
     
  13. Using polymeric self assembly for creating pattern in nanowire synthesis
    In this project, you will work with our novel nanowire electrode for light-induced water splitting. Our electrodes are synthesized from a metallic pattern on stock silicon wafers. Currently these seeds are created with a lithograhic step that we aim to replace. Polymers in the right blend can self-assemble to form distinct patterns on a surface. These patterns can then be transferred into a metallic mask. The advantage of using this polymeric approach is the free scalability of the sample. Or with other words it is essential for making wafers large enough for industrial deployment.  What makes this project unique is that we currently have a remarkable quantum efficiency of 13.3% solar to hydrogen conversion efficiency in a system that can effectively be created even on a larger scale. 
    (Contact person: Uhlig Group, email: Jens.uhlig@chemphys.lu.se)
     
  14. Describing light induced dynamics with probabilistic methods
    Over the last 15 years we have developed a modelling software for kinetic modelling of dynamical processes called KiMoPack. We have currently approx. 200 users worldwide. The current library of kinetic models is based on differential equations that describe the different flows. In this project we want to describe kinetic models using probabilistic methods, which is essential for any dynamics in solids. We also want to create a GUI to select and effectively fit these models and interface with the currently develop AI version of tool. This project requires basic Python knowledge.
    (Contact person: Uhlig Group, email: Jens.uhlig@chemphys.lu.se
     
  15. Master thesis opportunity: Unravelling the Future of Cancer Treatment through Flash Radiolysis with Microkinetic Modelling
    Calling all chemistry students! Take part in our cutting-edge multidisciplinary project that aims to redefine cancer therapy. Your primary goal is to decipher the underlying mechanisms responsible for a remarkable reduction of side effects observed in patients undergoing flash radiolysis.  In this master thesis project, we will extend and enhance our existing Python-based program to perform microkinetic simulations of the chemical reactions occurring in cells following electron or x-ray irradiation. We need to incorporate varying ion concentrations and simulate conditions reminiscent of intracellular environments to understand the interplay of chemical reactions inside a cell. This project is in close collaboration with esteemed researchers from the Medical faculty, and you will join forces with a dedicated postdoc who will validate some of your theoretical findings through complementary experiments. While no expert knowledge of Python is required, a rudimentary understanding such as is gained by the course Kemm30 will be advantageous as you expand the capabilities of our existing simulation script. To excel in this project, a background in inorganic chemistry is valuable. Your task will be to estimate the elementary chemical reactions involved and determine their rates under varying conditions. You will find our project environment supportive, inclusive, and conducive to academic growth. We foster a collaborative atmosphere that nurtures independent thinking and encourages intellectual curiosity. Your participation in this transformative endeavour will not only contribute to scientific knowledge but also shape the future of cancer therapy. While this project is freestanding and should lead to a publication, the project is intended to continue beyond this initial master thesis. Want to know more? Contact us  and become part of a dynamic team committed to making a difference in the lives of countless cancer patients worldwide. (Contact person: Uhlig Group, email: Jens.uhlig@chemphys.lu.se)
     
  16. Master/Bachelor thesis to develop the Next generation of detectors for Material Analysis
    We are excited to offer a master thesis opportunity in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Chemistry to develop a new type of detector for X-ray fluorescence using semiconductor nanowires. We are aiming to build a new generation of x-ray detectors based on a new design of nano-wires. Originally developed for infrared spectroscopy, our innovative material system utilizes the complex electronic surfaces of nanowires to produce a very high optical gain, i.e. many charge carriers for a single absorbed x-ray photon. This high gain increases both the sensitivity and spectral resolution that can be achieved with a detector. This promising development has wide-reaching applications in various industries, such as analyzing color pigments in images, detecting contaminations in food, and metal analysis. As a master student, you will build a small light-tight chamber with a pre-amplifier and potentially an AD converter based on Arduino, and then test the nanowire detectors with a tabletop X-ray source or the cutting-edge synchrotron radiation facility, MaxIV. With our pre-tests showing that this type of detector works in principle, the main objective will be to perform more careful tests and build a prototype to evaluate its real performance. The ideal candidate should have some experience with microelectronics and be excited about working independently on this project for 3-6 months. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant contribution to scientific advancement and potentially develop a product with a wide reach. Join us in this exciting journey to push the boundaries of modern detection technology! (Contact person: Uhlig Group, email: Jens.uhlig@chemphys.lu.se)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
  17. Using the phenomenon of luminescence for optical calculations
    Here we are using the concept of memlumor (https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsenergylett.4c00691) and the memory effects observed in photoluminescence response of semiconductors (in particular in metal-halide perovskites). We are searching for innovative optical schemes which would combine classical optical computing in free space (e.g. Fourie filtering) with the possibility to have memory in the luminescence signal. Potentially this can enable neuromorphic optical calculations on these novel principles.                                            (Contact person: Scheblykin Group, email: ivan.scheblykin@chemphys.lu.se

 

Please contact individual group leaders if you are interested in undertaking other project with us, we always can define something interesting that is not already mentioned here.