PhD Student (m/f/d)

The Leibniz Institute for Crystal Growth (IKZ) is a leading research institution in the field of science & technology as well as service & transfer of crystalline materials. Our goal is to enable solutions for pressing societal challenges (e.g. communication, artificial intelligence, climate protection, health, etc.) through modern electronic & photonic technologies. The work covers the entire spectrum from basic and applied research to pre-industrial development and is carried out in cooperation with national and international partners from universities, academies and industry. The institute is part of the Forschungsverbund Berlin (https://www.fv-berlin.de/) and a member of the Leibniz Association (https://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de). You can find more details on the institute webpage: https://www.ikz-berlin.de.

The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung currently looking for a

PhD Student (m/f/d)

for the topic:

„In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy of Ultraviolet LED Materials Degradation Mechanisms“

Starting time: January 2025

Ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based on (Al, Ga)N find applications across various sectors, such as disinfection, sterilization, UV curing, and analytical instruments. They represent environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional mercury-based light sources. However, despite their potentials, current UV LED commercial viability is hampered by short lifespans of a few hundred to a few thousand hours and suboptimal power-to-light conversion efficiencies.

The primary objective of this PhD project is to investigate the degradation mechanisms of UV LEDs via in situ TEM. By doing so, we aim to provide valuable insights to material growth and device fabrication to improve the efficiency and lifetime. The selected student will mainly work with the newly installed Thermo Fisher Helios Hydra UX dual beam and state of the art TEM Thermo Fisher Spectra Ultra with Thermo Fisher Iliad EELS system in IKZ’s Application Lab for In Situ Electron Microscopy (ALISE).

The concrete work will also involve developing and standardizing the workflow on sample preparation and in situ TEM characterization. The project has close collaboration with the leading industry company of ams OSRAM, the in situ SEM-CL, in situ XRD groups in IKZ, the LED material groups in IKZ and TU Braunschweig, and the theoretical calculation and artificial intelligence group at Humboldt University. The aim of the collaboration is to reveal the intricate degradation mechanisms across length and temporal scales.

Prospective candidate should possess a master's degree or its equivalent in physics, physical chemistry, materials science, or a related discipline. Preference will be given to candidates with a background in FIB sample preparation, TEM, electric transportation or LED material science.

What we offer

The position is funded by ams OSRAM under the EU IPCEI (Important Project of Common European Interest)’s OptoSuRe Project (https://ams-osram.com/about-us/public-funded-r-d/ipcei). It will be firstly limited to three years, an extension for another year is possible. Payment is according to TVöD Bund (75 %) (Collective agreement for the public sector) including the usual social benefits (30 vacation days in a 5-day week, flexible working hours). The Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung actively supports a healthy work-life balance and is an equal opportunities employer. There is equality for applicants of all genders. Female candidates are encouraged to apply and will be given preference if suitably qualified. Among equally qualified candidates, preference will be given to candidates with disabilities.

If you want to have more information about the project, please contact us:

Dr. Dan Zhou (dan.zhou(at)ikz-berlin.de)

Dr. Martin Albrecht (martin.albrecht(at)ikz-berlin.de)

Have we aroused your interest?

Then apply with a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae and all relevant certificates. To do so, please go to Job offers/jobs on our homepage and click on this advertisement and then on "Apply online". Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

We look forward to receiving your application!