Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Physics & Astronomy programme. The position is available from August 2026 or later.
Title:
Ultrafast, laser-based optical fingerprinting of electron dynamics in wide-bandgap radiation detectors
Research area and project description:
When free electrons (e) and holes (h) are excited into the conduction and valence bands of a bandgap material, each free e-h pair has the bandgap energy “at its disposal” for the subsequent dynamics. In wide-bandgap materials, this energy is so large that a multitude of e-h relaxation pathways back to the ground state are possible. Part of the energy may, e.g., be used for distorting the crystal lattice, which thus becomes involved in (and complicates) the relaxation mechanism. This complexity is the same that enables wide-bandgap materials as radiation detectors: Some of the relaxation pathways involve states that can store e-h pairs. When desired, the trapped pairs can be reactivated by laser stimulation and continue their relaxation towards the ground state while emitting light. This process is known as optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), and the light yield bears information of the radiation dose which initially excited the material.
However, the dynamics of the multi-pathway e-h relaxation are not at all well-established. The purpose of the PhD project is to develop and use a novel optical fingerprinting technique, which can (i) track the different relaxation pathways, and (ii) enable the establishing of a detailed, kinetic model for wide-bandgap materials that will ultimately allow for describing the relation between radiation dose and OSL yield.
The project will mainly use advanced, laser-based, ultra-fast spectroscopic techniques for investigating wide-bandgap radiation detectors. These main activities will be complemented by theoretical investigations based on density functional theory and by methods within nanoscience for synthesis and investigation of nano-powder-based radiation detectors.
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Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants must have a relevant MSc degree or at least one year of a Master’s education. For applicants with a full MSc degree, the relevant candidate has experience with experimental, laser-based methods – preferably based on pulsed-laser systems.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ny Munkegade 120, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Associate Professor Brian Julsgaard, brianj@phys.au.dk
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2026)
Please note:
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
