Sharper Structural Insight in Nanoelectronics with Dark-Field X-Ray Microscopy
Dark-field X-ray microscopy (DFXM) is an emerging, non-destructive synchrotron technique capable of imaging strain and crystalline defects with 30–100 nm resolution over large fields of view. Recent upgrades at the ESRF and the ID03 beamline have increased X-ray intensity by two orders of magnitude, enabling investigation of the most challenging nanoscale structures produced in cleanroom environments. This PhD aims to exploit DFXM for the analysis of advanced microelectronic architectures subjected to critical thermo-mechanical stress. DFXM will provide 3D mapping of strain, orientation and buried defects in complex devices without sample destruction. A comparative study will be performed against complementary local X-ray techniques also available at synchrotron facilities such as Laue microdiffraction and scanning X-ray diffraction microscopy. Multi-scale correlations will be established with TEM and Raman spectroscopy. Finite-element simulations will support interpretation by modelling the mechanical behavior under thermal or operational loads. The objective is to define a robust methodology for multiscale strain analysis in microelectronics devices.
This PhD will take place at the CEA–Leti on the Nanocharacterization platform and is embedded in a strong ESRF@ID03 collaboration and supports advances in quantum technologies, photonics and energy-efficient microelectronics. This work will contribute to improved reliability and design optimization of next-generation devices.
Orbitronics: time scales involved in orbital to charge conversion processes
Orbitronics is an emerging research field spanning condensed matter physics and materials science to electrical engineering that focuses on the study and manipulation of the electron's orbital angular momentum (OAM). The key idea is to use the OAM of electrons as a means to store, transfer, and process information, similar to how spintronics leverages the electron's spin. Importantly, OAM can be generated by a wide range of material systems and with theoretically much higher efficiency than its spin counterpart, using cheap, environmentally friendly and abundant lightweight elements. Orbitronics thus has both a fundamental interest and technological perspectives that provide an innovative and multidisciplinary framework.
Here, we are targeting oxide interfaces as a rich playground to explore Rashba physics in 2D electron gases (2DEG) and in particular its ability to confert spin or orbit to charge via the Orbital Inverse Rashba Edelstein effect. The LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface provides an ideal playground to explore this physics and in particular parameters such as crystal orientation and the (LaAlO3) tunnel barrier. These properties will be studied at low-temperature as angular momentum is injected in the dc regime by the spin Seebeck effect. The study will be extended to the ultra-fast regime of the orbital to charge conversion using ultra-fast laser-induced demagnetization of a magnetic layer deposited on top and the measurement of the resulting THz emission. Here, we want to identify the parameters responsible for the decrease in efficiency at the picosecond timescale noted in the first THz emission measurements. Our final aim is to measure the timescales associated to hot electrons and spin/orbital diffusion in this system, which will be the main activity of the PhD student.
How defects nucleation affects the the fracture on the SmartCut process
The SmartCut™ technology is widely used in microelectronics for the fabrication of innovative substrates, such as SOI (Silicon-on-Insulator).
The physical phenomena underlying SmartCut™ technology remain one of principal interest of our research. Optimizing the fracture stage is a major focus in our laboratory and in our collaboration with Soitec. Salomon's PhD thesis (expected completion December 2026), the development of post-fracture surface analysis protocols highlighted the link between the evolution of cristalline defects that cause fracture (platelets) and post-fracture surface roughness. We were thus able to characterize the early stages of platelet growth and determine their main characteristics (size and density). This had previously only been achieved through complex characterizations based on TEM observations.
Now that we have highlighted the impact of platelets on post-fracture surface roughness, the next step is to investigate and identify ways to control their nucleation using new processes. This will also involve optimizing the post-fracture state of SOI substrates.
Modeling the CSS growth of CsPbBr3
Lead-halide perovskites, particularly CsPbBr3, are emerging as promising materials for X-ray detection in medical applications. This technology requires their deposition in thick layers (>100 µm), and close-space sublimation (CSS), initially developed by CEA-Liten, has shown highly encouraging results. However, this process remains poorly understood at the microscopic scale, and the relationship between microstructure and performance remains a major scientific and industrial challenge.
This thesis, in partnership with the SIMAP laboratory, aims to develop a comprehensive thermodynamic model of the CSS process. The candidate will (i) experimentally generate the essential thermodynamic data for modeling, (ii) simulate growth mechanisms, and (iii) validate them experimentally using dedicated instrumented growth furnaces and advanced characterization techniques. Machine learning tools will be implemented to establish predictive correlations between deposition parameters and layer properties.
The results will enable optimization of CsPbBr3 growth for more sensitive and stable X-ray detectors, with a strong impact on medical imaging. This work will also provide opportunities for high-impact publications and patents in a highly competitive field.
Impact of ultrasound on the flow properties of complex suspensions
Nuclear industry generates radioactive wastes of various nature such as solids, liquids but also sludges coming from effluent treatment facilities or historical residues stored in pool or tanks. The physico-chemical nature of those sludges leads to a complex flow behaviour making it difficult to handle and convey prior their immobilization in a conditioning matrix. In order to fluidize these suspensions of varying compositions, the mechanical action of power ultrasound is envisaged. It has recently been shown, thanks to a set-up coupling power ultrasound and rheology, that it is possible to significantly reduce the yield stress and viscosity of the slurry by applying ultrasound. The aim of this thesis is to pursue the studies already undertaken (physical chemistry, microstructure, ultrasound and rheology) on reconstituted sludge or simplified model suspensions, focusing more specifically on two aspects. The first, more fundamental, will aim to gain a better understanding of the interaction between power ultrasound and matter, with a particular focus on the origin of the effects observed (interfaces vs. volume). The second aspect will be more applied, with the development of original larger-scale experimental devices capable of generating flows closer to industrial situations. For this phD work, we are looking for a motivated, serious and curious candidate. Given the multidisciplinary character of the subject, mixing physics, physico-Chemistry and experimental development, the candidate could valorize his new skills in various industrial fields such as nuclear, civil engineering and depollution domain.
The thesis will be conducted in a laboratory at CEA Marcoule, which provides the scientific, technical, and human resources necessary to carry out the research. Short stays are planned at the physics laboratory of ENS Lyon. This PhD topic, combining both fundamental understanding and applied aspects, offers dual career prospects: either pursuing a postdoctoral position or entering a career in industry.
Measurement and modelling of the chemical activity of complex fluid components in hydrometallurgy
Modern extraction processes rely on the optimal use of complex fluids, the detailed understanding of which remains too empirical. To overcome this, new multi-scale simulation software packages are being developed, with one of the unknowns at the mesoscopic scale, where the aggregation of molecules, interface structures, etc. are not well understood. Chemical activity is key here, as it controls exchange and transfer processes. Understanding it allows these software packages to be validated. It must therefore be possible to measure and analyse it reliably for each component, particularly volatile ones. We proposed to do this by measuring their partial pressures. An initial version of a microfluidic device was developed and patented, which allows the partial pressures of volatile components to be measured simultaneously by infrared spectroscopy in a hollow waveguide. This experimental prototype device has been validated on simple systems. The aim of this thesis is to demonstrate the application potential of this unique tool for the simulation and rapid development of processes, focusing on important concrete cases, both from an experimental and modelling point of view. This type of study would be completely new and would make it possible to experimentally verify the stability predictions of complex fluids for the first time.
The PhD student will first need to update the microfluidic brick. He/she will then use it to measure the chemical activities of the aforementioned complex fluids and will work with Jean-François Dufrèche to test/validate/further develop the software packages. Secondly, at NTU in Singapore and under the co-supervision of Professor Alex Yan Qingyu (https://personal.ntu.edu.sg/alexyan/ ), he/she will use the duplicate microfluidic platform currently being assembled to apply these results to the rapid development of a process for extracting a critical metal from recycled electronic components from printed circuit boards (SCARCE joint laboratory).
Expected results: publications, proprietary software package and possible patents on the new processes developed.
An electrochemical flow microreactor for a greener synthesis of gold nanoparticles
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) possess unique electronic, photonic, and chemical properties of invaluable interest in a variety of medical and technological applications. They are typically produced by controlled chemical precipitation from a salt solution to achieve the precise size control critical for most applications. Continuous flow microreactors, which efficiently mix the salt solution and the reducing agent, are known to offer improved size control. However, even in these reactors, the smallest AuNPs can only be formed using powerful reducing agents that are harmful to human health or the environment. We propose to minimize their impact and to develop a more resource-efficient process by inserting an electrochemical cell into the reactor to form the reducing agent in-situ in the adjusted amount necessary to produce the desired AuNPs.
Your goal will be to test and adapt continuous-flow electrochemical cells for the synthesis of AuNPs, exploring various electrochemical reactions and cell designs. You will also explore the use of several capping agents of biological interest. A careful examination of AuNPs characteristics (size, interfacial and optical properties, etc.) will guide you in this research.
Growth of 2D Ferromagnetic Chalcogenide Materials for Spintronics
Chalcogenide materials, particularly Ge-Sb-Te (GST) alloys, are essential for phase-change memory (PCMs).
Although high-performance, these memories consume a great deal of energy, which
is driving the search for alternative solutions. GST alloys offer unique opportunities in the field of spin-orbitronics as spin-charge conversion materials or as sources of spin-polarized current. Two-dimensional ferromagnetic alloys such as Fe-Ge-Te or Ge-Mn-Te offer promising avenues as sources of spin current for new types of more efficient memory devices. For efficient spin injection, we are seeking a material that not only exhibits a high Curie temperature (TC) and significant spin polarization, but is also fully compatible with existing silicon-based CMOS technology.
The aim of this thesis is to develop and master, on an industrial scale on 300 mm Si substrates, the van der Waals epitaxial growth of 2D ferromagnetic films based on Fe-Ge (Ga)Te2 (n=3, 5) or Ge_(1-x)Mn_xTe, for example to integrate them in situ with spin-charge conversion chalcogenide layers such as ferroelectric layers (a-GeTe(111)) or topological insulators (Bi_(2-x)Sb2Te3).
Self-healing of radiation-induced defects in silicon solar cells for space
Over the last decades, the development of alternative space photovoltaic (PV) solutions to the III-V premium standard has shifted the focus to silicon solar cells. Indeed, leveraging on existing maturity of terrestrial PV silicon devices and processes offers significant potential for innovation and cost reduction. Many satellites nowadays evolve in Low Earth Orbit, a proton and electron rich environment. Such irradiations induce electrically active defects in the material which affect the PV performances. Interestingly, some of the irradiation-induced defects can be healed upon external factors such as temperature and/or photons flux.
The main goals of this PhD thesis will be to i) understand the bulk & interface electron/proton irradiation-induced degradation mechanisms driving the evolution of the optoelectronic properties of silicon passivated contacts solar cells ii) develop a comprehensive understanding of the self-healing effects in irradiated modern silicon solar cells through experimental studies and modeling iii) identify design / fabrication process routes to control & boost the self-healing capability.
To reach these goals, this PhD work will go through defined steps: bibliography review, solar cells fabrication, material/device ageing under proton & electron irradiations, advanced characterizations and modeling. This PhD work will be conducted at CEA/Liten, on the INES campus (Le Bourget du Lac, FR) with frequent interactions with CNES (Toulouse, FR) facilities.
Enhancing Faradaic Efficiency in Protonic Ceramic Electrolysis Cells (PCCELs) through Electrolyte and Electrode–Electrolyte Interface Engineering
Proton conducting ceramic electrolysis cells (PCCELs), an advanced variant of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), enable the direct production of hydrogen through steam electrolysis using proton-conducting electrolytes. Unlike conventional SOECs, which rely on oxygen ion (O²?) conductors, PCCELs operate at lower temperatures (~400–600?°C vs. 750–850?°C for SOECs) due to their higher proton conductivity. This lower operating temperature helps reduce material degradation and overall system costs. While SOEC technology has reached industrial maturity, with large-scale deployment projects underway, the development of PCCELs remains limited by several scientific challenges. These include the difficulty of densifying electrolytes (such as BaCeO3–BaZrO3) without barium volatilization during high-temperature sintering; the proton transport limitations posed by grain boundaries; and the poor control of electrode–electrolyte interfaces. This thesis aims to improve the faradaic efficiency of PCCELs by optimizing the microstructure of the electrolyte and engineering high-quality interfaces through targeted surface treatments. The methodology includes cell fabrication, interface engineering, and electrochemical evaluation. The ultimate goal is to establish robust and scalable processing protocols that enable PCCELs to achieve faradaic efficiencies above 95%, compatible with industrial-scale deployment.