PhD Position Opening at USC on RePowerSiC
PhD Position Opening at the University of Santiago de Compostela on high-efficiency high-power laser beaming in-space systems based on SiC
SCOPE
High power laser transmission (HPLT) consists of the transmission of power via laser onto a photovoltaic receiver. The transmission could be through optic fiber, replacing conventional copper wires, or through free space, suitable for aerospace environments. There are many applications of this technology, such as the simultaneous transfer of power and data or optically powering remote antennas, aerial vehicles or even satellites.
Current HPLT technology faces two major limitations: the intrinsic entropic losses associated to low bandgap materials (such as GaAs) and the series resistance losses that degrade the device performance at high power densities. To overcome these limitations, RePowerSiC aims to develop a new breakthrough LPC technology based on two key elements, the use of silicon carbide (SiC) and the development of new device architectures.
The PhD work proposed is integrated within the European PATHFINDER project. The aim is to develop trustable TCAD modelings for SiC laser power converters, measure critical material properties of SiC crystals and test the electrical characteristics of the LPC prototypes. This PhD work will be developed at CITIUS at the University of Santiago de Compostela, in collaboration with our project partners from Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU), Universidad de Jaén, Friedrich-Alexander-Universitaet, SenSiC, Alminica AB, and with several space agencies and companies.
REQUIREMENTS
- A Master’s degree in Physics, Electronic Engineering, Materials Science, or similar degrees.
- Knowledge on semiconductor physics and electronic device physics.
- Computational skills are highly desirable.
- Good academic record.
- Great motivation for scientific work and ability for teamwork.
- Full proficiency in English and basic knowledge of Spanish (or commitment to get it!).
- Starting date around October 2024.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
- The selected candidate would start her/his PhD in our group, hired from a highly competitive European research project (PATHFINDER CHALLENGE) with an expected duration of 4 years.
- Competitive salary.
- High impact research.
- Collaboration with several leading European research entities.
- Funds for attendance to scientific conferences worldwide.
- Research stays in partner labs in Europe, Japan or USA.
APPLICATIONS
Interested candidates should send a motivation letter, his / her CV and transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework to: Antonio Garcia Loureiro (antonio.garcia.loureiro@usc.es).
