Postdoc - Novel Gain Media for High Energy Lasers and Laser Fusion in Berlin, Deutschland

MBI - Max-Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy

Berlin, Germany

Job profile:

The future laser-fusion concepts require powerful, efficient and reliable laser drivers capable of delivering high-energy pulses at increasingly demanding repetition rates. A central challenge is the development of laser gain media that combine high energy-storage capability with favourable spectroscopic, thermo-mechanical and nonlinear properties.

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to investigate novel gain materials for next-generation high-energy laser systems. The project spans the path from fundamental material characterization to the experimental demonstration of advanced amplification concepts.

The successful candidate will investigate the spectroscopic and laser properties of new gain media, evaluate their suitability for high-energy pulse amplification, and identify the physical mechanisms that ultimately limit achievable pulse energy, efficiency and power. Particular attention will be paid to nonlinear effects, optical losses and intensity-dependent limitations relevant to the scaling of laser amplifiers.

The work will include the design, construction and characterization of solid-state amplification experiments in the near-infrared, as well as the generation and characterization of high-energy ultrashort pulses. Depending on the scientific development of the project, nonlinear frequency conversion and harmonic generation may also form part of the research.

The position is embedded in a team with expertise in ultrafast and high-energy laser science and offers substantial scope for independent scientific contributions. The overarching goal is to identify and demonstrate new material and laser concepts that can contribute to future high-energy laser drivers for laser fusion.

Requirements:

Applicants should hold an excellent PhD in physics, electrical engineering, materials science or a closely related field and have a strong experimental background in laser science, photonics or optical materials.

Prior experience in at least two of the following areas is desirable:

• solid-state laser physics and amplification;
• high-energy or high-power laser systems;
• ultrashort-pulse generation and characterization;
• nonlinear optics;
• optical and spectroscopic characterization of laser gain materials;
• rare-earth-doped laser materials.

We are looking for a scientist who enjoys experimental research, develops and tests new ideas independently, and is interested in connecting fundamental laser and materials physics with the demanding technological challenges of future laser-fusion systems. Excellent verbal and written English skills are expected.