PhD Positions (m/f/d) | Gas-phase attosecond molecular dynamics and attosecond light-matter interaction in dense media

The Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics is one of 84 research institutes of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science e.V. (MPG). The MPG is an independent, non-profit research organization, which seeks to promote basic research in the service of the general public.

The Division of Quantum Dynamics and Control Division (Director: Prof. Dr. Thomas Pfeifer) at the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics in Heidelberg (Germany) offers PhD positions (m/f/d) in gas-phase attosecond molecular dynamics and attosecond light-matter interaction in dense media.

Area of work / your tasks

We offer new opportunities for PhD projects in the area of experimental strong-field physics and ultrafast light-matter interaction. We are interested in understanding and steering/controlling the fundamental laser-driven (nonlinear) quantum dynamics of electron motion within small atoms and molecules. Hereby we pursue a bottom-up approach with the goal to obtain a complete understanding of the correlated interaction and dynamics of charged particles in small quantum systems at their natural attosecond to femtosecond time scale.

Within our attosecond projects we utilize coherent broadband attosecond XUV radiation in combination with few-femtosecond intense laser pulses to measure and control ultrafast molecular dynamics, extracted from time-resolved XUV transmission and absorption spectroscopy. Our recent measurements have enabled the quantum-state-resolved laser control of molecular vibration of the fastest H2 molecule down to the 10-fs timescale [1]. In the future we aim to push the frontier of these investigations to increasingly large molecules, including those abundant in the atmosphere. In a parallel project, we have theoretically and experimentally studied the laser control of absorption spectra in dense gases [2,3]. In the future we aim to study the collective interplay of highly excited states in atoms and molecules with intense ultrashort laser pulses, both locally and within the surrounding gas medium. Hereby we are interested both in the laser-driven electron dynamics within an increasingly large phase space, as well as their influence on the shaping of the emitted XUV radiation, both on the attosecond timescale.

Requirements

MSc in physics or related disciplines with strong background in ultrafast atomic and molecular physics, in particular including attosecond XUV pulses and transient absorption spectroscopy. Hands-on experience with related techniques, for instance ultrafast XUV sources, ultrahigh vacuum systems and complex experimental apparatus, e.g., for performing attosecond time-resolved XUV absorption spectroscopy. Excellent data analysis skills for handling and interpreting large and complex datasets.

The salary will be paid according to the collective agreement for civil service employees in Germany (TVöD).

The Max Planck Society promotes the employment of disabled persons, strives for diversity and equal op-portunities including professional gender equality and excellent reconciliation of family and career. We have set our focus on increasing the proportion of women in areas in which they are underrepresented. The Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics is a family-friendly employer.

Further information:
Research Group Excited Atoms and Molecules in Strong Fields
PD Dr. Christian Ott: christian.ott@mpi-hd.mpg.de
Prof. Dr. Thomas Pfeifer: thomas.pfeifer@mpi-hd.mpg.de

Applicants are encouraged to send a curriculum vitae and a motivation letter, reflecting their motivation and interest for the research opportunities outlined above. Applications should be uploaded online with reference 13-2024.

Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics
Saupfercheckweg 1
69117 Heidelberg
Germany

[1] Borisova et al., “Laser-induced modification of an excited-state vibrational wave packet in neutral H2 observed in a pump-control scheme”, Phys. Rev. Research, Accepted 25.07.2024, (2024).
[2] He et al., “Resonant Perfect Absorption Yielded by Zero-Area Pulses”, Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 273201, (2022).
[3] He et al., “Coherent Control of Photoabsorption with Intense Laser Pulses: From Optically Thin to Thick Media”, under peer review, (2024).