Jülich: Master Thesis in Physics or Materials Science: Remanent phase shifter based on memristive technology

This master thesis is part of the NeuroSys B1 project, which aims to develop energy-efficient optical transmission technologies for neuromorphic hardware accelerators. The rapid growth of AI systems is shifting computation toward densely interconnected processing units, increasing demands on bandwidth, connectivity density, and energy efficiency in data centers. As a result, copper interconnects are increasingly being replaced by optical technologies over short distances. The strong industrial relevance of NeuroSys B1 is highlighted by the recent acquisition of the Aachen-based startup and project partner aiXscale by Astera Labs, a leading provider of rack-scale AI systems. However, short-distance optical interconnects are still limited by the high energy consumption of electro-optical signal processing. To overcome this, the project investigates electro-optical artificial neural networks based on reconfigurable optical circuits with remanent phase shifters that require energy only to change their state.

Your Job:

At Peter Grünberg Institute - Electronic Materials (PGI-7), we have extensive expertise in the design, fabrication, and characterization of area-dependent memristive devices. The project aims to bridge memristive technology and integrated photonic circuits by developing a novel photonic component. The work contributes to an emerging interdisciplinary research field combining electronics and photonics. Your main objectives will be:

• Design and fabricate area-dependent memristive devices, and integrate them with optical waveguides to function as remanent optical phase shifters. Investigate how resistive switching mechanisms influence the optical properties.
• Fabrication of multilayer device structures composed of diverse materials using advanced thin-film deposition and nanofabrication techniques, including pulsed laser deposition (PLD), sputter deposition, electron-beam evaporation, optical lithography, and ion-beam etching.
• Characterization of individual layers using atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray reflectometry (XRR), and ellipsometry, along with electrical characterization of memristive switching behavior.
• Individualized training in state-of-the-art laboratory techniques, hands-on experience with advanced experimental setups, and active participation in cutting-edge research within an internationally recognized research environment.

For deeper insights, have a look at our institute website: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/pgi/pgi-7 and the website for the mentioned project (in German): https://neurosys.info/projekte/

Your Profile:

• Completed qualification for enrollment in the project or Master’s thesis in Physics or Materials Science, with a strong academic track record
• Willingness to familiarise yourself with new methods or new scientific challenges
• Interest in nanoelectronics and optics
• Prior knowledge of thin-film deposition and characterization, optical material properties, or photonics
• Fluent knowledge of written and spoken English
• High degree of motivation and reliability and analytical working style
• Excellent ability to cooperate and work in a team
  
  

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• MEANINGFUL TASKS: Your thesis deals with a future-oriented, socially relevant topic with direct practical relevance in an international environment
• PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: With us, you will gain valuable practical experience alongside your studies and actively participate in interdisciplinary projects
• SCIENTIFIC ENVIRONMENT: You can expect excellent scientific equipment, modern technologies, and qualified support from experienced colleagues
• FLEXIBILITY: Flexible working hours make it easier for you to balance work and study
• PERSPECTIVE: If you have the appropriate qualifications and funding is available, the institute offers the opportunity to do your PhD after completing your master`s thesis
• FAIR REMUNERATION: We will pay you a reasonable remuneration for your thesis
• FIXED-TERM: The position is limited to up to 12 months in total

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey