A postdoc position is immediately available at the Advanced Photon Source of Argonne National Laboratory. The postdoctoral appointee will develop ultrafast microscale photonics and MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) devices for X-ray optics at synchrotron radiation sources. Some background of the project is given in the publications listed below. The idea is to make highly nonlinear MEMS-based oscillators driven by the storage-ring RF signals to fulfill the function of manipulating X-ray pulses. More specific responsibilities include MEMS design and simulation, testing and characterization of the devices, and designing and executing time-resolved X-ray experiments with MEMS-based X-ray optics.

We are seeking highly motivated candidates to drive the project in an independent manner while interacting closely with senior members of the research group. The term of the positions is typically two years, with the possibility to renew for the 3rd year, contingent on the project process and availability of funds.

Relevant Publications:

1. P. Chen et al., Ultrafast photonic micro-systems to manipulate hard X-rays at 300 picoseconds, Nat Commun, 10:1158 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-09077-1.

2. P. Chen et al., Optics-on-a-chip for ultrafast manipulation of 350-MHz hard X-ray pulses, Optics Express, 29, 13624 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.411023 (Featured in a weekly News Release by the publisher: Tiny Chip-Based Device Performs Ultrafast Modulation of X-Rays.)

3. J. Zhou et al., Picosecond Synchrotron Pulse Shaper on-Chip, arXiv:2211.03567, http//arxiv.org/abs/2211.03567. (Revised manuscript to be submitted).

Position Requirements

• This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or a related field at the PhD level with zero to five years of employment experience.

• Expertise in testing, characterizing, and measuring MEMS devices and designing feedback loops and control algorithms for the precise operation of MEMS devices.

• Understanding the properties of materials used in MEMS and their compatibility with X-ray optics applications.

• Knowledge of using software tools to simulate the physical properties and behaviors of MEMS structures.

• Hands-on experience working with signal processing and RF testing instruments.

• Strong communication skills for working in a multidisciplinary team environment.

• Ability to synthesize research findings into work products such as articles for publication in scientific journals, technical reports, presentations at professional conferences, etc.

• Strong self-motivation and interest in researching relevant topics.

• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

• Ability to understand, value, and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

• Experience in X-ray scattering is desirable but not required.

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