PhD : Laser damage resistance of materials and structures of pulse compressor GWS

PhD “Laser damage resistance of materials and structures of pulse compressor GWS” – ILM Team

 

We are pleased to advertise Doctoral Researcher (PhD) positions to begin in 2026, as part of the Doctoral Network of the European Commission TRADES “Training & Research in Advanced Dispersion Engineered grating-waveguide Structures”. The positions will each last three years, and will allow all students to participate in an exciting program comprising international schools, workshops, and secondments at academic, as well as industrial partners

The selected doctoral candidate 7 will work at the core of the TRADES project, focusing on the development, implementation and validation of advanced metrology methods to assess the laser-induced damage resistance (LIDT) of optical components operating around 1 and 2 μm.
The researcher will design and establish testing systems enabling accurate characterization of coatings, gratings and GWS produced within the consortium, under both CW/quasi-CW and picosecond regimes. A key aspect of the project is the optimization of materials, designs and fabrication processes to simultaneously achieve low optical absorption and high LIDT—an area where very limited scientific data currently exists at 1 and 2 μm. The DC will therefore work in close interaction with fabrication partners, operating in an iterative loop between measurement, understanding of failure mechanisms and feedback for technological improvements.
The position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to pioneering research in an emerging spectral domain with strong industrial and academic relevance.

Specific Requirements : Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Photonics, Optics, Materials Science or a closely related field. Solid background in laser physics, nonlinear optics, ultrafast lasers or optical materials. Experience with optical characterization techniques. Hands-on skills in experimental photonics, including laser alignment, optical setups and data acquisition. Ability to analyze complex datasets, understand physical mechanisms and model laser–material interactions. Motivation to work in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary and international research. environment.

 

Selection Process : Applicants will need to submit to laurent.gallais@fresnel.fr & trades@ifsw.uni-stuttgart.de
• Letter of motivation : brief description of why you wish to become a PhD student within TRADES
• Copy of transcripts and of their Bachelor & Master Degrees + Copy of Master’s Thesis and any other Publications (if available)
• Curriculum Vitae of 3 pages maximum
• 2 written Recommendation Letters (e.g. one by the former Master thesis supervisor and their referees contact details)

 

Starting date : July 1 – September 1, 2026

Fundings : HORIZON Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions 2024 (Grant agreement N°101226599)

Contact : Laurent GALLAIS, Team ILM