Terahertz Wave Sources and Spectroscopy Platform
Project Overview
We are pleased to offer a fully funded PhD scholarship at Paihau-Robinson Research Institute [1], Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, dedicated to advancing the fields of spintronics and ultrafast spectroscopy. This scholarship centers on the development and investigation of novel broadband Terahertz (THz) wave sources using magnetic Heusler alloys. Additionally, the project will involve creating a state-of-the-art THz spectroscopy platform equipped with a spintronic emitter and advanced ultrafast lasers. The selected candidate will participate in groundbreaking research, delving into spintronics, ultrafast optics, and THz technologies.
Project Goals
- Optimize the growth of Heusler alloys to enhance their spin polarization properties.
- Characterize THz wave emission using experimental setups driven by ultrafast laser pulses.
- Enhance the understanding and capabilities of spin current generation and spin-charge conversion in spintronic materials.
- Develop a THz spectroscopy platform utilizing a spintronic emitter and high-power femtosecond laser.
- Use the newly developed THz platform to investigate the properties and applications of advanced materials in new technological contexts.
Team and Supervision
The project will be led by Dr Simon Granville and Dr Kai Chen, leveraging their expertise in spintronics and ultrafast spectroscopy. The successful candidate will be part of a small team investigating spintronics and ultrafast magneto-optics.
Candidate Profile
- Possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field [2].
- Demonstrated skills in experimental physics or engineering, with a strong interest in technology development and optimization.
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team and exhibit excellent communication skills.
- We will consider all candidates, but a diverse team is the best team, so we particularly welcome applications from women, Māori and Pasifika students.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full funding through the PhD program (35,000NZD/year +tuition fee for three years).
- Access to a world-class research environment equipped with the latest facilities.
- Opportunities for international collaborations, fostering professional growth and networking.
- Mentorship from experts specializing in spintronics, material science, and spectroscopy.
- Training and networking opportunities in two of New Zealand’s Centres of Research Excellence – the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology [3] and the Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies [4]
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a curriculum vitae (CV), a statement of interest, and at least two references. Please email application materials to Dr Kai Chen at kai.chen@vuw.ac.nz and Dr Simon Granville at simon.granville@vuw.ac.nz. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Chen or Dr Granville.
Starting Date
The position is available immediately and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Links
[1] https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/robinson
[2] http://www.victoria.ac.nz/fgr/prospective-phds/qualifications-required.aspx
People involved in this project
Click on a person for additional information
Dr Kai Chen
Associate Investigator
The Dodd-Walls Centre research focus is photonics, the generation, transmission, and manipulation of light, and the study of matter and energy at the quantum level.