Postdoctoral Appointee - Ultrafast Microscale Photonics for X-ray Optics

A postdoctoral position is immediately available at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of ultrafast microscale photonics and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices for X-ray optics at synchrotron radiation facilities and other accelerator-based photon sources.

This project focuses on developing highly nonlinear MEMS-based oscillators driven by storage-ring radio-frequency (RF) signals to enable advanced manipulation of X-ray pulses. Background information on the project can be found in the publications listed below.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Designing and simulating MEMS devices

• Testing and characterizing device performance

• Developing feedback and control strategies for precise MEMS operation

• Designing and carrying out time-resolved X-ray experiments using MEMS-based X-ray optics

We are seeking highly motivated candidates who can drive the project independently while working closely with senior members of the research group. The initial appointment is typically for two years, with the possibility of renewal for a third year, contingent upon project progress and funding availability.

Relevant Publications:

1. P. Chen et al., Ultrafast photonic micro-systems to manipulate hard X-rays at 300 picoseconds, Nat Commun, 10:1158 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-09077-1.

2. P. Chen et al., Optics-on-a-chip for ultrafast manipulation of 350-MHz hard X-ray pulses, Optics Express, 29, 13624 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.411023 (Featured in a weekly News Release by the publisher: Tiny Chip-Based Device Performs Ultrafast Modulation of X-Rays.)

3. J. Zhou et al., Picosecond Synchrotron Pulse Shaper on-Chip, arXiv:2211.03567, http//arxiv.org/abs/2211.03567. (Revised manuscript to be submitted).

Position Requirements

• Ph.D. in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related field completed within the past five years or soon-to-be completed

• Experience in X-ray scattering is highly desirable but not required

• A strong understanding of the properties of materials used in MEMS and their compatibility with X-ray optics applications

• Expertise in testing, characterizing, and measuring MEMS devices, as well as designing feedback loops and control algorithms for their precise operation

• Experience using software tools to simulate the physical properties and behavior of MEMS structures

• Hands-on experience with signal processing and RF test instrumentation

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize research results into scholarly and technical outputs, including journal articles, technical reports, and conference presentations

• Strong self-motivation and a demonstrated interest in relevant research topics

• A commitment to Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork

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Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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