Metal-halide perovskites have recently been discovered as a solar cell material that allows to fabricate high-efficiency solar cells from a liquid solution, and it remains a mystery why these materials work so well despite the “dirty” processing. At the same time, some processing conditions need to be controlled exactly for highly efficient solar cells. In this project you will use ultrafast optical spectroscopy under pressure to understand the complex interplay of the insensitivity against trap states, but sensitivity for processing conditions. You will further study the consequences of these properties for solar cells.

You will use ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy to study the charge carrier dynamics on timescales from femtoseconds to seconds. We recently pioneered the use of these techniques under hydrostatic pressure, which is a powerful way to vary defect states, ion migration, and optoelectronic properties. You will use this technique to unravel the unusual properties of halide perovskites.

You will work in a team of three PhD students plus additional MSc students, and will hence have the chance to explore a large parameter space of materials properties, and within the team there will be capabilities to fabricate solar cells to fully understand the connection between material fabrication, the resulting trap state density and energy, the charge carrier dynamics, and finally the influence on solar cell performance.

In the hybrid solar cell group, we have gathered a unique set of techniques to study trap states and recombination dynamics in hybrid halide perovskites, including the optical spectroscopy mentioned above, and electrical spectroscopy like deep-level transient spectroscopy. You will work in a team of researchers (PhD & MSc students) which gives you the opportunity to gain leadership experience and exploring new techniques.

We welcome applications from highly motivated researchers who have expertise in optical spectroscopy (preferably ultrafast transient absorption) and optoelectronic materials. Experience with hybrid perovskites, either spectroscopically or in device fabrication is a plus. You should have a PhD in physics, chemistry, engineering or similar.

The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of two years. AMOLF assists any new foreign postdoc with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

Hybrid Solar Cells

The Hybrid Solar Cell Group focuses on novel paths towards more efficient solar cells using both organic and inorganic materials. We aim at combining the unique properties and the richness of organic materials with the highly efficient, well-characterised inorganic materials.

We provide a highly collaborative and supportive environment, both within the group and with our national and international collaborators.