Ultrafast manipulation of magnetic order with strain pulses (Ph.D. position)

A Ph.D. position is available in the field of ultrafast phenomena in magnetic systems. In particular, the focus of this project is to investigate an interplay between structure and magnetic order and to study magnetic switching triggered by picosecond strain pulses. Here (sub)picosecond strain pulses will be generated using femtosecond laser pulses. By studying the resulting changes in magnetization by means of magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) we will be able to track the response of magnetization on structural distortion in real time with (sub)picosecond time resolution. Furthermore, the interplay between structural distortions and magnetism in magnetic shape memory alloys will be investigated. These studies are aimed to study the fundamental speed limits of potential spintronics devices, the nature of the coupling between the spin and lattice degrees of freedom, and their potential applications.

Our lab hosts several femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopic methods, ranging from time-domain THz methods, broadband white-light spectroscopy, time-resolved MOKE, to ultrafast transmission electron diffraction. In addition, advanced sample fabrication and characterization techniques are available at the Institute.

Potential candidate should hold a MSc or an equivalent degree in Physics or Materials Science. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in ultrafast laser technology/spectroscopy, magnetic materials or spintronics.

This research is related to the Spin+X project A05.

For further information and/or applications please contact, preferably via e-mail:

Prof. Dr. Jure Demsar  

Institute of Physics, Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz