PhD student (f/m/d)

Blue and violet lasers with direct emission in 400-500 nm wavelength range are highly demanded in industry and science. Compared to laser diodes, solid-state lasers offer clear advantages such as a better beam quality, energy storage capability for high energetic pulses and the possibility for simple integration of additional functionalities such as intracavity frequency doubling into the UV range.

Within a DFG funded project, the successful candidate will investigate the temperature-dependent spectroscopic and laser properties of different Tm3+-, Tb3+- or Pr3+-doped fluoride and oxide laser gain materials for direct violet and blue lasers grown at our institute. The research will focus on characterizing these materials and evaluating their temperature-dependent laser performance. The aim is to enable efficient direct violet-to-blue laser emission under moderate cooling conditions achievable with thermoelectric coolers.

The host research group Center for Laser Materials (ZLM) at the IKZ, offers a unique research environment. The rare combination of in-house crystal growth expertise, advanced materials development, and world-leading know-how in visible solid-state lasers combined with a state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure provides outstanding opportunities to advance the performance of violet-to-blue solid-state lasers.

Regular scientific exchange, experiments in collaboration with other research groups and potential research visits are beneficial for the success of the project.

• MSc degree in physics, optical engineering, photonics, or a related field
• Strong background in optics, laser physics, or spectroscopy
• Ability to work independently in a laboratory research environment
• Very good written and spoken English; basic knowledge of German is beneficial

Prior experience in the following areas is considered an asset:

• Hands-on experience with laser setups and optical characterization techniques
• Understanding of rare-earth-doped materials