Netherlands - Delft University of Technology PhD Students in THz Near-Field Microscopy » Get Scholarship

Netherlands - Delft University of Technology PhD Students in THz Near-Field Microscopy

September 27th, 2007

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The Optics Research Group has two PhD positions available in the field of THz near-field microscopy.

Project and job description
Under normal circumstances, light cannot be focused down to spot sizes with diameters smaller than approximately half a wavelength. For radiation with a frequency of 1 THz, which corresponds to a wavelength of 300 micrometres, this implies that it is impossible to study objects smaller than about 150 micrometre. This so-called diffraction limit poses a problem for the development of a THz microscope.

The research proposed here is about methods to overcome the diffraction limit with the aim to develop a THz microscope with a spatial resolution of about 100 nm in the 1-50 THz frequency range. This frequency range is attractive as many organic molecules have resonances in this frequency range and such a microscope will have numerous biological applications.

Normally, the diffraction limit implies that when you illuminate an object with dimensions much smaller than the wavelength with THz light, the object has a negligible effect on the field very far away from the object, in the so-called far-field. It is only in the direct neighbourhood of the object that the THz field is significantly distorted.

We plan to investigate a number of new methods to study these near-field effects. These methods include the use of sharp metal tips, holes and other structures to concentrate light into a tiny volume, and they require fundamental studies into the nature of the near-field, the effects of plasmons, and evanescent waves.

Requirements
Applicants should have graduated in physics and be able to use state-of-the-art femtosecond lasers and optics. Knowledge of optics and lasers is an asset, and the successful candidate works well in a team.

Delft University of Technology is a bilingual organization. A good command of English (written and spoken) is essential, while a good command of Dutch is preferable.

Conditions of employment
The extent of this position is a maximum of 38 hours per week (1 FTE). This position has a temporary employment basis of 1 year (12 months). The estimated PhD starting salary is € 1,956 per month gross, with a maximum of € 2,502 gross (based on a full-time appointment and depending on experience). Benefits and other employment conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

The successful candidate will be employed by TU Delft for a fixed period of 4 years (48 months).
Within nine months from the start of the PhD research, the appointee will present his or her proposal to a scientific committee. If the proposal is approved, the appointment will be extended for another three years within which he or she is expected to write a dissertation leading to the Dr title (PhD thesis).

TU Delft strives to increase the number of women in higher academic positions; women are therefore especially encouraged to apply.

Information and application
For further details on the position you are welcome to contact dr. P.C.M. Planken, telephone: +31 (0)15-278 69 65 or +31 (0)15-278 14 44, email: p.c.m.planken@tudelft.nl.

To apply, please send a detailed CV together with a letter of motivation before 30 October, 2007 to

Delft University of Technology
Faculty of Applied Sciences
attn. dr. P.C.M. Planken
Lorentzweg 1
2628 CJ Delft
the Netherlands;

or apply online to: p.c.m.planken@tudelft.nl.

When applying for this job, please mention the vacancy number: TNWIST07-045.

For more information about Delft University of Technology, please visit www.tudelft.nl.

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