Jülich: Master Thesis - Characterisation of magnesium diboride (MgB2 2) for Imaging Fluxons

The Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C) is a center of excellence in advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spectroscopy for addressing topical problems in materials science, solid-state physics and chemistry, biology and soft matter. We carry out systematic characterizations using various complementary techniques, including the latest TEM based techniques, such as electron holography, HR-(S)TEM, high energy resolution spectroscopy, 4D-STEM, and ptychography. This enables the measurement of, e.g., electrical potentials and magnetic fields, polarization fields, built-in potentials, strain, and carrier dynamics on nanometer scales with high temporal resolution. At the subinstitute Physics of Nanoscale Systems (ER-C-1) we carry out systematic characterizations using various complementary techniques, including the latest TEM based techniques, such as electron holography, HR-(S)TEM, high energy resolution spectroscopy, 4D-STEM, and ptychography. This enables the measurement of, e.g., electrical potentials and magnetic fields, polarization fields, built-in potentials, strain, and carrier dynamics on nanometer scales with high temporal resolution.

Your Job:

This Master`s thesis is aimed at characterising magnesium diboride (MgB2 2) crystals and studying their superconducting properties using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

• The candidate should first assess how the growth parameters influence the microstructure of the material by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and magnetisation and transport measurements (e.g., SQUID, PPMS).
• In the second phase, electron-transparent specimens for TEM investigation should be prepared using focused ion beam milling (FIB), followed by the study of superconducting properties in the TEM under cryogenic conditions.
  
  

Your Profile:

• You are studying physics, material sciences, metallurgical engineering, or a related subject at a university and are looking for a topic for a master`s thesis.
• You are interested in and ideally also have previous knowledge in the fields of electron microscopy, solid state physics, and laser optics.
• You can work independently and reponsibly, show commitment, a high level of teamwork, and enjoyment of cooperative collaboration.
• Furthermore, you can quickly familiarize yourself with new methods and techniques.
• You are fluent in written and spoken English.
  
  

Our Offer:

We work on highly topical, innovative topics and offer you the opportunity to actively shape change!

We offer you:

• An interesting and socially relevant topic for your thesis with a future-oriented topic
• Ideal conditions for practical experience alongside your studies
• Interdisciplinary collaboration on projects in an international, committed and collegial team
• Excellent scientific equipment and the latest technology
• Qualified supervision by scientific colleagues
• Independent preparation and implementation of the assigned tasks
• A large research campus in the countryside, which offers the best opportunities for networking with colleagues and for sporting activities alongside work
• Flexible working hours and appropriate remuneration
• The opportunity to work flexibly (in terms of location), e.g. from home

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