"Development of coherent and monochromatic sources at Millimeter wavelength for astronomy and astrophysics."
Context
The development of monochromatic microwave sources and terahertz detectors with high spectral resolution is driven by applications with international repercussions on space sub-millimeter radio astronomy instrumentation (MIRO- Rosetta, HIFI-Herschel, etc.), atmospheric sciences (ODIN, AMSU, ICI-METOP,...), and spectroscopy in the laboratory. During the last 15 years, LERMA associated with C2N work together on the design and the realization of THz mixers and multipliers, based on the GaAs Schottky diodes, in order to build ultra-sensitive THz devices for radio-astronomy. Recently, LERMA-C2N has developed and fabricated the 300 GHz and 600 GHz multipliers, as well as the 1.2 THz mixer, that are installed on the SWI (Submillimeter Wave Instrument) for the JUICE (JUpiter ICy Moon Explorer) mission, which will be launched in April 2023 to study Jupiter and its moons.
LERMA Observatoire de Paris-PSL continues further to work on the design and fabrication of sources based on Schottky diodes in order to improve their performances and develop the new powerful high frequency sources THz (up to 2 THz) for the next generation of space instrumentation.
The fellow will participate in the design and development of MMIC systems, and will get access to a large international network working on Terahertz Instrumentation applied to astronomy and atmosphere sciences. The activity is supported and part of a larger consortium for wideband millimetre receivers for European research
infrastructures “RADIOBLOCKS” involving European institutes : IRAM, INAF, STFC-RAL, UOXF, TUD, INUMAN, Chalmers, MPG, RUG, in partnership with space agencies (CNES, ESA, NASA…) and also is linked to the national PEPR “electronics for conversion” program involving CNRS laboratories : IEMN, C2N, CEA-LETI, IETR-Rennes, XLIM.
Objectives
The postdoctoral fellow will design and develop a coherent and monochromatic solid-state source (LO source) and its associated components for multipixel arrays receivers in astronomy. The LO sources requirement are stringent in terms of purity (harmonic rejection, spurious, phase noise). In this first year of position, the fellow
will focus on a 340 GHz stage. First, the MMIC design will consider an update on the 300 GHz MMIC doublers designed for JUICE-SWI. Secondly a power combined version will be designed. This include the design of dedicated components to fulfill a high level of phase balance between chips, frequency filtering and ports isolation.
The design will match CNC machining tolerancing. The postdoctoral fellow will use high frequency electronics design software’s such as HFSS, CST and ADS, and CAO tools.
Candidates requirements
PhD : in electrical engineering or applied physics.
Expertise : Microwave engineering, Physics of semiconductors. Circuit Design and Numerical modeling (HFSS, CST, ADS…), Knowledge in high frequency measurement systems are appreciated.
Language : English, French (not required)
Other informations
Duration Postdoc. : 12 months extendable to 36 months.
Location : 77 avenue Denfert Rochereau, 75014 PARIS
Benefits : French social security system, Family friendly, funding for conferences, access to the laboratory and its large instrumentation hardware resources, Teaching responsibility is also possible.
To apply please send your motivation letter before June 30th, CV, and recommendation letters to : Dr. Jeanne TREUTTEL jeanne.Treuttel@obspm.fr .
All the candidatures will be evaluated. However, due to the large number of applications we receive, we will contact only the short-listed candidates.