Postdoc - Nonlinear and Ultrafast THz Spectroscopy

Postion Description: The Femtosecond Spectroscopy Unit at OIST is recruiting postdoctoral researchers in the broad field of ‘nonlinear and ultrafast terahertz spectroscopy’. Previous and ongoing work in the unit in this field includes the development of novel and broadband terahertz sources [1,2], terahertz spectroscopy of magnetic materials in high magnetic fields [3,4] and transient photoconductivity of novel materials [5,6]. Opportunities exist for exploring new fields of science by combining terahertz technologies with other research interests within the group, including time-resolved photoemission electron microscopy [7,8] and the study of art materials [9].

The unit’s experimental facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories with multiple kHz, 100-kHz and MHz class amplified, ultrafast lasers, multiple ultrafast oscillator systems, a low-energy electron microscope and photoemission electron microscope (LEEM/PEEM), time-of-flight based Momentum Microscope (METIS-TOF) and a 17 T cryo-free superconducting magnet for nonlinear optical & THz measurements. First-rate shared institute facilities for nanofabrication and characterization are also available.

Interaction opportunities exist with various international institutes, including Stanford Univ. (California, USA), Rice Univ. (Houston, Texas, USA), École Normale Supérieure (Paris, France), TIFR (Mumbai, India) and Univ. of Cambridge (UK). Generous funding to present research results at international conferences is also available.

Qualifications: Postdoctoral applicants are expected to have a PhD in the broad areas of experimental nonlinear optics, terahertz spectroscopy, condensed matter physics, or a related field. Experience in time-domain terahertz spectroscopy is essential. Knowledge of van der Waals heterostructures, or magnetic materials will be an advantage.

Compensation and Benefits: In line with the values at OIST we are committed to attracting top-class researchers from across the world, and to ensuring a supportive, creative and productive atmosphere for them and their families. The final compensation package will take into consideration the candidates’ experience and background and will be competitive with international standards.

Application Instructions: Please submit (i) a cover letter (<1 page), stating your motivation to apply, (ii) your CV including publication list, and (iii) contact information of at least two references to recruiting-FSU@oist.jp. Short listed candidates may be invited for an interview to OIST. Applications will be reviewed as received.

References:

[1] 20 THz broadband generation using semi-insulating GaAs interdigitated photoconductive antennas, Optics Exp. 22, 26358 (2014).
[2] Patch antenna microcavity terahertz sources with enhanced emission, Appl. Phys. Lett. 109, 141103 (2016).
[3] Terahertz-frequency magnetoelectric effect in Ni-doped CaBaCo4O7, Phys. Rev. B 96, 094421 (2017).
[4] High-temperature terahertz optical diode effect without magnetic order in polar FeZnMo3O8, Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 037601 (2018).
[5] Ultrafast properties of femtosecond-laser-ablated GaAs and its application to terahertz optoelectronics, Opt. Lett 40 (14), 3388-3391 (2015).
[6] Engineering photophenomena in large, three dimensional structures composed of self-assembled van der Waals heterostructure flakes, Adv. Opt. Materials 3, 1551 (2015).
[7] Imaging the motion of electrons across semiconductor heterojunctions, Nat. Nanotechnol. 12, 36 (2017).
[8] Pulling apart photoexcited electrons by photoinducing an in-plane surface electric field, Science Advances 4, eaat9722 (2018).
[9] Obtaining cross-sections of paint layers in cultural artifacts using femtosecond pulsed lasers, Materials 10, 107 (2017).