Division Structure Analysis is currently seeking a student (w/m/d) for a master thesis physical chemistry/physics

X-Ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is an irreplaceable tool for the element-specific characterisation of local atomic and electronic structure of materials. XAS in the hard (high-energy) X-ray region is now routine, although the soft X-ray region (containing light-elements) presents a variety of experimental problems, including surface sensitivity, restricted sample environments, and radiation damage. X-Ray Raman scattering (XRS) provides a means to overcome these challenges of soft X-ray spectroscopy while maintaining the experimental benefits of hard X-ray techniques.1

Description

This project will explore the development of XRS at the hard X-ray beamlines BAMLine and μ-Spot beamlines (BESSY-II, Berlin). Development will involve the design and construction of a wavelength-dispersive spectrometer, building upon our recent developments in double dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy.2 In combination with ab initio simulation, the XRS method will be exploited to investigate fundamental aspects of reactivity in model explosive compounds.3 The candidate should be interested in experimental design and simulation, and their combination to answer pressing questions in advanced material characterisation.

Contact

Dr Adam Michalchuk
Division Structural Analysis
email: adam.michalchuk@bam.de

References

[1] Bergmann et al (2002) Microchemical J. 71, 221-230

[2] Radtke et al (2016) Microchemical J. 125, 56-61

[3] Michalchuk et al (2018) J. Phys. Chem. C, 122, 19395–19408

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