Job description
SUMMARY
Attosecond science is concerned with the dynamics of matter at ultimate times, using light pulses of attosecond duration (10-18 s). Our laboratory has been a pioneer in the development and use of these pulses for the study of matter. In particular, we operate several platforms dedicated to attosecond spectroscopy of solids.
During this PhD project, we will develop new attosecond experiments aimed at elucidating the dynamics of one of the most important and intriguing degrees of freedom in solids: the spins of their electrons. This quantity is responsible for the magnetic properties of materials, with applications ranging from data storage devices to spintronic components. In general, current devices use electrical currents to transmit and manipulate information.
Here, we aim to answer a seemingly simple question: can we use a laser field, instead of a current, to control the electron spins of a solid? Answering this question first of all requires intrinsically fundamental investigations, as well as having the concrete potential of much faster operations. Indeed, the response of magnetic materials to optical frequencies (at times of less than 10 fs) is almost totally unknown to date. We propose to solve this problem by performing experiments that combine spin sensitivity and attosecond resolution for the first time. By carefully shaping attosecond pulses and using state-of-the-art detection schemes, we will aim to establish a technique called attosecond magnetic dichroism, which will reveal the response of spins in materials on the time scale of the electric field of light. We will first focus on simple three-dimensional ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic systems, before turning to their two-dimensional counterparts. Indeed, in so-called 2D materials, we can expect light-spin interactions to be magnified, if not fundamentally new. By understanding how light interacts with electron spins in 2D, we will provide essential elements for the integration of future low-dimensional spintronic components.
The student will acquire practical knowledge of experimental ultrafast optics and time-resolved spectroscopy of condensed matter, in particular magnetic materials. He/she will become an expert in attosecond physics and technology, while acquiring valuable skills in complex data acquisition and analysis.
Laboratory
Institut rayonnement et matière de Saclay
Interactions, Dynamics and Lasers Laboratory Department
Dynamics and Interactions in the Condensed Phase
RESEARCHER TO CONTACT (PhD supervisor)
Romain
GENEAUX
CEA
DRF/IRAMIS/LIDyL/DICO
Tel: 0169087886
Job location
Site
Saclay
Job location
Orme des Merisiers
City
Gif-Sur-Yvette
Practical information
Recommended training
M2 physics/engineering degree with good knowledge of optics and/or condensed matter
University / Doctoral school :
Ondes et Matière (EDOM)