PHD STUDENT ON ID12 IN THE ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE, MAGNETISM & DYNAMICS
CONTEXT & JOB DESCRIPTION
Thesis subject: New functional materials obtained by hydrogen insertion in intermetallic magnets
Magnets based on 3d transition metals (such as Fe and Co) have been studied for decades due to their rich variety of magnetic properties, offering an excellent platform to explore the fundamentals of solid state magnetism. These compounds also play a vital role in modern technologies, serving as permanent magnets in the electromotive industry and wind turbines, or as magnetocaloric materials for environmentally friendly refrigeration systems. Interestingly, some of these systems can store hydrogen into their crystal lattice, making them promising candidates for green energy applications. Hydrogen insertion leads to a significant expansion of the lattice and, in some cases, changes in crystal symmetry. These structural modifications strongly impact the magnetic properties, such as increasing the ordering temperature and coercivity, or even transforming an antiferromagnet into a ferromagnet. Remarkably, certain alloys become superconducting when hydrogen is introduced.
The main objective of this PhD thesis is to unravel the microscopic mechanisms by which the hydrogen affects the properties of these materials. To achieve this goal, we will make full use of X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), including X‐ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism (XMCD) – an inherently element- and orbital-selective technique – alongside X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and macroscopic magnetic measurements. To separate the effects of “chemical” pressure from those of lattice expansion, XAS will also be conducted under applied external pressure. Additionally, high-pressure hydrogen synthesis will be explored to extend the accessible range of hydrogen content. The key expected outcome of this work is a deeper understanding of the role of hydrogen in the complex interplay between lattice, electronic and magnetic degrees of freedom, knowledge that is essential for future technological applications.
The project will be carried out jointly at Néel Institute (Grenoble, France) and at the ESRF ID12 beamline (Grenoble, France), under the co-supervision of Dr. Fabrice Wilhelm (ESRF) and Prof. Olivier Isnard (Néel Institute).
This PhD project is co-funded within the framework of the GATES project, enabling the partners to combine their complementary expertise to deliver pioneering, high-impact research on these novel functional materials.
Further information can be obtained from Dr. Fabrice Wilhelm (tel.: +33 (0)4 76 88 24 19, email: wilhelm@esrf.fr) and Prof. Olivier Isnard (tel.: +33 (0)4 76 88 11 46, olivier.isnard@neel.cnrs.fr)
EXPECTED PROFILE
- Highly motivated student with outstanding or excellent master’s degree in physics.
- Degree allowing enrollment for a PhD (such as Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea, MSc, or equivalent) in physics, physics of materials, or alternatively solid state chemistry.
- A background in magnetism and solid state physics is a pre-requisite.
- Main scientific aspects are magnetism, characterization of magnetism using large scale instruments, materials characterization and sample synthesis.
- Proficiency in English (working language at the ESRF)
WORKING CONDITIONS
You shall be enrolled in University Grenoble Alpes/ Doctoral School of Physics as a condition of your recruitment.
Contract of two years renewable for one year.
Do you recognize yourself in this description? Apply now for your next professional adventure!
What we offer:
- Join an innovative international research institute, with a workforce from 38 different countries
- Collaborate with global experts to advance science and address societal challenges
- Come and live in a vibrant city, in the heart of the Alps, and Europe’s Green Capital 2022
- Enjoy a workplace designed to support your quality of life
- Benefit from our competitive compensation and allowances package, including financial support for your relocation to Grenoble
For further information on employment terms and conditions, please refer to https://www.esrf.fr/home/Jobs/what-we-offer.html
The ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from disabled persons.
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
The European Synchrotron, the ESRF, is an international research centre based in Grenoble, France.
Through its innovative engineering, pioneering scientific vision and a strong commitment from its 700 staff members, the ESRF is recognised as one of the top research facilities worldwide. Its particle accelerator produces intense X-ray beams that are used by thousands of scientists each year for experiments in diverse fields such as biology, medicine, environmental sciences, cultural heritage, materials science, and physics.
Supported by 19 countries, the ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity.
