Project Z02

Joint optics lab: Technological development of optical excitation and probing (scientific service project including mobile laser sources, detectors and large-scale facility support)

Principal investigator: Marc Herzog

This service project provides technical support and assistance for the numerous projects that require the use of modulated and/or ultrashort laser sources for excitation and probing of the hybrid samples composed of nanoscale metals and molecules. As a central technological development, it aims at implementing spectroscopic techniques such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering with superior time resolution or time-resolved Raman spectroscopy using ultrashort pulses ultimately also combining those with spatial resolution. This will allow the research consortium to address and advance the scientific questions towards the understanding of the primary events in plasmon-assisted chemical processes.

Position 1 (ID no. CRC1636Z02-1/2023; Dr. Marc Herzog, University of Potsdam):

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will utilize and advance our existing transient-grating pump-probe setup towards time-resolved (surface-enhanced) Raman scattering on vibrational and electronic excitations in solids as well as hybrid systems of nanoscale metals and molecules.

Qualifications:

A Master’s degree in physics or a closely related discipline is required at the time of project start. An interdisciplinary mindset and excellent communication skills for working in the team will be valuable. Ideal candidates have solid a background in spectroscopic techniques using ultrashort laser pulses and/or optical microscopy. Theoretical and practical experience in linear/nonlinear photonics & optics is important and knowledge in solid state physics, physical chemical and/or colloid science etc. will be helpful. Also, computational and programming skills using Python or similar programs will be very much appreciated for upgrading existing setups or constructing novel setups.