PhD Position in Experimental Physics with focus on Optical Frequency Comb Spectroscopy

Department of Physics is looking for a PhD student in experimental physics for a project aimed at high-resolution optical frequency comb spectroscopy of molecules of importance in astrophysics. The position will open in the fall 2024 (exact start date can be negotiated). The application deadline is Jun 10, 2024.

Project Description
The Optical Frequency Comb Spectroscopy Group (www.umucombs.org) works with development and applications of optical frequency comb spectroscopy for broadband precision measurements and sensitive detection of molecular species in gas phase. 

We are now seeking a PhD student to work on the project aimed at high-resolution broadband spectroscopy of molecules of importance in astrophysics. Satellite- and ground-based observations of hot-Jupiter exoplanets revealed the presence of molecular species in their atmospheres. The observed spectra carry information about the composition, conditions and photo-chemistry in the exoplanetary atmospheres. To extract this information, accurate theoretical models of high-temperature spectra are needed. These, in turn, must be verified by data obtained from high-precision laboratory measurements. Such data are missing for many molecular species, because high-temperature spectra are difficult to obtain and very congested, and therefore hard to analyze. To circumvent this problem, we employ double-resonance spectroscopy with a frequency comb probe to selectively measure and assign individual hot-band transitions of methane and other molecules of importance in astrophysics. In double-resonance spectroscopy, a high-power laser pumps a single energy level and a weaker laser probes transitions from this selectively populated level to higher energy levels. Using a frequency comb as a probe allows the detection of a large number of these transitions simultaneously with high accuracy. Following the initial demonstration, described in Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 063001 (2021) Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 063001 (2021) - Sub-Doppler Double-Resonance Spectroscopy of Methane Using a Frequency Comb Probe (aps.org) (doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.063001), we recently developed a cavity-enhanced system with increased sensitivity for the comb probe, as described in Nat. Commun. 15, 161 (2024) Sub-Doppler optical-optical double-resonance spectroscopy using a cavity-enhanced frequency comb probe | Nature Communications (doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-44417-2). The aim of the PhD project is to use this system to measure and assign hot band transitions reaching the 9000 cm-1 energy levels in ethylene, and to further develop the system to reach the 12000 cm-1 energy levels in methane. The data obtained in the project will allow the verification of the theoretical predictions of high-temperature spectra, which in turn are needed to improve the accuracy of the modelling of high-temperature environments on exoplanets. 

The project encompasses further development of the spectroscopic system, data acquisition and analysis, and theoretical modelling of the signals, in collaboration with theorists. Our group offers a dynamic, creative, ambitious and international environment, with many external collaborations and opportunities for the student to present papers at international conferences.

Competence requirements
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad or equivalent qualifications.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level within the subject of experimental physics, the applicant is required to have completed courses within the field of physics comprising at least 120 credits. The requirements do not need to be fulfilled at the time of application but only at the enrollment.

Experience in experimental laboratory research, including optics and electronics, is necessary. The applicant must be highly motivated and have the ability to work independently as well as a part of the research group. The candidate must be fluent in both oral and written English.

Terms of employment 
The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in the described research project but also to take relevant courses. Teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students. The position will open in the fall 2024 (exact start date can be negotiated). 

Application 
The application should include:
1.      A cover letter with a brief description of qualifications, research interests, and motivation.
2.     Curriculum vitae.
3.     Certified copies of relevant degree diploma(s).
4.     A list of university courses with grades. For international applicants the grading system should be explained in brief.
5.      A copy of master thesis and publications (if any).
6.     Contact information of three reference persons.

Applications must be submitted via e-recruitment system Varbi on June 10, 2024 at the latest. All documents should be uploaded in pdf format.  

Information
For more information contact professor Aleksandra Foltynowicz Matyba, aleksandra.foltynowicz@umu.se.

We look forward to receiving your application!