The Luminescent Materials group at Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands) has an open PhD position for four years in the field of luminescent materials for sustainable energy  technology.

Electricity generating glass is a holy grail in building-integrated photovoltaics as the sunlight that is passing through the many thousands of km2 glass building façades is still left unconverted. Luminescent coatings on glass can harvest that light by absorbing, re-emitting and subsequently guiding it by total internal reflection to solar cells integrated in the window pane, that convert the light in electric power. Despite the large potential of these photovoltaic windows, these luminescent solar concentrators (LSC) reach efficiencies of only a few %, and the development of clear view scatter free window coatings is hampered by the fact that materials and deposition techniques are not compatible with glass industry standards.

Recently, the luminescent material group has discovered how to sputter semi-transparent scatter-free luminescent coating on float glass using industry compatible materials (SiAlON) and deposition techniques (magnetron sputtering). In addition we have patented Tm2+, Sm2+ and Mn5+ as promising luminescence centres for LSCs with a potential of generating a record-breaking 60 Watt/m2. To utilise this potential the largely unexplored fundamental properties of lanthanide and transition metal luminescence centres in these new SiAlON coatings needs to be understood.

The PhD must acquire the still needed understanding of the relation between SixAlyOzNp composition and luminescence properties. The approach will be to further develop and apply reactive combinatorial co-sputtering techniques, to produce coatings with a wide doping concentration range and host composition gradients on a single substrate. A semi-automated position dependent tuneable laser mapping of luminescence excitation-, emission-, transmission-, and decay spectra will provide you with the needed relation between material composition, and luminescent properties

The applicant should have a master’s degree in physics, chemistry or similar. The affinity with the job description should be clear from your master thesis report. A background in thin-film deposition, luminescent materials or material science in general is preferred. The candidate must also prove a strong attitude towards experimental work and the drive and capacity to tackle different aspects of a complex problem with large independence. The candidate will work in a highly motivated team. Good communication skills and a very good  command of English, both written and spoken, are important.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is the largest faculty of TU Delft, with around 550 scientists, a support staff of 250 and 1,800 students. The faculty conducts fundamental, application-oriented research and offers scientific education at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The faculty is active in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Applied Physics.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/faculty-of-applied-sciences

The Department of Radiation Science & Technology (www.rst.tudelft.nl) is one of the six Departments of the Faculty of Applied Sciences of the TU Delft and focuses on research and education in materials, energy and health with radiation as the common denominator. Fields of interest are sustainable nuclear energy, medical radioisotopes, materials for energy storage and conversion, medical technology for diagnosis and therapy, and advanced instrumentation.

Information about the group: www.vanderkolklab.com/