To find the right proposal !
Internship and thesis proposals
Criteria for selection
Number of proposals
280
1
Quark-gluon tomography of nuclei at high energy
Domaines
High energy physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
This internship proposal is part of the ANR project “TMD-SAT”, which aims to investigate the partonic structure of hadrons at high energies within Quantum Chromodynamics. It is intended as a preparation for a fully funded PhD within the Theory Group of the Subatech laboratory in Nantes.
Despite the great success of QCD in describing a wide variety of hadronic phenomena, including results from current experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), many fundamental questions remain. For instance, it is still not fully understood how quarks and gluons (collectively referred to as “partons”) are distributed inside hadrons in such a way that the resulting bound state has a definite mass and spin, especially in the regime where the partons carry a very small fraction of the bound state longitudinal momentum. In this regime, first-principles QCD calculations predict a rapid growth in the gluon density of the target, which is eventually tamed by non-linear recombination effects.
One of the central goals of current and future collider experiments is to characterize this gluon saturation phenomenon by measuring suitable cross-sections and comparing them with precise QCD predictions. The objective of the internship will be to analytically compute one such cross-section: very-forward photon-jet production in proton–nucleus collisions at the LHC, at leading order and possibly next-to-leading order in the strong coupling, within the high-gluon-density regime of the hadronic target.
Contact
Paul Caucal
24/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
2
Microwave quantum optics in quantum Hall edge states
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Ines Safi, Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, Université Paris - Saclay.
Co-director: Pascal Degiovanni (ENS Lyon). The proposal lies within the ANR project « QuSig4QuSense » associating he experimental group of Gwendal Fève at ENS Paris.
Electronic quantum optics is a novel research field which has emerged in the last years by studying quantum electronic transport in its ultimate form, through manipulating single coherent electronic excitations in chiral edge states of the quantum Hall effect (QHE), which are electronic analogues to optic fibers in photonics. Quantum point contacts (QPCs) formed by bringing closer two opposite chiral edges are the analogous of beam splitters under control.
Quite often, “light”, thus electromagnetic fields, is used to probe properties of “matter”. Inversely, our project consists in using electrons to probe the quantum states of electromagnetic fields and developing novel quantum sensors for the latter. This is the idea of an “electron radar “, at the heart of the QuSig4QuSense project. An important part of the project consists into manipulating and characterizing microwave quantum fields within edge states of the QHE, thus to propose controlled on-chip sources of quantum radiation. In the HE, this radiation is associated with charge oscillation modes called « plasmons » whose propagation determines electrical current at finite frequency. The internship and thesis aim to use these plasmonic modes to perform microwave quantum optics.
Contact
Inès Safi
24/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
3
Anyonic Statistics in Fractional Quantum Hall Systems
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Fractional quantum Hall systems host quasiparticles carrying fractional charge and obeying anyonic statistics—excitations that interpolate between bosons and fermions. While fractional charge has been accurately measured, the direct observation of anyonic braiding remains an open challenge. Two main approaches have been pursued: spatial braiding in interferometers, which are highly sensitive to Coulomb and geometric effects, and temporal braiding through current cross-correlations in Hanbury–Brown–Twiss or “anyon collider” setups, which suffer from model-dependent interpretations.
The Unifying Nonequilibrium Perturbative Theory (UNEPT) offers a comprehensive framework to describe these systems beyond the Tomonaga–Luttinger liquid model that fails to capture most experimental situations. It yields a novel braiding fluctuation–dissipation theorem (FDT) that enables extraction of the anyonic braiding phase from measurable quantities such as noise and admittance.
This project aims, on one hand, to extend this braiding FDT to time- and space-resolved probes of braiding under finite DC and AC drives, and on the other, to apply UNEPT to interferometric geometries to address spatial braiding, shown recently to be more robust than its temporal counterpart. The student will receive training in advanced quantum transport theory and collaborate with experimental groups to design realistic detection protocols for anyonic statistics.
Contact
Inès Safi
24/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
4
Statistical physics of ecosystems with structured interactions
Domaines
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The goal of this internship is to explore the effect of structure in the interactions between species in high-dimensional models of population dynamics.
Contact
Thibaut Arnoulx de Pirey
24/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
5
Spin defects in atomically thin semiconductors
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Quantum optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The goal of this internship is to fabricate and control spin defects in two dimensional semiconductors. For the details, look at the PDF description!
Contact
Fabian Cadiz
24/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
6
Electrical networks dynamics via a quantum analogy
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The goal of this project is to build on the analogy between the electrical grid linearized equations
and a Schrödinger like equation, opening the way to use numerical techniques designed for quantum systems in the physics of powergrids. Using these tools, we wish to study the propagation of fluctuations
in the network but also see how one could tackle the dynamics in the non-linear regime by extending these methods.
Contact
Guillaume Roux
Laboratory : LPTMS - UMR 8626
Team : Disordered systems, soft matter, interface physics
Team Website
Team : Disordered systems, soft matter, interface physics
Team Website
24/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
7
Data-driven modelling of fast evolution in response to environmental changes in bacterial proteins
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The need to evolve in response to environmental changes has led living organisms to acquire powerful diversification strategies. Among these, Diversity-Generating Retroelements (DGRs) are natural directed mutagenesis systems capable of efficiently exploring sequence space. DGRs have recently been identified and characterized in populations of bacteria from the gut microbiota, allowing them to adapt to and colonize the human gut, particularly by diversifying ligand-binding proteins, including pilus-associated adhesins.
In this internship project, we propose to study the extent to which a generic protein can undergo mutations with a DGR system. Our aim is to quantitatively characterize how this system is capable of generating a wide variety of protein variants with appropriate functional and structural properties.Results will be compared to existing data and, if time permits, will be used to generate new DGR template that could be tested by the experimental group of D. Bikard (Institut Pasteur).
Contact
Simona Cocco
24/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
8
Statistical mechanics of energy-constrained learning
Domaines
Statistical physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Recent breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence require an exponential growth (×4 per year) of computing power and, therefore, of energy consumption, raising huge ecological and social concerns. Little research has been done si far in the field of theoretical machine learning to address this pressing problem. Inspiration can be drawn from the brain of organisms, which have evolved under strong metabolic constraints for hundreds of millions of years. Recently, computational neuroscientists proposed empirical learning rules to curb energy consumption and applied them to few data sets or contexts. The purpose of this internship is to develop statistical mechanics tools to reach a deep understanding of the learning dynamics induced by those rules and, eventually, to improve them.
Contact
Remi MONASSON
24/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
9
Optical levitation of particles’ array
Domaines
Statistical physics
Quantum Machines
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Quantum optics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Optical levitation of particles in vacuum, offering excellent isolation from the environment, is
a unique platform for the study of fundamental interactions [1], thermodynamics of nano-
systems [2], or quantum physics at macro scales [3].
In that context, the opportunity to scale this system is particularly attractive to extend the
capability of the system, by providing a unique opportunity to observe quantum
entanglement between massive particles, to study anomalous energy flux at the nanoscale,
or extend the sensibility of weakly interacting particles (WIMPS) detectors.
The proposed internship aimed at developing a system to optically levitate multiple
particles. This system will be based on the optical tweezer setup we developed in the lab
over the last few years. The objective of the internship will then be to trap two particles and
characterize their interactions, both optical and electrostatics. These interactions will then
be used to study energy exchange between the coupled particles.
The developed setup will be a basis for studying anomalous energy flux at the nanoscale
and quantum interaction between levitated massive particles.
Contact
Loïc Rondin
24/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
10
Physics-aware Representation Learning for Turbulent Dynamo Data
Domaines
Physics of liquids
Low dimension physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Understanding and modeling magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) dynamos—flows of electrically conducting fluids that spontaneously generate magnetic fields—remains a central challenge in geophysics and astrophysics. These systems exhibit multi-scale, turbulent behavior, and their numerical simulation produces massive 3D datasets that are difficult to store, interpret, and reuse for modeling and data assimilation.
The ANR project MilaDy aims to bridge this gap by developing machine-learning models that respect the underlying physics of MHD flows. The internship will focus on the development of physics-aware data representations that compress turbulent dynamo states while preserving their essential physical structures (energy distribution, coherent flow patterns, and parameter dependencies).
Contact
Caroline Nore
24/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
11
Understanding the detachment of microscopic fibrils of viscoelastic polymer
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Viscoelastic polymer adhesion is everywhere in the industry —from aerospace and electronics to packaging— and it also drives advances in cutting-edge technologies such as soft biomimetic robotics and tissue engineering. As a major topic in soft matter physics, it sits at the intersection of mechanics, rheology, and interfacial science. This M2 internship and PhD project offers an outstanding opportunity to explore the fundamental mechanisms behind the detachment of microscopic fibrils formed during the peeling of viscoelastic adhesives. Ultimately, the goal is to establish and validate a model capable of quantitatively predicting the adhesion strength of adhesive tapes from the material intrinsic properties.
Contact
Pierre-Philippe Cortet
24/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
12
Realization of a quantum interface between trapped ions and entangled photons
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Over the past few years, our research team has developed two complementary quantum platforms: laser-cooled trapped ions and semiconductor sources of correlated photons. This internship proposal is at the intersection of these two areas, with the goal of developing a hybrid quantum platform. The project focuses on addressing one of the key challenges in quantum communication networks: creating a seamless connection between static qubits (trapped ions) and flying qubits (single photons).
Contact
Valentin Cambier
24/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
13
Coarsening-driven bubble dynamics in wet foam
Domaines
Soft matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The experimental internship will probe bubble dynamics in wet foams, and in particular the role of attractive interactions between the bubbles on this process. In three dimensional samples this is impossible on Earth because gravity leads to the liquid flowing out of the foam changing the gas volume fraction (resulting in dry foams). To get around this we have two solutions, we will carry out experiments on the coarsening of thin layers of bubbles and work with data obtained aboard the International Space Station in microgravity. The experiments consist of making foam, taking images and treating the images, while the microgravity data only requires image treatment and finding a description the underlying physical mechanisms.
Contact
Anniina Salonen
24/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
14
Nonlinear magnetization dynamics triggered by surface acoustic waves
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Keywords: spin waves, surface acoustic waves, nonlinear effects, nanomagnetism
Techniques/methods in use: hyperfrequencies, magnetic force microscopy, micromagnetic simulations
Applicant skills: python programming, lock-in measurements
Internship supervisor(s) Grégoire de Loubens, Aurélie Solignac
Internship location: SPEC, CEA Paris-Saclay, Orme des Merisiers (Gif-sur-Yvette)
Possibility for a Doctoral thesis: Yes, funded by ANR project NELSON
Contact
Grégoire De Loubens
24/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
15
Quantum simulation in waveguide arrays with synthetic dimensions
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Quantum physics is opening new pathways for processing and transmitting information, enabling powerful applications in quantum computing, simulation, and communication. Photons lie at the core of this revolution, acting as versatile carriers of quantum information. A major challenge is to miniaturize these operations onto a single chip and exploit high-dimensional quantum states for greater scalability. This internship/PhD project aims to address these challenges using arrays of nonlinear waveguides.
Besides serving as efficient sources of entangled states, waveguide arrays also provide a powerful platform for quantum simulation. We recently demonstrated how such systems can implement 1D topological Hamiltonians and protect photon-pair generation from disorder. The project aims to extend this approach to higher dimensions by exploiting synthetic dimensions, where internal photonic modes emulate additional spatial coordinates to realize complex Hamiltonians.
This framework will be used to simulate Floquet topological insulators, implement a topological pump for the robust transfer of entangled states, and explore how decoherence can enhance quantum transport. Together, these studies will establish waveguide arrays with synthetic dimensions as a powerful platform for simulating condensed matter problems in a well-controlled environment and probing new regimes of light–matter interaction tailored at the microscale.
Contact
Florent BABOUX
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
16
Holographic conformal defects
Domaines
Fields theory/String theory
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The holographic AdS-CFT correspondence relates certain strongly-interacting conformal field theories to supergravity in AdS. Furthermore, conformal defects, interfaces and boundaries are dual to certain more complicated supergravity solutions of the type $AdS \times S \times S$ warped over a Riemann surface. We have recently understood the branes whose backreaction gives rise to such solutions, and the purpose of this stage is to use these branes to construct new solutions holographically dual to conformal defects and boundaries.
Contact
Iosif Bena
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
17
Dynamic shape-morphing control via fluid structure interaction.
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Context. In Nature, living materials are constantly evolving and adapting their shape to the environment, a feat that is lacking in engineered materials. To achieve this, differential growth within the tissues is key, as it induces mechanical stresses and thus the buckling in a rich variety of shapes. Over the last decade, emerging approaches have embraced this paradigm to develop bioinspired synthetic responsive materials (to external stimuli, such as, temperature, magnetic field, pressure) with in-plane distortions, and hence shape-morphing capabilities. However, despite rapid developments, current efforts primarily focus on programming the final equilibrium shape, overlooking both the dynamical trajectory of the transformation and the mechanics of the morphed structure. As a result, exciting biomedical applications perspective in minimally invasive surgery, rehabilitation and soft robotics remain so far beyond reach.
Objectives. In this internship, you will develop 3D-printed soft architected structures containing a network of interconnected cavities. By controlling the flow and the pressure distribution within the soft architected structure, the aim will be to characterize and then rationalize the fluid structure interaction at play to program the shape changes in space and time.
Contact
Emmanuel SIEFERT
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
18
Monitoring and modeling bioelectric activity of cells
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
It has been recently recognized that every cell exhibits an electrical activity, from voltage drop across their membrane through patterning of surface charges. While the electrical activities of neurons and muscle cells have been widely documented with regards to their functions, the role of electric potentials in non-excitable cells remains to be explored. Several studies suggest that such bioelectricity could be fundamental for processes both at the unicellular and multicellular levels, such as development, cell migration, or cancer. In this internship, we propose to explore the intrinsic fluctuations of the bioelectric activity in cultured epithelial mammalian cells. We previously engineered cells to express a fluorescent biosensor reporting their electrical activity. On time scale of seconds to tens of minutes, significant fluctuations are observed that depend on the local context: isolated cells present large fluctuations, while islands of connected cells show dampened fluctuations. These fluctuations can be used to understand how cells are electrically coupled and how multicellular patterns of bioelectric activity emerge as well as better understand the biological and physical mechanisms dictating the electrical setpoint of cells.
The intern will combine fluorescent live cell imaging and theoretical modeling to measure and model these fluctuations. Ideally, we are seeking for a student with a background in physics/math that is willing to perform experiments in biology.
Contact
Thomas Risler
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
19
Theory of atom-photon and spin-photon interfaces : from cavity-QED to waveguide-QED
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The rise of cavity-QED has made it possible to fully exploit the light-matter interaction, at the most fundamental level: single atoms and single photons.
Our team in C2N has developed quantum-dot-based interfaces which can be used as efficient emitters of single photons, leading to the creation of the company Quandela. A strong challenge remains: developing quantum nodes that implement logic operations on incoming photons, using the interaction with a single stationary qubit.
During the last decade, we have also built a practical theoretical toolbox, allowing to simulate the cavity-QED effects in light-matter interfaces. By doing so, we made a theoretical breakthrough: it becomes possible to exactly describe many complex cavity-QED phenomena, with the much simpler and practical framework of waveguide-QED. This allows implementing numerical and analytical strategies which were previously out of reach.
During this internship we want to explore the potential of this breakthrough, extending it to the study of spin-photon interfaces and to the strong-coupling regime of cavity-QED.
Contact
Loïc Lanco
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
20
Size control in self-assembly using incommensurable subunits
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The self-assembly of complex structures from engineered subunits is a major goal of nanotechnology and protein design, but controlling their size becomes increasingly difficult in larger assemblies. Existing strategies present significant challenges, among which the use of multiple subunit types or the precise control of their shape and mechanics. This project aims to \textbf{introduce an alternative, more robust approach based on a clever use of subunits with promiscuous interactions and incommensurable shapes}. It will additionally pave the way for colloidal and/or DNA origami implementations by our collaborators.
Contact
Martin Lenz
Laboratory : LPTMS - UMR 8626
Team : Disordered systems, soft matter, interface physics
Team Website
Team : Disordered systems, soft matter, interface physics
Team Website
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
21
Quantum Information and Entanglement in Correlated Quantum Matter
Domaines
Low dimension physics
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The spectacular development of quantum over the past few years has sparked renewed interest in quantum information. In addition to quantum computation, recent advances permit to envision revolutionary technological developments in quantum simulation, quantum metrology, and quantum communications. Still, many fundamental questions remain unanswered regarding the very foundations of quantum information, first and foremost in connection to quantum correlations and entanglement.
This project aims to explore two aspects of these questions:
(i) The role of entanglement in quantum phase transitions;
(ii) The propagation of information in correlated quantum systems.
The roles of disorder and coupling to the environment. Both are fundamental challenges for real quantum devices. We will focus on long-range models as realized on state-of-the-art quantum simulation platforms, including Rydberg atoms, eg as realized at Institut d'Optique, and cavity optical tweezers, eg as realized at the Laboratoire Kastler-Brossel. The challenges are to understand the behavior of quantum information in these systems and to determine the relevant observables to unveil its nature. These questions will be addressed from a theoretical point of view, using the most modern N-body approaches, both analytical and numerical.
Contact
Laurent SANCHEZ-PALENCIA
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
22
Quantum simulation of twisted bilayer systems using ultracold quantum gases
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
It was recently discovered that twisted bilayer lattice systems show remarkable quantum properties, such as exotic superconductivity and non-standard insulating states. They appear notably in graphene and other so-called van der Waals materials. These materials are made up of parallel layers at an angle q to each other. Interestingly, such fascinating materials can be emulated with almost no defect in ultracold-atom quantum simulators using atom-light interaction in dedicated laser configurations [Meng et al., Nature 615, 231 (2023)].
The aim of the internship and PhD thesis will be to investigate the behavior of ultracold quantum gases in twisted bilayer optical lattices. The main challenge will be to determine the phase diagrams of these systems and to understand the mechanisms that stabilize exotic quantum phases. Particular attention will be paid to the search for superfluid states and states induced by non-commensurate layers. We will also search for signatures accessible to on-going experiments in the field.
These questions will be addressed using a combination of analytical work and advanced numerical approaches. Our group has extensive experience in this field (see https://www.cpht.polytechnique.fr/cpht/uquantmat/publi_papers.html), where we have carried out pioneering work in the case of strong coupling where layers merge. Our aim here is to extend this work to the case where the layers are well separated.
Contact
Laurent SANCHEZ-PALENCIA
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
23
Quantum computing with nuclear spins
Domaines
Quantum Machines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Nuclear spins in solids are attractive qubit candidates due to their long coherence times; however, controlling and reading out individual nuclear spins is highly challenging. In our laboratory, we interface individual nuclei via an electron spin ancilla [1]. The electron spin is then measured by microwave photon counting [2,3]. Nuclear-spin single-shot readout is performed via the electron spin [4].
We recently demonstrated single- and two-qubit gates using two 183W atoms coupled to a single Er3+ ion in CaWO4, with coherence times above one second.
As part of the ERC starting grant project nQUICHE led by James O’Sullivan, we now want to generate two-qubit gates between 183W atoms coupled to different Er3+ ions. We will explore interactions between two Er3+ ions via a superconducting resonator. This also requires local frequency control of each ion, which we will do by applying electric fields via gates patterned on top of the crystal. This internship consists of designing, fabricating, and measuring such a device.
Experimental techniques include cleanroom work, low-temperature microwave measurements in dilution refrigerators, superconducting circuits and single-spin magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The student will team up with a PhD and postdoc.
[1] J. O’Sullivan et al., Nature Physics (2025)
[2] E. Albertinale et al., Nature 600, 434 (2021)
[3] Z. Wang et al., Nature 619, 276 (2023)
[4] J. Travesedo et al., Science Advances (2025)
Contact
Patrice Bertet
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
24
Free energies of quasicrystals
Domaines
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Quasicrystals are exotic aperiodic structures, that can exhibit symmetries forbidden by the normal rules of crystallography. While typically found in metallic alloys, over the past decades a number of soft-matter systems – both experimental and simulated – have been developed that are capable of forming quasicrystal phases.
In most cases, these self-assembled quasicrystal can be interpreted as being constructed out of a limited set of tiles, such as squares and triangles in 2D, that are mixed together to produce an aperiodic pattern. Interestingly, there are usually many ways these tilings can be rearranged in order to form similar patterns. This degeneracy leads to a so-called configurational entropy contribution to the free energy of the quasicrystal, which helps stabilize the quasicrystal phase. In some of our past work [1], we have examined the free energy of quasicrystal tilings in a simple model system, in order to map out the phase diagram. Interestingly, in that model system, it turned out that all different variations of the same quasicrystal tiling provided essentially the same contribution to the free energy. While this greatly simplified our calculations, this is likely not a typical case.
In this project, you will explore methods to predict how likely a given quasicrystalline tiling is in a model system consisting of two-dimensional patchy particles.
Contact
Frank Smallenburg
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
25
Self-assembly in polydisperse mixtures
Domaines
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
One interesting feature of colloidal particles is the fact that they can crystallize into a broad array of different crystal structures, depending on their interactions. This process is highly similar to what happens when molecules or atoms crystallize, and is governed by the same statistical mechanics. However, unlike atoms or molecules, colloidal particles are typically polydisperse: they slightly vary in terms of their size, shape, charge, or other microscopic properties.
This polydispersity typically hinders crystallization, but can also lead to the emergence of unexpectedly complex crystal structures [1]. In this project, you will explore how polydispersity with different size distributions leads to the formation of new crystal structures.
Contact
Frank Smallenburg
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
26
Brittle to Ductile transition in colloidal systems.
Domaines
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
This internship investigates the brittle-to-ductile transition (BDT) in amorphous solids using numerical simulations of model colloidal glasses. The project focuses on the “expanding particle” protocol, where particles are gradually inflated to generate glassy states with controlled disorder and density. The goal is to understand how preparation conditions influence the mechanical behavior and yielding of these materials.
The work is part of a larger interdisciplinary project involving both theorists and experimentalists, aiming to identify and characterize the emergence of the BDT in real colloidal systems. The student will gain hands-on experience in computational soft matter physics, analyzing structure, local stresses, and microscopic precursors of failure. Continuation as a PhD project is possible for strong candidates.
Contact
Giuseppe Foffi
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
27
Hybrid III-V/SOI photonic devices for quantum information
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Hybrid quantum photonics is a rapidly evolving field that combines different material platforms to harness their complementary optical properties for quantum information processing. In this project, we will build on recent progress in the realization of hybrid III-V/SOI quantum photonic devices capable of emitting energy-time entangled photons to demonstrate electrical injection into these sources and to implement on-chip manipulation of the quantum state, taking advantage of the well-developed catalogue of SOI components. This project is carried out in the framework of a collaboration between three partners: MPQ, C2N and STMicroelectronics.
Contact
Sara DUCCI
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
28
Nonequilibrium dynamics in binary quantum fluids
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Low dimension physics
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The central aim of this Master 2 internship is to construct a rigorous theoretical model addressing recent experimental observations regarding the far-from-equilibrium dynamics of two coupled quantum gases. The scope of engagement extends beyond this core project, offering significant latitude for expansion into the broader physics of binary quantum fluids.
Contact
Pierre-Élie Larré
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
29
Statistical mechanics of magnets with disorders
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
In this internship project we study how randomness—dilution, substitutions, defects—reshapes phases and observables in prototypical classical and quantum spin models (Ising, Heisenberg, spin ice, loop models). Using analytical and numerical tools (e.g., strong-disorder RG, Monte Carlo), the project will probe density of states, magnetization, specific heat, susceptibility, and especially whether disorder triggers new phase transitions and universality classes. A PhD continuation could focus on sign-problem-resistant algorithms for frustrated quantum magnets, classical statistical descriptions of topological orders/spin liquids, and dynamics of random spin systems.
Contact
Chunxiao LIU
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
30
Crystalline defects in quantum lattice systems
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
In this internship project will build a classical foundation for understanding how lattice defects (dislocations, disclinations) break crystal symmetries and organize phases of matter. The project starts by revisiting defect theory in classical media, then classifies defect types by the crystal symmetries they break, visualizes them across crystal structures, and studies their fusion rules (how defects merge/split). This groundwork sets up a possible PhD exploring quantum aspects: anomalies induced by defects on charge/spin degrees of freedom, experimental consequences in topological phases and spin liquids, and algebraic-topology tools to compute these anomalies.
Contact
Chunxiao LIU
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
31
Quantum plasmonic metamaterial time crystals
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Photonic time crystals -optical systems that are strongly and periodically modulated in time- have recently emerged as a novel paradigm for controlling light–matter interactions through temporal modulation, analogous to how conventional spatial photonic crystals manipulate light through spatial structuring. Building on our recent demonstration of a photonic time crystal using a plasmonic metamaterial operating at Terahertz frequencies, this internship aims to lay the groundwork for realizing a quantum plasmonic metamaterial time crystal, that is a photonic time crystal that can operate in the few-photon regime. This will require developing a Terahertz spectroscopy setup with extended frequency coverage as well as the design and characterization of advanced plasmonic metamaterials.
Contact
Yannis LAPLACE
Laboratory : Laboratoire des solides irradiés - UMR 7642
Team : New electronic states - TeraX-lab
Team Website
Team : New electronic states - TeraX-lab
Team Website
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
32
Wet active systems: from anomalous diffusion to self-organization
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
You will develop theories for wet active systems, in order to understand how fluid flows affect their phenomenology at large-scales, much larger than the individual particle. The focus will be on understanding their generic and universal properties, i.e. qualitative and quantitative properties independent of system details. The internship is planned as a well-defined entry point in the problem; it can naturally be continued for a PhD.
Contact
Cesare Nardini
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
33
Hydrodynamics and precipitation
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Precipitation is usually introduced in high school chemistry classes by mixing vigorously two liq-
uids and observing the spontaneous formation of disordered, slowly sinking solid flakes. When this
phenomenon occurs in industrial or geophysical environments though, precipitation forms large-scale
cohesive structures sculpted by the flow: adhesive scaling building up in heat exchangers pipes, several
tens of meters-high hydrothermal vents harbouring primitive ecosystems or perfect AI-looking travertin
terraces found in Yellowstone are all but random flakes. How fluid flows influence the precip-
itation process? This is the key question that motivates the present internship, whose primary
objective is to investigate experimentally and theoretically the interplay between precipitation
and hydrodynamics.
Contact
Arnaud Antkowiak
Laboratory : Institut d'Alembert -
Team : Fluides Complexes et Instabilités Hydrodynamiques
Team Website
Team : Fluides Complexes et Instabilités Hydrodynamiques
Team Website
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
34
Mining for gluon saturation at high energy colliders
Domaines
High energy physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Gluon saturation is an emergent phenomenon in QCD at high energy and for large nuclei. Although predicted by QCD perturbation theory and indirectly confirmed by a variety of data (from electron-proton collisions at HERA to proton-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions at the LHC), this phenomenon has never been directly observed. This internship (that could be followed by a PhD thesis) proposes to explore a new class of observables, like di-jet production in electron-nucleus or proton-nucleus collisions, which are sensitive to gluon saturation via the correlations between the produced particles. These observables will be measured in the future experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC, CERN) and the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC, USA).
Contact
Edmond Iancu
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
35
Near field cavity quantum electrodynamics with telecom nano emitters.
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The scientific project focuses on coupling solid state-nano-emitters to optical micro-cavities in particular to deep sub-wavelength mode volume cavity for advanced Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics effects
Contact
Yannick Chassagneux
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
36
Towards a van der Waals only Spintronics
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Spin-based electronics benefit from new 2D materials, known for their highly tunable properties and ability to host both conventional and exotic electronic phases. The TELEM group has developed an innovative platform to study magnetization dynamics and spin current injection from micrometer wide nanometer thick Cobalt. The proposed internship/PhD will extend this work by integrating diverse 2D materials, exploring transition metal dichalcogenides and topological insulators for improved spin-to-charge conversion, and investigating FeₙGeTe₂ magnets (n = 4–5) magnetic dynamics. The successful candidate will lead device design, fabrication (MPQ cleanroom), and full experimental characterization, mastering nanofabrication, precise measurements (DC to microwave), Python interfacing, and data analysis.
Contact
Francois Mallet
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
37
Single Quantum Dot Nano-LEDS using Scanning Tunneling Luminescence
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
In this internship, we propose to use scanning tunneling electroluminescence microscopy (STLM) to probe electronic and optical properties of colloidal quantum dots. The goal is to realize single quantum dot electrical excitation with an STM tip and measure single photon electroluminescence in the system.
Contact
Clement Livache
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
38
Steering quantum states through measurements
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum Machines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The advantage of quantum processors stems from the complexity of highly entangled states, which are challenging to simulate on classical computers. However, a major obstacle to practical quantum computation is decoherence, which occurs because real quantum systems are rarely fully isolated, and are in a sense continuously monitored by degrees of freedom beyond our control. Interestingly, recent studies reveal that quantum states can remain highly entangled when measurements occur below a critical rate. Entanglement can even be enhanced by simultaneously measuring physical operators that do not commute.
The main challenge in studying monitored entanglement dynamics is the need to describe the full stochastic dynamics of all measurement outcomes, while we are better equipped to follow deterministic evolutions along single trajectories. However, individual trajectories and their ensembles exhibit fundamentally different physics. In a recent study, we bridge this gap by examining measurement processes in which only selected subsets of trajectories are retained. Our findings suggest that the complex ensemble behavior of the full system may be reflected in the more experimentally accessible average properties of these subsets.
The objective of this research project is to study the interplay between partial post selection schemes and conditional feedback on entanglement dynamics.
We will address these questions using a combination of analytical and numerical tools.
Contact
Dganit MEIDAN
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
39
Learning active matter
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
You will focus on applying techniques to learn minimal models that describe active systems from data. This internship is planned as a well-defined entry point in the subject and can naturally be continued in a Ph.D. on active matter performing both numerical and analytical work. The skills required are a Master-level training in theoretical and statistical physics; no previous knowledge of active matter or biophysics is required.
Contact
Cesare Nardini
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
40
Conformal field theory approach to low-dimensional statistical models
Domaines
Statistical physics
High energy physics
Fields theory/String theory
Low dimension physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
During the stage the student will learn basic notions of Renormalization group approach based on perturbed Conformal field theory.
The goal is to study the critical point of disordered and long range Potts model to unveil new way to implement conformal invariance at quantum level
Contact
Raoul Santachiara
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
41
Unconventional Superconductivity in Twisted Bilayer Graphene
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Twisted magic-angle graphene hosts a wealth of remarkable behaviors, including exotic band topology, strong correlation effects, and unconventional superconductivity. Recent experiments on TBG have revealed an unusual superconducting phase that is enhanced by an external magnetic field. This is unusual since a magnetic field typically suppresses superconductivity by breaking the time-reversal symmetry that protects Cooper pairs.
Interestingly, similar magnetic-field-induced enhancement of conductivity occur in Chern insulators, which exhibit the anomalous quantum Hall effect. Twisted heterostructures have emerged as promising candidates for realizing Chern insulating states, and quantized anomalous Hall effects have been observed in bilayer and trilayer graphene aligned with hBN. Together, these discoveries point to a deep connection between band topology and superconductivity in TBG.
The central questions we address are: can the interplay between band topology and magnetic field account for the unconventional superconductivity observed in twisted bilayer graphene, and what are the defining properties of this state? We explore these questions using a combination of analytical and numerical approaches.
Contact
Dganit MEIDAN
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
42
Onset of dissipation in three dimensional superconductors
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
According to the Josephson relations, dissipation in superconductors is related to the time-variation of the phase of the wavefunction. This physics is usually studied in the case of superconducting weak links, when a voltage develops across a thin barrier of nanometric dimensions. Although this kind of effect is typically observed in low-dimensional devices (for which at least one dimension is comparable to or smaller than the coherence length), there are some specific situations where it may arise in large systems as well. One particular case is that of phase slip lines in wide superconducting films, for which all the dimensions exceed the superconducting coherence length. Current-voltage characteristics display step-like structures, resulting from oscillations of both the amplitude and phase of the wavefunction.
In this project, our aim is to experimentally study such current-voltage relations and the fluctuations of these quantities. We are specifically interested in the following questions:
- determining the properties of dissipative carriers in the non-equilibrium state,
- investigating possible correlations of these properties with the supercurrent component,
- statistical study of conductance fluctuations in these dissipative states.
Contact
Shamashis SENGUPTA
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
43
Nonlinear metasurface on silicon photodiode for infrared detection
Domaines
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
In the last years metasurfaces have revolutionized the field of optics, with the promise of replacing bulky optical systems and providing new functionalities by nanostructured thin films. “Flat optics” also showed its potential in the nonlinear regime, mostly in III-V semiconductors, and we recently achieved second harmonic generation with phase-front control in a nonlinear metasurface (NLMS). Today we aim to harness the full potential of NLMSs by tackling an old problem of nonlinear optics: the upconversion of infrared radiation into the silicon absorption band via sum frequency generation (SFG). By heterogeneous integration of a high-efficiency NLMS, a linear metalens and a single photon avalanche photodiode (SPAD), we will demonstrate a miniature device allowing for ultrafast detection of infrared signals with wavelength beyond the fast-detection limit of InGaAs APDs. To this end, we will address a triple challenge in design, forefront nanofabrication, and ultrafast characterization. This project will both push forward fundamental research and go beyond purely academic interest. The targeted device will provide the breakthrough of ultrafast detection of infrared radiation at 300K, spurring the transition of the young NLMS research field from fundamental research into a set of high-impact applied technologies.
Contact
Giuseppe Leo
23/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
44
Modeling of cardiac muscle contraction regulation at the mesoscale: a combined experimental and theoretical approach
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The MesoCardio project, funded by the PEPR MATHS-VivES program, aims to develop models of cardiac muscle contraction at the mesoscale—the intermediate level between molecular motors and tissue mechanics. The proposed Master’s internship (starting April 2026) and PhD thesis (starting October 2026) will be jointly supervised by Matthieu Caruel (MSME, Université Paris-Est Créteil) and Marco Linari and Pasquale Bianco (PhysioLab, University of Florence).
Current models overlook the mesoscale organization of sarcomeres, where mechanical and biochemical feedbacks regulate contraction. This project seeks to bridge this gap through a combined theoretical and experimental approach.
The PhD will contribute to Work Package 2 (WP2) of MesoCardio, which develops stochastic models of interacting contractile units informed by experimental data. The work includes (1) modeling long-range mechanical interactions within contractile units, (2) conducting experiments on cardiac myocytes and synthetic nanomachines using optical tweezers and X-ray diffraction, and (3) integrating results into mesoscale models incorporating regulatory feedback.
The candidate should hold a Master’s in mechanical engineering, biomechanics, or physics, with skills in stochastic modeling, statistical mechanics, and Python programming. The project offers alternating stays in Paris and Florence, fostering close collaboration between modeling and experimental teams.
Contact
Matthieu Caruel
22/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
45
Identifying decoding failures in quantum error correction
Domaines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
To make large-scale quantum computation possible, errors must be detected and corrected using quantum error correction (QEC). In QEC, information is encoded across many qubits so that errors can be detected and corrected without disturbing the computation.
A crucial step in any QEC protocol is decoding, the process of interpreting measurement outcomes to decide the best correction. Efficient and accurate decoding is essential for QEC to work properly: a bad decoding strategy leads to a larger error rate. Developing better decoding strategies is therefore a central step towards practical quantum computers.
In this project, we will focus on quantum low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes, a family of QEC codes with promising scalability properties. Their standard decoding algorithm, belief propagation (BP), is known to not be optimal for low physical error rates. The goal of the internship is to design and implement a method to identify the syndromes that are typically misclassified by BP. To successfully identify these syndromes, their decoding will be compared against an optimal, though computationally demanding, reference decoder. Ultimately, identifying the error patterns that are not well decoded could be used to improve the error rate of LDPC codes. The project will start with simple codes correcting a single type of error (appropriate for biased-noise qubits) and could later be extended to more general cases.
Contact
Nicolas Sangouard
22/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
46
Mechanical Characterization of 3D-Printed Metacomposite Lattice Materials
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Reducing the quantity of raw material is a preferred method to reduce both the production cost and the energy footprint of structural materials. One method to create less massive materials, widely explored in research, consists in replacing them with 3D-printed truss-based structures. These structures are very porous and, by adjusting the spatial arrangement of beams — their architecture — it is possible to obtain spectacular stiffness values, much higher than those observed in materials of equivalent lightness (such as aerogels or solid foams, for example). The resulting mechanical metamaterials, however, remain very brittle, and different methods for including heterogeneities are being explored to make it resistant to fracture.
The objective of this internship is to characterize the resistance to deformation and fracture, in tension and compression, of metacomposites, that is to say, a truss-based metamaterial with zones of different connectivities creating effective hard grains linked by soft joints. Numerical tests may also be carried out on a model of the material.
Contact
Daniel Bonamy
22/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
47
Finite-temperature properties of fermionic topological order
Domaines
Condensed matter
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
In this 3-months internship starting in April 2026, we will explore the physics of fermionic topological order. We will get familiar with the fermionic toric code, compute the degeneracy of its energy levels and from there obtain the partition function and study other finite-temperature properties such as entanglement entropy (or mutual information) and Wegner-Wilson loops. This will require getting familiar with mathematical concepts such as tensor categories.
Contact
Jean-Noël Fuchs
22/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
48
Advanced molecular dynamics simulations of protein - cyclic peptide complexes
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Peptides have attracted increasing attention over the past decade as a viable alternative to small molecules for developing drug molecules capable of interfering with protein-protein interactions particularly well. For this internship, we propose to simulate the association and dissociation of protein – cyclic peptide complexes using advanced molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The Parrinello group developed recently an improved metadynamics method, named “On-the-fly Probability Enhanced Sampling” (OPES) (Invernizzi and Parrinello, 2020), reducing the convergence times for suboptimal collective variables. Building on that, the Gervasio group combined OPES with replica-exchange MD into “OneOPES” (Rizzi et al., 2023) to further reduce convergence times. They applied OneOPES to predict with a high accuracy the free energy of binding of protein – ligand (=small molecules) complexes (Karrenbrock et al., 2024) and demonstrated also on small ligand receptors that this method can be automatised (Febrer Martinez et al., 2024).
Here, we would like to apply OneOPES to a small set of protein – cyclic peptide complexes for which the experimental free energy of binding is already known. The goal is to explore the association and dissociation mechanisms, as well as to predict the free energy of binding.
Contact
Dirk Stratmann
22/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
49
Helicity-Preserving Scattering and the Onset of Localization of Electromagnetic Waves in Disordered Media
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The project aims to explore the role of helicity conservation in electromagnetic transport through disordered media. Recent theoretical work suggests that when scattering preserves the helicity (handedness of circular polarization) of electromagnetic waves, Anderson localization can be inhibited, leading to a form of topological delocalization. This phenomenon has never been experimentally tested. The proposed internship will contribute to the preliminary design and modeling steps required to build a microwave platform capable of investigating this effect.
Contact
Geoffroy Aubry
22/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
50
Simulating the cosmologic reheating phase with quantum gases
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum optics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Exciting a Bose-Einstein condensate in an elongated trap has analogies with the cosmological preheating and reheating. For small excitations we have observed the production of entangled quasiparticles. The aim of the internship is to study the strong excitation regime.
Contact
Denis Boiron
22/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
51
Flow-induced dynamic instabilities in Kirigami
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
In engineering, flexible components are increasingly favored over rigid ones for devices operating in fluid flow. Their ability to deform enhances resilience to changing conditions, and can improve aerodynamic performance, or support a range of operational modes. However, controlling their complex deformations under fluid loading presents significant design challenges, requiring innovative approaches. Work in LadHyX has shown the potential of kirigami—where cut patterns are introduced into flat materials—to create tunable poroelastic structures, providing effective control for passive shape adaptation in fluid environments. While past studies have mainly explored static shape changes, this internship seeks to broaden the focus to include the dynamic response of kirigami structures in fluid flow.
Contact
Sophie Ramananarivo
22/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
52
WearFLOW: a portable laser speckle imager for microcirculation dynamic monitoring
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
We are offering an M1/M2 internship in the Biophotonics group at LCF to design a portable laser imager based on laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI). LSCI maps 2D blood flow at high spatial and temporal resolutions. So far, clinical devices are bulky and must be handheld limiting their use. The goal of the internship is to overcome these limitations by making this modality portable and attachable to the patient's arm, avoiding constraints related to movement and facilitate measurements in real-world conditions, particularly during physical activity.
The project involves methodological and scientific challenges :
• Design and assemble a prototype incorporating optics and photonics components.
• Develop test protocols on several microfluidic chips (custom made in the laboratory, without a clean room) simulating blood capillaries and surrounding tissue to evaluate the prototype ability to monitor microcirculation
• Evaluate the impact of different hypotheses on light scattering in tissues on the biophysical models used to evaluate the microcirculation
The skills you will be able to strengthen or acquire are :
• Design and integration of photonic instruments.
• Optical and electronic characterization of biomedical systems.
• Experimental protocols on original microfluidic chips.
• Teamwork in a multidisciplinary research environment.
The internship may lead to a PhD, through application to already identified PhD grant funding opportunities.
Contact
Frederic PAIN
22/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
53
Luminescent nanoparticle optical imaging for sensitive and portable detection of nucleic acids in vitro towards new generation diagnostic tests
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The in vitro detection of pathogenic markers, either proteins or nucleic acids, is crucial in numerous situations, e.g. early viral infections detection or efficient systemic disease diagnosis. We propose to development of optics based biomolecule detection tests using lanthanide-based nanoparticles (YVO4:Eu). Due to their remarkable optical and chemical properties and the development of efficient optical instrumentation, we plan to develop large-scale fast, portable, on-field compliant DNA/RNA detection tests, with unprecedented sensitivities. This internship will aim at developing biochemical, optical and analysis technologies to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach before a further integration into actual diagnostic tests, which may be implemented into medical contexts.
Contact
Cedric Bouzigues
22/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
54
Thin film deposition and conception assisted by AI for corrosion
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Data and Materials science convergence paves the way to the discovery acceleration of new materials for great transitions : towards energies always more sustainable, digital applications more frugal and the medicine of the future.
Within the framework of this dynamics organized at the national level by the PEPR DIADEM led by CEA and CNRS, the successful candidate will join the INSTN institute within CEA to take part to the development of thin film coatings. He or She will realize on DIADEM-2D, the new thin film deposition platform of INSTN using PVD HiPIMS, the development of new coatings for corrosion in nuclear environments applications.
The successful candidate will characterize its samples in situ by Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), then ex situ structurally (XRD, SEM, …) and chemically (EDS, XRF, …). Finally, He or She will determine their resistance to corrosion in collaboration with a partner laboratory located on CEA-Saclay center (DES/ISAS/DRMP/S2CM).
He or She will use his/her results in the scope of a collaboration with CEA-LIST for the development of ExpressIF Materials, a symbolic AI tool dedicated to Materials Science research aiming to improve the chemical composition and physical properties of the system of interest.
This internship may be continued in a PhD thesis with an application to the international doctoral program of PEPR DIADEM ( https://www.pepr-diadem.fr/training/the-international-doctoral-and-post-doctoral-program/ )
Contact
Paul Foulquier
Laboratory : CEA-Saclay -
Team : Institut National des Sciences et Techniques Nucléaires
Team Website
Team : Institut National des Sciences et Techniques Nucléaires
Team Website
22/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
55
Tera-Hertz generation from femtosecond-laser induced micro-plasma
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This internship focuses on developing a compact and efficient terahertz (THz) source using femtosecond laser-induced micrometer-size plasmas. The project aims to overcome the “THz gap” caused by the limitations of existing THz sources, which are often expensive or have low performance. At LPENS, the approach uses table-top MHz femtosecond lasers to generate two-color plasmas and obtain large signal-to-noise ratios over a wide spectrum. The work involves designing an optical setup capable of focusing ultrafast pulses while preserving temporal compression and will later include the study of Weyl semi-metals and graphene quantum dots. Conducted in collaboration with theoreticians and OIST (Japan), the project opens new perspectives in condensed matter and quantum physics.
Contact
Jérôme Tignon
22/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
56
Ultracold dysprosium atoms: a giant spin for quantum simulation and metrology
Domaines
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This M2 intership/PhD project explores ultracold dysprosium gases (J = 8) to study high-spin quantum dynamics and topological phases. The student will work on generating entangled states for enhanced quantum metrology and investigating synthetic gauge-field effects in Bose–Einstein condensates, using an operational experimental setup at Laboratoire Kastler Brossel.
Contact
Sylvain Nascimbene
22/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
57
Coupling between spatio-temporal oscillations and protein transport in bacterial periplasm
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Outer membrane proteins (OMP) mediate the interactions between bacteria and their environment. Their localization is relevant for many physiological processes such as cell infection or biofilm formation. Recent development on the dynamics OMP insertion have shown that OMP are mainly inserted at midcell and then passively advected to the poles. This scenario, where the source of OMP insertion on the outer membrane is located at midcell likely predicts a gradient from the center to the poles. However, a number of OMP have been reported to follow an inverted gradient from poles to cell center. We recently demonstrated that the periplasmic dynamics of Ag43, an E. coli OMP involved in cell-cell adhesion, is biased towards the poles. Unexpectedly, we showed that the non-trivial dynamics in the periplasm is coupled to the Min system, which oscillates from pole to pole in the cytoplasm. Now, we would like to understand how the spatio-temporal oscillations of Min protein concentration can generate a net drift of Ag43 in the periplasm despite the presence of the inner cell membrane that separate the two systems. We propose to test if the coupling between cytoplasmic oscillation and periplasmic drift can emerge from hydrodynamic interactions mediated by Marangoni flows caused by periodic change of the lipidic composition at cell poles due to cardiolipin-Min interactions.
Contact
Nicolas Desprat
22/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
58
Simuler la formation des structures cosmologiques avec K-mouflage
Domaines
High energy physics
Relativity/Astrophysics/Cosmology
Fields theory/String theory
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Le modèle cosmologique standard, fondé sur la Relativité Générale et une énergie noire décrite par une constante cosmologique, est aujourd’hui remis en question par plusieurs observations récentes.
Dans ce stage, nous étudierons un modèle alternatif de la gravitation, appelé K-mouflage, encore très peu exploré dans la littérature.
L’objectif sera de développer un solveur numérique pour cette théorie, de l’intégrer dans un code N-corps, puis de comparer les résultats obtenus à ceux du modèle cosmologique standard.
Contact
Philippe Brax
22/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
59
Microscopic theory of the stress tensor in dense materials
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The stress tensor, introduced by Cauchy in 1822, is a fundamental concept in continuum mechanics, connecting internal forces to deformation in materials. It plays a central role across physics and engineering, governing elasticity, fluid dynamics (via the Navier-Stokes equations), and field theories, while also linking microscopic particle behavior to macroscopic properties in statistical and condensed matter physics.
Theoretical descriptions of stress exist at multiple scales: macroscopic models use empirical constitutive equations; mesoscopic models capture local plastic rearrangements using stochastic rules; and microscopic approaches aim for first-principles expressions based on interparticle forces, though they face challenges due to complex many-body interactions.
This internship project aims to develop a microscopic, first-principles theory of the stress tensor in dense materials. It will start from the Irving-Kirkwood formalism and seek a closed-form solution using advanced theoretical methods (mean field theory, stochastic models, projection techniques), supported by numerical simulations (e.g., hard-sphere models) to explore stress fluctuations and redistribution in disordered and nonequilibrium systems.
Contact
Joël Mabillard
21/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
60
Energy correlators at the Large Hadron Collider
Domaines
High energy physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
In recent years, energy correlators have emerged as an excellent tool to study Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) in collider experiments. These observables are multi-point correlation functions of the energy flow operator, which measures the energy flux in a given direction at the asymptotic infinite. When measured inside jets, an N-point energy correlator captures how energy is distributed among all possible combinations of N-detected hadrons within the jet, as a function of their angular separations. Following their theoretical development, energy correlators have recently been measured for the first time at the LHC in proton–proton, proton–lead, and lead–lead collisions. Measurements within jets in the latter two systems show significant modifications relative to the proton–proton case, whose physical origin has not yet been firmly established. The goal of this internship is to combine perturbative QCD techniques with the unique quantum field theory properties of energy correlators to compute their nuclear modifications. Depending on the candidate’s interests, the project may also include a more involved numerical component to complement the analytical approach. This work will give the intern hands-on experience with (semi-)analytical QCD calculations, while keeping a connection to phenomenology and providing an opportunity to contribute to a rapidly evolving and highly active research area. For interested candidates, the internship can also serve as a natural pathway to a PhD.
Contact
Carlota Andres
21/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
61
2D Superconducting Spintronics
Domaines
Condensed matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Superconducting spintronics (and spin caloritronics) is an emergent field at the intersection of spin(-orbit) physics and superconductivity, traditionally studied in metals. Van der Waals materials, which can be exfoliated down to the monolayer limit, and cover the whole gamut of electronic properties, open new possibilities for the study of superconducting devices and unconventional superconductivity. Our collaboration has shown that semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are excellent tunnel barriers, which we have used, inter alia, to obtain spectral evidence for a possible equal-spin triplet superconducting (ESTS) state in the TMD NbSe2. Recently, magnetism has been demonstrated in in few-layer 2D materials (CrSBr, VX2…). Such magnetic properties were used for efficient spin-filtering in devices with magnetic insulators such as CrI3.
We offer 2 possible projects related to the interplay of spins and superconductivity (see pdf).
Candidates should have a strong background in quantum mechanics and condensed matter physics, and solid laboratory experience. Familiarity with nano-fabrication, vdW materials and low-noise low-temperature electronic transport would be a plus.
This co-supervised project is part of a long-standing collaboration between the Université Paris-Saclay (Charis Quay et al.) and the Hebrew University (Hadar Steinberg et al.).
Contact
Charis Quay
21/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
62
Simulating the current-driven insulator to metal transition of Ca2RuO4
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Ca2RuO4 is a quasi two-dimensional layered perovskite, which has a Mott insulating ground state at ambient conditions. Recent experiments have revealed a current-induced transition leading to a metallic phase that is electronically and structurally distinct from the thermally driven metallic phase. Despite detailed experimental investigations and first theoretical studies, a comprehensive understanding of the material’s electronic properties in this phase is still lacking.
In this Master thesis you will apply state-of-the art numerical techniques to describe the current-driven metallic phase of Ca2RuO4, focussing on the aspect of nematicity that has been observed experimentally. The ab initio theoretical study of Ca2RuO4 will involve density functional theory calculations, the parametrization of an effective low-energy model using Wannier functions and constrained random phase approximation as well as dynamical mean-field theory calculations to describe the evolution of the correlated electronic states across the transition. Results of the simulations will be confronted with angle-resolved photoemission spectra that have been measured experimentally.
Contact
Benjamin Lenz
21/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
63
Three-body interactions in ultracold molecular gases
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
More than 25 years after the formation of ultracold molecules at Laboratoire Aimé Cotton in Orsay, the first molecular Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) was created last year in 2024 in the USA. To achieve this, the experimental team used a microwave shielding technique between two molecules. As in atomic BECs, collisions between three particles are also important to understand. This Master 2 internship will consist of theoretical and numerical investigations on three-body interactions of the molecules in the presence of the microwave. We will determine the conditions under which three-body protection can be efficient.
Contact
Goulven Quéméner
21/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
64
Dynamics of baryons in non-standard cosmological scenarios
Domaines
Relativity/Astrophysics/Cosmology
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The project intends to investigate galaxy formation models in the context of non-standard cosmological scenarios of dark energy (DE). These have been mainly investigated in the context of the standard cosmological model with cosmological constant Λ. Yet, the processes that lead to the formation of the most massive galaxies in the universe, especially at late time, may be sensitive to the dynamics of dark energy. The work will primarily focus on study of halo merger trees using the Excursion Set Theory framework, which provides a stochastic model description of dark matter halo assembly, a key ingredient of semi-analytic models of galaxy formation. The work is preparatory to a PhD project dedicated to the realisation of hydrodynamical simulations of galaxy formation in non-standard DE scenarios.
Contact
Pier Stefano Corasaniti
21/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
65
Vortex-based Digital Superconducting Diode
Domaines
Condensed matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Recent improvements in cryogenic and nanofabrication allow us not only show concepts of superconducting electronics but open a path to a real competition against semiconducting one. One of a basic element of any circuits is the diode. One of possible realizations of the superconducting diode is based on the operation of Abrikosov vortices. The main advantages of this type is a relative fabrication simplicity. But optimization are still required in terms of design and operating protocols. Coupling vortices with external periodic drive can lead to effect of their synchronous motion . Using that effect, it is possible to make a digital version of the superconducting diode: vortices move synchronously “1” or asynchronously “0”. In this internship we propose to study properties of a vortex-based superconducting diode and optimizing its parameters for the best efficiency.
Contact
Cheryl FEUILLET-PALMA
20/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
66
Building Integrated SNSPDs to Develop an hBN Quantum Photonic Platform Including Single-Photon Emitters.
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The rise of quantum technologies has highlighted two major challenges: the precise control of coherent quantum processes and the efficient large-scale conversion of quantum results into classical signals.
The quantum photonics approach relies on single-photon sources and detectors, which are essential com-
ponents for many applications in quantum information science.
This proposal focuses on the experimental realization of integrated superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors in
hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) photonic circuits. The project aims to achieve a fully integrated hBN quantum photonic platform where single photons are generated, routed, and detected on the same chip with high efficiency.
Contact
Cheryl FEUILLET-PALMA
20/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
67
Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy and Spectroscopy (STM/STS) of moiré superlattices based on stacked graphene/hBN heterostructures
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
2D heterostructures formed by graphene and/or transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), have become a captivating platform for exploring the interplay between strong electronic correlations and non-trivial band topology.
The project aims to study, by STM in ultra-high vacuum and low temperature (4.2 K), bilayer graphene (AB-G) and rhombohedral graphene (ABCA-G) heterostructures aligned with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN).
In addition to STM, the student will have the possibility to participate to the microfabrication of the heterostructures supervised by R. Ribeiro in the PHYNANO group, learn to work in a clear room environment and perform transport measurements.
Contact
Hervé Aubin
20/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
68
Quantum magnetism of spin chains studied by Electron-Spin-Resonance using spin-polarized Scanning Tunneling Microscopy with atomic resolution
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Quantum Machines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Recent advances in Electron Spin Resonance – Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy (ESR-STM) are now making possible the study of ESR spectra on single adatoms or molecules. At C2N, we developed an ESR-STM instrument that is used for continuous-wave and pulsed ESR-STM[1,2].
The project of the master/PhD is to fabricate spin-chains from magnetic molecules and to characterize the quantum coherence properties of the chain with atomic resolution.
Such studies are of fundamental interest for the field of quantum magnetism with topologically non-trivial excitations, such as Haldane spin-chains, expected to have long quantum coherence time.
Contact
Hervé Aubin
20/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
69
Dynamical Coulomb blockade with NbN metamaterial resonators
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The ability to confine light at very small volumes is of paramount importance in order to enhance light-matter interaction both for devices and fundamental studies. The Terahertz and sub-THz spectral domains are particularly prominent for building metallic resonators with ultra-sub-wavelength mode volumes. Indeed, the corresponding wavelengths are large (wavelength= 1mm – 100µm), one can leverage from nanofabrication techniques with nanometer resolution, and metals feature low losses, and even superconducting materials such as NbN are available. In the present project, we will exploit such resonators made of NbN in order to realize and study an elementary system for both electronic transport and light-matter interaction: a semiconductor tunnel junction coupled with an ultra-subwavelength metamaterial resonator. This structure can operate in the Dynamical Coulomb Blockade, where the tunneling of electrons is coupled to the electromagnetic fluctuations of the resonator, providing thus a probe for the its quantum state. Amongs other applications, such device can be used to perform quantum measurements of NBN qubits operating in the 100 GHz range.
Contact
Yanko Todorov
20/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
70
Towards NbN 100 GHz Qubits: A New Platform for Condensed Matter Physics
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Superconducting quantum circuits, recently recognized by the Nobel Prize in Physics, open up a fascinating field of research for studying and manipulating quantum phenomena at the macroscopic scale. Over the past few decades, these circuits have enabled the creation and control of superconducting qubits, the fundamental building blocks of quantum information. They have made it possible to perform circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED) experiments, where light and matter interact in a fully quantum manner. However, most of these experiments, based on Aluminium, Aluminium Oxide materials, operate in the microwave frequency range (a few GHz). Recent work has shown that materials such as niobium (Nb) and niobium nitride (NbN) can be used to design resonators and qubits operating at much higher frequencies >100GHz, while many condensed matter excitations — such as plasmons in GaAs quantum wells or magnons in ferromagnetic materials — occur at much higher frequencies, in the sub-THz range (energies on the order of meV). During this internship, you will learn how to model and characterize high frequency superconducting resonators. The PhD funding is available through an ANR project.
Contact
Alexis Jouan
20/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
71
A GUEST for LISA: exploring synergies between interferometric and satellite tracking space missions for gravitational waves
Domaines
Relativity/Astrophysics/Cosmology
Metrology
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The Gravitational Universe Exploration with Satellite Tracking (GUEST) is a proposed space mission aimed at detecting gravitational waves (GWs) around 0.1 mHz. GUEST will consist of two spherical, high-density satellites covered by laser reflectors, laser-tracked by ground stations to accurately reconstruct the orbits. Among the GW sources that GUEST aim at detecting are massive black hole binaries (MBHBs) at few years from their merger, when the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) space mission will observe their GW signal with high accuracy.
This internship project will investigate synergies between GUEST's and LISA’s observations of MBHBs. The intern will use numerical codes to analyse simulated GUEST and LISA data in order to assess the joint detectability of MBHBs and characterise their parameters. A particular emphasis will be given to possible improvements on the sky-localisation of MBHBs to boost multi-messenger opportunities.
The intern will acquire first hand experience with data analysis codes in the context of GW space missions, expertise on advanced statistical methods applied to fundamental physics, and deep knowledge of GW science and its and multi-messenger implications.
Contact
Nicola Tamanini
20/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
72
How beyond GR merger-ringdown affect the inspiral phase of Gravitational Waves?
Domaines
Relativity/Astrophysics/Cosmology
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Gravitational Waves (GWs) are typically described by three main phases. The inspiral phase occurs when two compact objects orbit each other at relatively low velocities, allowing the system to be accurately modelled using Post-Newtonian expansions, which provide perturbative corrections to Newtonian gravity. The merger phase follows, representing the most nonlinear and complex stage of the coalescence. As the two bodies approach and merge into a single, highly distorted black hole, strong-field relativistic effects dominate, and accurate modelling requires numerical relativity simulations. Finally, the ringdown phase describes the relaxation of the newly formed black hole into a stable, stationary state. The emitted radiation consists of quasi-normal modes whose frequencies and damping times depend only on the black hole’s mass and spin, in agreement with the no-hair theorem. Deviations from these expected modes could signal new physics beyond General Relativity (GR).
As LISA will be the first space-based detector capable of observing Massive Black Hole Binaries across cosmological distances, it offers an unprecedented opportunity to test GR with high precision. A key question arises: if the merger and ringdown phases deviate from GR, how would this affect inspiral-based tests of the theory? Understanding whether non-GR behavior in the late stages can bias or contaminate GR tests based solely on the inspiral is essential for assessing the robustness of future LISA analyses.
Contact
Nicola Tamanini
20/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
73
How do black holes merge together?
Domaines
Relativity/Astrophysics/Cosmology
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Gravitational waves offer us an extraordinary way to answer this question. These ripples in spacetime allow us to trace the lives of black holes, from their birth to their dramatic collisions. Different astrophysical processes are expected to leave unique signatures in the population we observe today, giving us valuable clues about how these extremes objects form and evolve. With the growing number of gravitational-wave detections, we now have enough data to begin uncovering these hidden patterns.
In this project, the student will learn the state-of-the-art tools used by the gravitational-wave community to study black hole populations and will work on developing new methods to distinguish between different subpopulations using current observations. This research lies at the intersection of gravitational-wave physics, black hole astrophysics, and Bayesian data analysis, offering an exciting opportunity to dive into one of the most dynamic areas of modern astrophysics.
Contact
Nicola Tamanini
20/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
74
Intermittent behaviour and the emergence of collective phenomena in biological systems
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
This project aims to study intermittent collective motion (ICM), a phenomenon where groups of individuals alternate between phases of coordinated movement and disordered or resting states. Such intermittent dynamics have been observed in species like sheep and fish, revealing complex patterns that emerge from simple individual interactions. The internship will focus on modeling the consensus process that initiates and terminates collective motion phases, using a computational approach to capture the mechanisms driving these transitions. To quantify ICM dynamics, we will measure observables at both the individual and group levels: individual positions and activity patterns, and collective properties such as group displacement, cohesion, and alignment. The model will be validated against existing experimental data from groups of sheep, and simulations will be used to test how coordination depends on factors such as group size, the presence of leaders, or environmental obstacles. Ultimately, the project seeks to unveil the individual-level mechanisms responsible for the emergence of complex collective dynamics in animal groups.
Contact
Luis Gómez-Nava
Laboratory : LPS - UMR 8502
Team : Laboratoire de Physique des Solides: Équipe Théorie de la Matière Molle et Matière Active
Team Website
Team : Laboratoire de Physique des Solides: Équipe Théorie de la Matière Molle et Matière Active
Team Website
20/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
75
Controlling and understanding representations in state-space models of biological sequences
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
State-space models (SSMs) process sequences token by token, storing past information in a latent state vector. Capturing long-range dependencies is crucial, especially for biological sequences like proteins or RNA, where distant sites interact in 3D structures. This project aims to understand and control these latent representations to design artificial biomolecules with desired properties.
Computationally, we will train modern SSMs (e.g. MAMBA) on biological data and develop methods to steer state vectors during sequence generation, using ideas from disentangled representations and guidance techniques. Designed molecules may be experimentally tested with collaborators. Theoretically, we will build simplified models and use tools from statistical physics, such as dynamical mean-field theory, to analyze how SSMs learn long-range correlations and how representation control affects generated sequences.
The internship and PhD project target students interested in the intersection of statistical physics, machine learning, biology, and computational modeling.
Contact
Jorge FERNANDEZ DE COSSIO DIAZ
20/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
76
From Boltzmann transport to hydrodynamics
Domaines
Condensed matter
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
In this doctoral project, we will study strongly-correlated Condensed Matter systems (such as cuprate high Tc superconductors) and the effective theories describing their low-energy dynamics. These are complicated systems for which no microscopic theory is available, or even an effective theory, such as Fermi liquid theory. Yet, a number of recent experimental thermoelectric studies on overdoped cuprates made some headway in reproducing their results using a Boltzmann equation approach to transport.
It is surprising that this should work, given the strongly-coupled nature of these materials. Boltzmann transport has a universal hydrodynamic regime, which can be derived in closed form in some cases. Could it be that the experimental studies are in fact only probing this universal, hydrodynamic regime?
To answer this question, we will study the emergence of hydrodynamics from Boltzmann transport in a number of cases, starting from simple ones and moving on to more complicated ones closer to experiments, include the effects of disorder, and move beyond the relaxation time or semi-classical approximations by treating the collision kernel exactly or considering the Quantum Boltzmann Equation.
Some of these questions will give rise to collaborations with Gaël Grissonnanche (Irradiated Solids Lab, IPP) and with Joerg Schmalian (Karlsruhe Institute for Technology, Germany).
Contact
Blaise Goutéraux
20/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
77
Many-body quantum dynamics in one-dimensional quantum simulators
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Low dimension physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The goal of this internship is to investigate the physics of quantum many-body scars as they appear in quantum simulators based on one-dimensional arrays of Rydberg atoms.
Contact
Leonardo MAZZA
19/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
78
Accretion of scalar dark matter on a rotating black hole
Domaines
Relativity/Astrophysics/Cosmology
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The accretion of matter onto a black hole or a compact object is a classic problem but the case where the accreting matter is not ordinary matter but dark matter has been somewhat less studied. In the cosmological setting, a scenario which has recently attracted a renewed interest is that of ultralight dark matter (such as axion-like particles). In this internship we will consider the accretion within the framework of such dark matter models with non-negligible repulsive self-interactions. The study of the accretion onto a static black hole (Schwarzschild metric) has already been studied. However, black holes usually have a nonzero rotation (Kerr metric). The objective of the internship is thus to compute the accretion of the dark matter in the case of a rotating black hole. Such studies are also partly motivated by the detection of gravitational waves emitted by black hole binary systems, which can be modified by the matter environment of the black holes.
This is a theoretical internship, which will involve both analytical and numerical works (Fortran, Python, Mathematica). The student will learn and use basics of black hole accretion and ultralight dark matter scenarios, the analytical and numerical study of partial differential equations and hydrodynamical codes (AMRVAC). A strong interest in both analytical and numerical works is required.
Contact
Patrick Valageas
18/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
79
Flows in ultra-thin polymer films
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The stability and homogeneity of liquid films is crucial to processes producing coatings. In the case of silicone oils, a rough estimate of the long-range interactions such as Van der Waals’ shows that such films should bear a uniform thickness at equilibrium: repulsive interactions should tend to a flat thick film. However, in practical situation, initially heterogeneous films never get uniform in a timely manner. As examples, defects on glass substrates lead to thickness heterogeneities that grow over time rather than heal. When starting from a collection of droplets sprayed onto a flat substrate, a nanometer-thick film first spreads around the droplets, and delays the spreading and coalescence of droplets.
The goal is to gain insights into the behavior of polymer melts on glass and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the time evolution of droplets spreading. To do so, model systems will be used (plane glass or silicon wafers, well-characterized polymers), and experiments will be performed in order to measure the thickness profiles over time with advanced imaging techniques. Modelling of the transfers will then be developped to account for the data.
Two cases will be particularly studied
- Time evolution of oil spread onto substrates decorated will well-controlled defects
- Spreading dynamics of several droplets deposited on smooth substrates.
Contact
Emilie VERNEUIL
17/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
80
Drainage of thin liquid films and lifetimes of foams
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Coalescence is widely studied in surfactant solutions. Nevertheless, a prediction of the lifetimes of liquid films between bubbles is still lacking due to intricate couplings between flow and concentration fields, and disjoining pressure effects associated to surfactants. As a consequence, the situation for surfactant solutions is so complex that predicting the lifetime of a liquid film with surfactants is a challenge. We identified a very simple system in which describing quantitatively the stability of films is possible. These are liquid mixtures, such as oil mixtures, miscible in all proportions. First, the disjoining pressure is always attractive and independent of variations in composition. Second, surface/volume transfers are only controlled by diffusion with no adsorption delays. Third, interface elastcity can be varied by orders of magnitude by changing the volume fraction. Lastly, they exhibit a very low pollution sensitivity, due to their low surface energy. Consequently, the question of coalescence, and its consequences on diphasic flows, is well posed in these systems.
We will describe the physical mechanisms acting to stabilize single suspended liquid films made of binary mixtures in a specially designed cell by measuring their lifetime. These experiments will be analyzed and compared to numerical simulations to improve our understanding of the stabilizing mechanisms in oil foams.
Contact
Emilie VERNEUIL
17/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
81
Propriétés universelles dans les résonances isolées de systèmes à plusieurs corps
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum gases
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Les systèmes quantiques à petit nombre de corps et en forte interaction peuvent présenter des propriétés à caractère universel qui ont été prédites et observées à des échelles d’énergies totalement différentes allant de la physique nucléaire (avec les états halos notamment) aux atomes froids. L’effet Efimov observé la première fois dans des gaz d’atomes froids en est l’exemple le plus frappant. Le sujet proposé s’inscrit dans la continuité de cette thématique en considérant des phénomènes de résonance, c’est à dire des états liés ou quasi-liés à basse énergie et dont le caractère universel a été beaucoup moins étudié que dans le cas efimovien. Outre leurs propriétés propres et la question de leur observabilité qui a été prédite dans les gaz d’atomes froids, les implications dans le problème à N-corps est encore balbutiante.
Plusieurs sujets de stages sont possibles (en jouant par exemple sur l’effet de la dimensionnalité, la nature des interactions, la statistique des particules, ou bien concernant la durée de vie de ces états,...) avec suivant le sujet choisi, un aspect plus ou moins marqué concernant l’utilisation de méthodes analytiques ou numériques.
Contact
Ludovic Pricoupenko
17/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
82
Revealing topological helical edge states in topological insulators
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Topological Insulators (TIs) hold great promise for making novel electronic devices, thanks to the existence at their boundaries of topologically protected conduction channels. Due to strong correlation of electrons spin and momentum, backscattering is prevented leading to ballistic transport. These edge states thus constitute highway for electrons. Unfortunately, the expected topological protection has turned out to be less robust than anticipated, notably due to the existence of conduction in the bulk. This complicates the fundamental study of the edge states, and motivates the search for different Tis.
During this internship/PhD, we will explore more recently discovered topological materials that are better suited to the discovery of 1D states, because they have fewer trivial states or their topological character is tunable. This is the case of Bi4Br4, a second TI with high bulk gap and WTe2 in the few layer limit. The internship/PhD will involve nanofabrication and quantum transport experiments at low temperature.
Contact
Richard Deblock
17/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
83
Disorder and exotic phases in ammonia hydrates at high pressure : navigating the phase diagram with machine-learning potentials
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The detailed understanding of the high-pressure behavior of ammonia hydrates is a major challenge for planetary
physics, as they are found in the composition of giant planets the solar system such as Neptune and Uranus. These
mixtures present a variety of solid phases, some of which exhibit exotic properties such as plasticity or superionicity,
as well as diverse forms of disorder (orientational, substitutional, translational and ionic disorder in particular).
Though the phase diagram of ammonia hydrates is relatively well-known experimetally, theoretical studies remain
scarce as the pose a huge simulation challenge that we propose to address by combining machine-learning (ML)
interatomic potentials with accelerated sampling methods for free-energy calculations, as well as path-integral
molecular dynamics (PIMD) to tackle nuclear quantum effects.
Contact
Simon Huppert
17/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
84
Experimental statistical physics: stochastic energetics beyond 1 dimension
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Low dimension physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Stochastic thermodynamics studies energy exchanges at the scale of k_B T (where k_B is the Boltzmann constant and T the temperature). Our experiments enable unprecedentedly precise measurements in this field using a model system with two degrees of freedom: position and velocity. The research directions are highly promising: we can bring thought experiments such as a Maxwell’s demon to life to harness thermal fluctuations; explore the minimal energy required to process information in logical operations; and study engine cycles (such as the Carnot cycle) using a single-particle gas.
Numerous open questions about the relationship between information and energy exchange drive our experimental approach and lead to collaborations with international experts in the field, involving theoretical investigations, AI-based optimization, exploration of quantum fluctuations, and connections to biophysics.
Our experiments offer a wide range of opportunities for a PhD candidate to express creativity, from highly experimental work (micro-mechanical optimization, real-time feedback control) to fundamental studies (advanced analytical modeling), as well as signal processing (real-time implementation of protocols via artificial neural networks). A solid foundation in statistical physics and strong scientific curiosity are the only prerequisites!
Contact
Ludovic Bellon
Laboratory : laboratoire de physique, ENS de Lyon - umr 5672
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
17/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
85
Plume network in turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard convection
Domaines
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Thermal convective turbulent flows are composed of coherent structures such as thermal plumes, whose behaviour is erratic and not yet fully understood. The most intense plumes can be linked to significant phenomena such as mantle hotspots or thermal fatigue in nuclear reactors.
Recent research shows that turbulent convection organises hierarchically from the wall, with a continuous process of plume formation and aggregation forming large-scale patterns. This raises once again the issue of global heat transport modelling, linked to the local dynamics of thermal plumes in a highly fluctuating environment.
This internship aims to apply numerically the hierarchical analysis of plumes to 3D DNS data of Rayleigh–Bénard convection in water across a large range of Rayleigh numbers. Statistical analysis of temperature fields will help understand how the turbulent regime affects plume networks. The approach may later be extended to DNS with rough walls or experimental data from Lyon.
Contact
Anne Sergent
17/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
86
Physique statistique expérimentale : Energétique stochastique à 2 dimensions et plus
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Low dimension physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
La thermodynamique stochastique étudie les échanges d'énergie à l'échelle de kBT (kB constante de Boltzmann, T température). Nos expériences permettent des mesures d’une précision inégalée dans ce domaine un système modèle à 2 degrés de liberté uniquement: position et vitesse. Les axes d’explorations sont prometteurs : nous pouvons donner vie à des expériences de pensée telle qu’un démon de Maxwell pour exploiter les fluctuations thermiques ; explorer l’énergie minimale pour manipuler l’information dans des opérations logiques ; étudier des cycles moteurs (type Carnot) avec un gaz mono-particule. De nombreuses questions ouvertes sur le lien entre information et échanges d’énergie sous-tendent notre approche expérimentale, et donnent lieu à des collaborations avec les experts internationaux du domaine : questions théoriques, optimisation par IA, ouverture vers les fluctuations quantiques, lien avec la biophysique. Nos expériences offrent toute une palette pour permettre à une doctorante ou un doctorant d’exprimer sa créativité, d'une coloration très expérimentale (optimisation du micro-mécanisme, rétroaction en temps réel) à fondamentale (modélisation analytique poussée), en passant par le traitement du signal (implémentation temps réel de protocoles via des réseaux de neurones artificiels). Des bases de physique statistique et une grande curiosité sont ainsi les seuls prérequis attendus !
Contact
Ludovic Bellon
Laboratory : laboratoire de physique, ENS de Lyon - umr 5672
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
17/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
87
Studies of the Magnetic and Electrical Properties of Magnetic Topological Insulators
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Three-dimensional (3D) Topological Insulators are the subject of a great attention due to the simultaneous presence of massive semiconductor electronic states and massless surface states. These bidimensional surface states are associated with a Dirac cone, protected by invariance by reversal of the time. Two surface spin currents then appear, protected from defects, and forming helical states of polarization and opposite directions of propagation. For instance, a signature of this states can be observed in the electrical conductivity versus magnetic field.
The recent discovery of magnetic compounds opens the door to the creation of polarized currents, called chiral, selectively chosen and presenting an original spin texturing. The purpose of this internship will be to study the magnetic and electrical properties of these new materials, synthesized by epitaxy in the laboratory (MnSb2Te4, Sn1-xCrxTe, Bi2-xCrxSe3, etc.). Modeling work should make it possible to trace the magnetic order of these compounds. The trainee will benefit from the facilities and platforms available at INSP (SQUID, PPMS for magneto-transport, cryogenic devices, clean room).
Contact
Christophe TESTELIN
17/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
88
Studies of the Spin dynamics and Current in Topological Insulators
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Spin physics and particularly spin dynamics are the object of a great attention in condensed matter and particularly spintronics. In this framework, the topological Insulators offer a new interesting field of research. Topological insulators are characterized by the simultaneous presence of massive semiconductor electronic states and massless surface states. These bidimensional surface states are associated with a Dirac cone, protected by invariance by reversal of the time. Two surface spin currents then appear, protected from defects, and forming helical states of opposite polarization and directions of propagation.
More recently, magnetic topological insulators have been discovered, either ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic. Thanks to the coupling between carriers and localized spins (Mn, Cr), they open the door to the creation of chiral polarized currents.
The purpose of this internship will be to study the dynamic of localized and delocalized spins using ultrafast optical spectroscopy, with a picosecond pump-probe set-up. The studies will be conducted at low temperature (down to 5K), on thin films grown by epitaxy in the laboratory. Non magnetic and magnetic topological materials will be explored.
We will also explore the light-matter coupling and the possibility to selectively inject spin-polarized current at the surface. This polarized photocurrent will be jointly studied on the pump-probe set-up, giving insight on the possibility to control 2D spin states.
Contact
Christophe TESTELIN
17/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
89
Stretching and relaxation of polymer solutions
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Many natural or industrial fluids contain polymers in solution. In a flow, the solvent will impose stress on these polymers, which may adapt by changing conformation, by stretching, by moving, etc; this evolving microstructure retroacts onto the flow and gives it non-Newtonian properties; the different time scales involved at the microscopic level are key to understanding and modelling the flow. When a drop of polymer solution detaches, the stress acting on the neck that binds the drop to the rest of the liquid increases dramatically. The solution initially behaves like a Newtonian fluid; when the neck is too thin it becomes viscoelastic. The viscoelastic properties appears through the formation of a long thread in which polymer chains are strongly stretched. The transition between the two regimes has recently been shown to be remarkably universal: it does not depend on solvent viscosity nor polymer concentration nor molar weight. Moreover, the time scale of the transition is quite different from the usual relaxation time of the polymer and follows different power laws. This particular result raises questions regarding which relaxation time is relevant in the modelling of polymer solutions, and how it can be measured.
The internship goal is to explore experimentally the spectrum of relaxation times in original configurations. The experimental work will consist in high-speed imaging of capillary flows and rheological measurements.
Contact
Virgile Thiévenaz
17/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
90
Ultrafast Dynamics and Charge Carrier Localization in Metal Halide Perovskites
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are promising semiconductors combining high photovoltaic performance with simple, low-cost fabrication. Their tunable bandgap, strong spin–orbit coupling, and long carrier diffusion lengths make them attractive for light-emitting, spintronic, and quantum photonic applications. Upon optical excitation, hot carriers are generated and quickly thermalize through carrier–carrier scattering before cooling via carrier–phonon interactions, a process that can be slowed by strong electron–phonon coupling and phonon bottlenecks. This internship, part of the ANR SPOIR project, aims to investigate ultrafast carrier and exciton dynamics in MHPs, identify trapping states, and link structural quality to optoelectronic performance using femtosecond transient absorption, time-resolved photoluminescence, and photo-induced Faraday rotation. Applicants should have a background in solid-state physics or optics and a strong interest in experimental spectroscopy.
Contact
Maria Chamarro
17/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
91
Graphene nanostructuring for advanced tuning of thermal properties
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The internship explores heat and charge transport in nanostructured graphene to improve thermoelectric conversion and explore thermal rectification. Using graphene nanomeshes with periodic nano-holes, it aims to control phonon and electron mean free paths, enabling asymmetric heat conduction and enhanced Seebeck effect. The student will fabricate devices (graphene transfer, e-beam lithography, etching), measure electrical and thermal properties (Seebeck coefficient, conductivity, rectification), and analyze results through modeling. The project offers practical training in 2D materials and advances understanding of geometry-driven thermal and thermoelectric control.
Contact
Maria Luisa Della Rocca
17/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
92
Hollow-coRE fiber absorption SpectroscOpy (HCF-AS) for miniatUre pRobing of small densities of IR-absorbing speCiEs (RESOURCE)
Domaines
Condensed matter
Non-linear optics
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
In different fields of science optical diagnostics is challenging because of small opical distance or low absorption coefficient. The aim of the suggested RESOURCE project is to develop a device for a miniature probing spectroscopy technique using hollow-core fibers (HCFs). Work supported by Energy for Climate (E4C) Center of Institut Polytechnique de Paris in 2025, provided a proof of concept, illustrating the possibility to develop a hollow-core fiber spectroscopy technique for miniature probing of plasma-produced species. The experiment on fiber-enhanced Raman spectroscopy has been performed in collaboration with group of David PAI (LPP). The aim of the Master thesis will be (i) to develop the scheme of the prototype of the micro-spectrometer; (ii) to learn how to sample for the conditions of air pollution sampling and for the conditions of plasma experiment; (iii) to make a list of the component to buy with the aim to build a prototype of the HCF spectrometer and to demonstrate a principal possibility of further development of the technique (PhD Thesis).
This work is in collaboration with two laboratories:
(i) GPPMM Group, XLIM Research Institute, Limoges develops and produces hollow cofe fibers of a new generation;
(ii) Aeronautics and Astronautics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, is interested in using this technique in their plasma-assisted combustion platforms. Scientific visits to MIT will be included.
Contact
Svetlana Starikovskaia
16/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
93
Electric field measurement by second harmonic generation of laser light (E-FISH) for aerospace applications
Domaines
Condensed matter
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
In situ electric field strength determination in transient plasmas and gases in vicinity of plasma objects is extremely important. Recently, a new laser diagnostic technique, called EFISH (Electric Field Induced Second Harmonic generation), has been proposed in order to measure the electric field in gas or plasma in a non-intrusive way. It is based on the generation of second harmonic generation of laser radiation using a pulsed (typically picosecond) laser. The generation of second harmonic of laser radiation by the electric field is a nonlinear optical phenomenon due to the asymmetry of the polarizability induced by the applied electric field. This allows the generation of the harmonic, otherwise forbidden in homogeneous media. However, to be applied more widely on aerospace devices, several issues remain: insufficient resolution for some electrostatic configurations, sensitivity to the field distribution, feasibility of a remote measurement. This PhD thesis, devoted to the development of a remote electric field measurement technique by laser detection, aims to examine and propose solutions to these issues. It is part of a collaborative project, developed between the Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IPP), the Office National d'Etudes et de Recherches Aérospatiales (ONERA) and the National University of Singapore (NUS). The Master Thesis will be co-supervised by two French supervisors, one from the IPP and the other from ONERA, and a co-supervisor from Singapore, NUS.
Contact
Svetlana Starikovskaia
16/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
94
Manipulating unconventional superconducting states via anisotropic strain
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Unconventional superconductors are a class of materials where electronic interactions are believed to play a key role in establishing the electron pairing responsible for the superconducting state. Among them the iron-based superconductors (Fe SC) have a rich phase diagram where superconductivity lies nearby, or even coexists, with other electronic ordered phase like anti-ferromagnetism and electron nematicity. A defining feature of Fe SC is the nearby degeneracy of SC ground states which can be distinguished by the symmetry properties of the ground state wave function such as s-wave and d-wave pairing state. In particular, it has been predicted that the balance between SC ground states can be modified using anisotropic strain.The close proximity of symmetry distinct SC states is expected to lead to a novel SC collective mode, predicted more than 60 years ago by Bardasis and Schrieffer (BS). This mode can be probed by optical spectroscopies such as inelastic Raman light scattering.
In this internship we propose to use uni-axial strain to induce a quantum phase transition between a s-wave and a d-wave SC ground state in the Fe SC BaKFe2As2. The quantum phase transition will be detected by tracking the evolution of the BS mode using low temperature Raman scattering combined with a piezo-based strain device.
Contact
Yann Gallais
16/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
95
COUPLED FRICTION EFFECTS OF DIRAC SEA AND ELECTROMAGNETIC VACUUM ON ATOMIC MOVEMENTS
Domaines
Statistical physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Quantum optics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Thanks to a semi classical model, we recently succeeded in providing a comprehensive solution to vacuum electromagnetic friction on rotating atoms at any distance and temperature. The same model is also shown to retrieve known results on interatomic conservative forces due to quantum fluctuations (London, Casimir-Polder).
The goal of the internship, and follow-on PhD contract, is to include interaction with virtual pairs of particle-antiparticle among the fluctuations sources. During the internsip, one will look for a first route towards including this effect in the semi-classical model, and give a first estimate of the order of magnitude of friction forces.
Internship starting date : Spring 2026 / PhD potential starting date : Autumn 2026
Contact
Hervé BERCEGOL
16/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
96
Advanced Nanorheology for Clinical Impact: Molecular rotors as diagnostic tools for red blood cell pathologies
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
This project investigates intracellular nanorheology using molecular rotors—fluorescent probes whose rotational dynamics quantify local viscosity at the nanoscale. Our team at MSC laboratory has developed the application of these probes to measure rheological properties within red blood cells. This approach allows quantitative assessment of red blood cell mechanical properties and detection of pathological alterations in sickle cell anemia and spherocytosis.
Contact
Berengere ABOU
16/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
97
How do ants adapt their chemical "social passport" to environmental changes?
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This project investigates the relationship between the rheological properties and chemical composition of cuticular hydrocarbons in ants under acclimatization conditions. By combining approaches from physics, chemistry, and biology, we aim to understand how these social insects adapt their chemical profiles in response to environmental changes.
Research activities:
-Characterize the rheological behavior of ant cuticular hydrocarbons
-Analyze the correlation between physical properties and chemical composition
-Study adaptation mechanisms under varying environmental conditions
-Employ interdisciplinary methods spanning soft matter physics and chemical ecology
Research environment:
Location: Laboratoire Matière et Systèmes Complexes (MSC), Paris 13e
International collaboration with the Institute of Organic and Molecular Evolution
Optional mobility: Short-term research stay at the University of Mainz (Germany) for chemical and behavioral analyses
Key aspects:
Interdisciplinary approach
International and collaborative research framework
Opportunity to gain expertise in complementary experimental techniques
Contribution to fundamental understanding of social insect communication
Contact
Berengere ABOU
16/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
98
1D Chiral Majorana
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Quantum technology leaders like Microsoft have invested heavily in Majorana Zero Modes (MZMs)
for topological qubits, exploiting their nonlocal nature to guard against decoherence. This promising
route, however, depends on intricate hybrid devices combining nanowires, quantum dots, and
superconducting gates. Such multi-material architectures demand extreme fabrication precision and
suffer from a gate count that grows linearly with qubit number, hindering scalability. Moreover,
Microsoft’s “Majorana 1” platform hosts static MZMs at nanowire ends, making the braiding operations
that reveal non-Abelian statistics particularly challenging.
In sharp contrast, our project offers a radically simpler and inherently scalable solution. Our approach
harnesses rhombohedral pentalayer graphene—a single, monolithic material—to host both chiral
topological superconductivity and the quantum anomalous Hall effect. This unified platform removes
the need for complex hybrid integration across disparate materials. Crucially, it realises 1D chiral
Majorana modes—“flying” quasiparticles that travel along defined paths—rather than static zero
modes. These propagating modes enable real-time control, dynamic manipulation, and braiding of
Majoranas.
Contact
Preden Roulleau
16/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
99
Resistively shunted Josephson junctions in the quantum regime
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
A Josephson junction is a non-linear superconducting device. Under certain conditions the junction behaves quantum mechanically (Nobel Prize in Physics, 2025), and is strongly influenced by the electrical circuit in which it is embedded. The student will measure DC electronic properties of Josephson junctions in the quantum regime. Preliminary data indicates that a large bias resistor can make the junction insulating instead of superconducting. The goal of the internship is to determine the phase diagram for this transition as a function of the junction size.
Contact
Çağlar Girit
16/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
100
Déploiement de liants biosourcés lors de la production d’un matériau fibreux : impact du séchage sur les propriétés de lubrification et de mouillage
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental Corporate activity
Description
Dans le procédé de fabrication de nombreux produits fibreux de Saint-Gobain, notamment pour des applications d’isolation, l'étape de séchage du liant (sorte de colle composée d’une résine polymère et d’eau) joue un rôle clé dans la réorganisation des fibres. Or, la répartition du liant et des fibres est cruciale dans l’obtention des propriétés du matériau final. Le déploiement de nouveaux liants biosourcés mène à différents types de séchage du liant, avec notamment l’apparition d‘une peau en surface qui peut modifier la dynamique de séchage et d’étalement du fluide. Ainsi, l’étude de l’impact de l’état de séchage du liant sur les propriétés de frottement et d’étalement du liant entre les fibres est d’intérêt pour comprendre la réorganisation du matériau fibreux et de ses gouttelettes de liant.
L’objectif global de ce stage est de comprendre les paramètres physico-chimiques du liant qui gouvernent ses propriétés de mouillage et de lubrification entre fibres, ces propriétés pilotant elles-mêmes la structure et la mécanique du produit fibreux.
Des mesures expérimentales seront réalisées à l'échelle microscopique pour caractériser les propriétés de lubrification et de mouillage pour des liants de nature chimique différente. L’influence de l’effet de peau lors du séchage d’une part, et de la présence d’additifs en émulsion d’autre part, sera étudiée plus en détail. Ces caractérisations seront ensuite mises en relation avec les propriétés macroscopiques du produit final.
Contact
Elodie Couttenier
16/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
101
Single-molecule fluorescence lifetime imaging nanoscopy for biophysics and thermoplasmonics
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Super-resolution imaging techniques enable to image objects with a resolution at the nanometer length scale (~10 nm), well below the classical limit imposed by the diffraction of light (~200 nm). Among these techniques, single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) approaches are based on the capacity of detecting single-molecules and the ability of switching on and off fluorescent emitters.
At Institut Langevin, ESPCI Paris PSL, we have further developed such concept and conceived a novel microscopy system capable of simultaneously detecting single fluorescent molecules as well as their fluorescence lifetime, and thus obtaining super-resolved fluorescence lifetime images (smFLIM). So far, we have studied light-matter interactions in plasmonic and dielectric nanostructures and obtained super-resolved images of the local density of electromagnetic states of silver nanowires, gold nanocones and GaP nanodimers.
We are looking for a motivated student to work with us to explore a new application of smFLIM, that is the study of temperature increase in nanostructured samples based on single-molecule fluorescence modification. smFLIM has the potential to address this challenge, by using stochastically photoactivatable molecules that have a temperature-dependent fluorescence. The sensitivity of single-molecules’ fluorescence to this parameter will be explored in the internship and its application to the map of plasmon induced temperature enhancement will be investigated.
Contact
Valentina Krachmalnicoff
16/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
102
Experimental temporal entanglement in a linear cluster state
Domaines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The proposed internship will focus on developing an optical setup for generating linear cluster states with entangled macro-nodes distributed in time, where each macro node comprises several entangled spectral components. This internship will serve as the foundation for a broader PhD project devoted to the experimental realization of continuous-variable resources for quantum information protocols.
Contact
Valentina Parigi
15/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
103
Rf-driven nuclear spin dynamics in low-field NMR and MRI
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Type of internship
Expérimental Contact
Geneviève Tastevin
15/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
104
Complex quantum many-body dynamics
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
One of the central fundamental topics of modern science is the question of emergence of complex dynamics. Existing theory can understand the emergence of complex dynamics from the microscopic quantum laws in only very limited cases. The project is based on unconventional algebraic principles discovered by the principal investigator (PI) called “dynamical symmetries”, which have potentially broad applications ranging from operator algebras, through novel passive quantum error correcting algorithms in realistic quantum computing platforms to computing complex dynamics in driven quantum matter experiments. During the internship, we will focus on lattice models, e.g., spin models. For example, one part of the project could be discovering new models that display complex dynamics like a 2D version of the “spin lace model” with quantum many-body scars. A more mathematically oriented student will benefit from studying the stability of the resulting scarred phases using methods similar to the “scarring phase transition” stability analysis. However, these are merely examples and interested and highly motivated candidates should contact the PI to discuss the project details.
Contact
Berislav Buca
15/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
105
Bell nonlocality as a resource for quantum technologies
Domaines
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
While bell inequalities are of crucial importance for understanding the quantum features of nature, they also have technological applications in fields such as quantum communication. In this internship, we aim to explore some more unusual uses of this strict type of nonlocality. In particular, we will study the constraints that a local hidden-variable model imposes on a system and how these limitations affect what we can do with it.
One possible direction of the internship is to explore the limitations of local hidden-variable models in quantum state engineering. Are there certain properties that cannot be heralded without nonlocality?
An alternative direction is to focus on the setting of quantum parameter estimation. Provided that the statistics of Alice and Bob is described by a local hidden-variable model, does this put limitations on the precision with which they can jointly estimate certain parameters of their system? If so, can these limits be surpassed in nonlocal states, thus leading to a metrological Bell inequality?
Contact
Mattia Walschaers
15/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
106
Exploring the fracture and corrosion of glass-ceramics using molecular dynamics simulations
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Controlled crystallization of certain glasses leads to structured materials, designated glass-ceramics (GC), which consist of nano or microcrystals dispersed in a residual glass matrix. GC take advantage of beneficial ceramic and glass properties and have numerous applications to our daily lives, e.g., cookware, bone and dental implants, architecture, cell phone displays, etc. In literature today, GC datasets concerning physical, mechanical, and fracture properties remain disjointed revealing only a handful of properties on a single GC sample. Furthermore, the susceptibility of glass-ceramics to stress corrosion cracking has been scarcely studied. This phenomenon is highly dependent on the relative humidity and temperature, and on material parameters (chemical composition and microstructure, herein structure and length scale associated with crystal phases) and can severely restrict GC´s uses due to slow crack propagation leading to the failure of the GC under (apparently) harmless stresses.
Contact
Maxime Vassaux
15/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
107
Brillouin gain spectroscopy of liquid and/or solid helium-4
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Low temperature helium 4 is a model system for the study of condensed matter because quantum effects play an important role and because it can be prepared experimentally with remarkable purity. The Quantum Liquid and Solid Group of Laboratoire Kastler Brossel has developed an experimental set-up able to produce metastable states of liquid and solid helium-4 and to measure their density and compressibility. The compressibility is measured via the speed of sound and is done using a Brillouin pump/pulse laser spectroscopy technique. If the frequency of the probe laser and that of the pump laser are shifted by the “Brillouin frequency”, energy from the pump laser is transferred to the probe laser.
Till now, the Brillouin measurement is performed with two independent lasers. The purpose of this M2 internship is to develop a Brillouin gain spectrometer based on a single laser taking advantage of the low value of the speed of sound in liquid or solid helium-4 (~ 250 m/s) corresponding to a Brillouin shift being quite small (~350 MHz). This allows, from a single laser, to produce both the pump beam and the probe beam by shifting a part of the laser using an acousto optic modulator. One advantage of this configuration is that the beat note spectral width between the probe and the pump is considerably lowered with respect to one of a Brillouin spectrometer with two independent lasers.
Contact
Jules Grucker
15/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
108
Spin-to-sound: creating acoustic waves from magnetism
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The growing demand for faster, smaller, and more energy-efficient electronics drives research into new physical principles for information processing. Our project, SAWSiX, explores a novel concept: using magnetic nanodevices to generate and detect sound waves, or acoustic phonons, by exploiting the coupling between a material’s magnetic properties and its mechanical vibrations.
This internship, which is part of the ANR JCJC project, offers the opportunity to contribute to the early stages of this research and explore how to “turn spin into sound.” The goal is to show that a Spin Hall Nano-Oscillator (SHO) can generate high-frequency acoustic waves when driven by an electric current. The device will be fabricated on a piezoelectric substrate (lithium niobate, LiNbO₃) that links its mechanical properties to the SHO’s magnetic dynamics.
The student will take part in all key steps: cleanroom fabrication, electrical testing, and phonon detection using Interdigital Transducers (IDTs) and micro-Brillouin Light Scattering (µBLS). Numerical simulations may also be performed to model and interpret the device behavior.
This internship offers hands-on experience in nanofabrication, high-frequency spintronics, and optical spectroscopy. It can be extended into a fully funded PhD (3 years) supported by the ANR JCJC project, contributing to a new hybrid platform for nanoscale sound generation with applications in microwave signal processing and sensing.
Contact
Alexandre HAMADEH
15/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
109
Towards light control of van der Waals magnets
Domaines
Condensed matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
In this internship, which is expected to continue as a PhD project on laser control of 2D magnetism, the student will begin with the optical characterization of vdW magnets such as CrSBr and NiI2 using Raman spectroscopy, a powerful probe of low-energy excitations in the millielectronvolt (meV) range. The work will involve temperature-dependent and polarization-resolved Raman measurements to identify phonons and magnons and track their evolution across magnetic phase transitions. The aim is to uncover the spin-lattice coupling mechanisms that underpin magnetic ordering in these materials.
The internship will provide extensive hands-on experience in optical spectroscopy, mechanical exfoliation of 2D crystals, cryogenic measurements, and data analysis. The long-term goal, to be pursued in the subsequent PhD, will be to use ultrafast laser pulses to manipulate spin-lattice coupling and induce novel magnetic quantum phases that are inaccessible through static means.
Contact
Niloufar NILFOROUSHAN
15/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
110
Efficient atom-photon interface via an intracavity Rydberg superatom
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Arrays of neutral atoms, trapped and imaged via high-resolution optics and interacting via Rydberg blockade, are a leading platform in quantum simulations and quantum computing. Their performance scales with the number of individually addressed atoms, currently of a few thousands, close to ultimate constraints set by optics and geometry.
Optically connecting atomic arrays could lift this roadblock. For this, a currently missing piece of technology is an efficient and Rydberg-compatible system for entangling neutral atoms with optical photons.
In our lab, we recently demonstrated an efficient and strong interaction between a single photon in a running-wave optical cavity and a Rydberg-blockaded atomic cloud, that acts as an effective two-level superatom.
Leveraging the efficiency of this approach, we are building a new experimental setup combining high-numerical-aperture optics with a centimeter-scale running-wave medium-finesse cavity, to create a highly efficient interface between single atom arrays and single photons mediated by Rydberg superatoms.
We offer an internship position dedicated on one side to the experimental construction of the laser system and on another side to numerical simulations of single atom trapping and transport. This internship could continue with a PhD position, aiming at a highly-efficient atom-photon entanglement, a building block for future interconnections between atomic processors.
Contact
Sébastien Garcia
15/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
111
Probing Hot Carrier Dynamics and THz Gain in Emerging Quantum Materials and Polar Molecules
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Many elementary processes in matter, such as interactions between electrons, spins, and phonons, involve low energies (on the order of a few meV) as well as dynamics on a (sub)-picosecond timescale. Unlike visible light, whose photon energy is high, terahertz (THz) radiation can directly probe and excite these low-energy processes, since THz photon energies fall in the same range (1 THz corresponds to 4 meV). Moreover, the vibrational and rotational modes of many molecules have resonance frequencies that lie within the THz spectral range. As a result, THz spectroscopy and optical pump–THz probe experiments are powerful techniques for exploring a wide range of low-energy physical phenomena and their ultrafast dynamics. The internship aims to explore many-body interactions in 2D perovskites using optical pump-THz probe experiment. The candidate will study exciton and free carrier dynamics to assess their respective contributions to the photoexcited population, a crucial information for advancing 2D perovskite optoelectronics. The project will also involve studying gain dynamics in ammonia molecules using a MIR pump-THz probe experiment to provide key insights for the development of a THz pulsed gas laser. Long term developments include studying topological insulators, 3D Dirac materials and quantum dots, studying the dynamics of elementary processes when these materials are integrated into THz cavities. Different light–matter coupling regimes will be explored.
Contact
Juliette MANGENEY
15/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
112
Centrifuge decelerator of radioactive molecules & atoms for fundamental symmetry
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Precision metrology on atoms and molecules benefits tremendously when the particles are prepared in the ultracold regime. This enables control and detection of atoms or molecules at the single-quantum-state level. In this project, we are developing a unique method to decelerate radioactive atoms and molecules to a standstill by centrifugal force. A spinning magnetic guide will be used to guide neutral atomic/molecular species from the periphery to the center of the rotating frame, and an electromagnetic trap will be used to collect the decelerated particles after they exit the centrifuge decelerator. This work will open the avenue to precision spectroscopy of superheavy species like Radium or Thorium containing molecules, as well as light species like Tritium atoms.
The registration for the internship must be done on the website: https://npa.in2p3.fr/summer-training-program/
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
14/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
113
Constraining the 12C(α,𝛾)16O fusion by analyzing transfer data with quantified uncertainties
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Fusion processes involving α-particles are central to understanding the lifecycle of massive stars and the
formation of heavier elements. Directly measurements of these reactions are very difficult and most of
the time impossible as the Coulomb repulsion between the nuclei suppresses the reaction probability.
Instead, these reaction rates are often evaluated using nuclear properties inferred from transfer reactions
measurements in which an α- particle is transferred to the nucleus of interest. The quality of these
evaluations depends strongly on the accuracy of the reaction theory used to interpret these transfer data.
In this project, the student will use nuclear reaction models to analyse 12C(7Li,t)16O transfer reaction data.
In this process, they will quantify the uncertainties associated with the inputs of these models onto
12C(7Li,t)16O transfer cross sections, using Bayesian statistics. By comparing their predictions to
12C(7Li,t)16O data, they will infer constraints for the 12C(α,𝛾)16O fusion rate.
The registration for the internship must be done on the website: https://npa.in2p3.fr/summer-training-program/
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
14/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
114
Precision laser spectroscopy of ThO molecules for testing fundamental symmetries
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Measurements of electric dipole moment (EDM) of fundamental particles place the most stringent constrains on time-reversal violating new physics beyond Standard Model. Precision spectroscopy on cold 232ThO neutral molecules provides one of the best bounds on electron electric dipole moment. In addition, 227ThO neutral molecules provides excellent opportunity to search for nuclear Schiff moment. In this project, the student will be developing the laser and optics system for performing precision spectroscopy measurement on cold ThO molecules. The project will also involve development of the vacuum beamline and cryogenic system necessary to produce the ThO molecules.
The registration for the internship must be done on the website: https://npa.in2p3.fr/summer-training-program/
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
14/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
115
Development of surrogate models for expensive calculations
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The incoming student will work on using dimensionality reduction techniques to develop surrogate models for expensive numerical calculations (see https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphy.2022.1054524/full, and https://journals.aps.org/prc/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevC.109.044612). The approach will follow a series of recent data-driven approaches (see https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.03680, https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.04279, and https://youtu.be/XiRFiH-7MG8?si=rcyS-sU4eZVEgjWa&t=1321). If the student comes with a specific model/simulation in mind the project will focus on creating an emulator for that, but other options are available ranging from reactions, nuclear structure calculations, nuclear astrophysics, and experimental control. We expect that after the end of the program the student will be able to bring to their home institution the knowledge to apply dimensionality reduction techniques to speed up computations and tailor them to their specific needs. If progress during the three month period was effective, we also expect to write a publication with the findings.
Expected incoming student skills: Intermediate coding experience in at least one language (python, Mathematica, c++, fortran). Basic knowledge of differential equations.
The registration for the internship must be done on the website: https://npa.in2p3.fr/summer-training-program/
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
14/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
116
Fractional Chern insulator and quantum geometry
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Recent discoveries have shown that fractional Chern insulator phases can emerge in two-dimensional systems even without an external magnetic field. These phases share many features with the fractional quantum Hall effect and reveal deep connections between flat topological bands and Landau levels. A key open question is understanding what conditions in a band structure allow such exotic states to form.
This project aims to study fractional Chern insulators in a model that lacks intrinsic band topology. Contrary to previous assumptions that nontrivial topology is essential, recent findings suggest that fractional states may also appear in topologically trivial bands. By examining a system with strong quantum geometry and Berry curvature but a zero Chern number, the work will investigate whether a fractional Chern state can arise and how geometric and curvature effects contribute to its stability.
Contact
Christophe Mora
14/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
117
Experimental studies of nuclear reactions to understand astrophysical processes
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
My group works in the field of Nuclear Astrophysics. We focus on measuring nuclear physics properties that drive astrophysical processes. We collaborate with astronomers and astrophysicists to identify important nuclear reactions that affect the evolution/explosion of stars and the production of elements. Based on this input we design and run experiments to study these nuclear reactions. A student working in my group can choose one of our existing projects such as detector testing/development (if available), analysis of existing data, and/or theoretical calculations that relate to these nucleosynthesis processes. Programming experience is desired but not required. Through this project students will gain understanding of astrophysical processes and how they connect to nuclear experiments, gamma ray spectroscopy, nuclear reactions and beta-decays.
The registration for the internship must be done on the website: https://npa.in2p3.fr/summer-training-program/
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
14/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
118
Study of phenomena arising along the neutron dripline
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The MoNA collaboration (https://www.monacollaboration.org/) is one of the world leaders in the study of nuclei at and beyond the neutron dripline. After 20 years of operation at NSCL, the MoNA collaboration performed its first experiments within the FRIB era in the Summer 2025. In particular, the Collaboration is interested in the evolution of the nuclear structure while moving away from stability as well as in the underlying mechanism describing the formation of neutron halo in some weekly bound nuclei. Two more experiments using the MoNA-Sweeper setup and its Si-Be segmented target are scheduled in the Spring 2026. The proposed internship is two-fold: (i) a primary project to perform preliminary investigations of an LH2 target/tracker design and compare (un)polarized beams impinging on such target for the MoNA Collaboration, and (ii) a secondary project to assist in some of the offline analysis/post-tests for the experiments mentioned above.
The registration for the internship must be done on the website: https://npa.in2p3.fr/summer-training-program/
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
14/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
119
Quantum simulation with a hybrid Rydberg atom platform
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The long lifetimes and strong dipole-dipole interactions of circular Rydberg atoms make them particularly appealing for the realization of quantum simulations. A recently-developed hybrid platform, that combines them with ancillary atoms excited to standard Rydberg levels, enables their local non-destructive measurement and manipulation, opening the way to the operation of the quantum simulator. The intern will participate in the transformation of the existing room-temperature setup into a cryogenic setup where we will fully benefit from the long lifetimes of circular states. We will use the new setup to demonstrate quantum simulations in a subsequent doctoral work.
Contact
Clément Sayrin
14/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
120
Épaisseur d’un film visqueux entraîné sur une surface en mouvement
Domaines
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Corporate activity
Description
Lorsqu'on verse un liquide d’une théière dans une tasse, on observe différents régimes, certains où le liquide forme un jet vers la tasse, et d’autres où il forme un film fin le long de la théière. Un phénomène similaire peut également apparaître lors d'écoulements le long de surfaces en mouvement, induisant alors l'expulsion d'une partie du liquide, tandis que l'autre partie reste entraînée par la surface sous la forme d'un film mince. L'épaisseur de ce film s'avère déterminante pour la maîtrise de certains procédés industriels, alors que l’hydrodynamique sous-jacente et sa dépendance avec les paramètres du problème restent à éclaircir. L’objectif du stage est de déterminer l'épaisseur du film mince conservé sur la surface en mouvement, après expulsion du surplus. Pour cela, le ou la stagiaire pourra s’appuyer sur un montage expérimental déjà en place mais qui devra être complété en développant des méthodes aptes à mesurer un film liquide mince sur une surface en mouvement. Une première piste à suivre serait d’utiliser des méthodes par absorption de la lumière, mais d’autres idées pourront être explorées à l’initiative du ou de la stagiaire.
Les missions du stage couvriront entre autres : la mise au point et l’utilisation d’une méthode de mesure du film mince et participer au développement d'un modèle physique prédisant l'épaisseur du film.
Contact
Quentin Magdelaine
14/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
121
Optimizing a Single-Shot Quantum Measurement in Finite Time
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum gases
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
This internship/PhD proposal explores quantum sensing through optimal control of Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) to maximize the information extracted from a single measurement within finite time. Combining quantum control theory and Fisher information–based estimation, it aims to design and experimentally demonstrate control protocols that reach the quantum precision limit.
Experiments will use optical lattices with tunable depth and geometry, enabling precise manipulation of BECs. The first goal is to measure an unknown vector force in 2D while ensuring robustness against quasimomentum dispersion and experimental noise. This work will also pave the way for rotation sensing and interaction-strength measurements.
On the theoretical side, control fields will be optimized using GRAPE/Krotov algorithms and reinforcement learning, under realistic hardware constraints. The internship offers a strong dual experience in numerical quantum control and cold-atom experiments within a cutting-edge research environment.
Contact
David Guéry-Odelin
14/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
122
Superconducting quantum bit readout with a single microwave photon-to-electron detector
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
With the rise of circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED), superconducting qubits have become a leading platform for scalable quantum processors, where information is encoded and measured using microwave photons (4–8 GHz). Developing a fast, efficient single microwave photon detector is thus crucial for quantum computing, communication, and sensing.
Conventional photon detectors rely on semiconductor materials matched to optical frequencies, but this approach fails at microwave frequencies since these photons have ~10⁵ times less energy. We recently addressed this challenge by creating a microwave photon-to-electron converter, where a superconducting tunnel junction functions as a voltage-tunable quantum absorber via photon-assisted tunneling. We further devised a method to detect the single charge generated upon photon absorption, enabling single-photon sensitivity.
We now seek a motivated student to use this detector for innovative measurements of superconducting qubits. The project involves fabricating a hybrid device combining granular aluminum microwave circuits with a qubit, using nanofabrication techniques (e-beam lithography, metal evaporation). Measurements will occur in a new dilution refrigerator (20 mK) with advanced electronics. This work will advance quantum technologies and offer hands-on experience highly valued for a career in quantum science.
Contact
Julien Basset
14/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
123
Active matter: self-organization of dynamic microtubule networks
Domaines
Condensed matter
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The aim is to make significant progress toward the reconstitution of mitotic spindle in vitro. We recently managed to reconstitute the self-organization of microtubules by both plus-end and minus-end directed motors. To our surprise, we found that microtubules and motors could self-pattern themselves into multiple domains, containing either plus-end or minus-end directed motors, separated by bundles of aligned microtubules (Utzschneider et al. PNAS, 2025). However, in these conditions, microtubules were stabilized in order to facilitate the transport of motors. We propose to further explore conditions closer to mitotic spindles by studying how motors of opposite polarities could self-organize dense arrays of short and dynamic microtubules.
Students will learn the use of purified tubulin and molecular motors to grow dynamic networks of microtubules in vitro. They will also learn various surface treatments and microfluidic methods to confine and encapsulate these networks. They will be trained on first-class microscopes to monitor network self-organization. An ongoing with Jean-François Joanny (Collège de France) will allow the design of a physical model of active phase separation in the self-organization of mitotic spindles.
Contact
Manuel Thery
14/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
124
Modelization of active cellular systems: dynamics, self-organization and cohesion
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Confluent biological tissues can be thought of as active multicellular systems: they consume energy to generate motion or change their conformation. This activity affects the cohesion and the organization of the tissue, and is at the origin of large collective motions, such as those observed during morphogenetic movements. From a macroscopic perspective, this activity allows the tissue to shift from a solid-like to a fluid-like state. Yet, biological cells are much more complex than punctual or colloidal particles: they can deform, proliferate, communicate, and adapt in ways that cannot be modelled with simple active particles. Moreover, because of their high deformability/low compressibility features, their mechanical interactions in a tissue are non-pairwise.
An essential property for the correct functioning and integrity of tissues is their capacity to maintain sharp boundaries, in spite of the noise induced by the cell renewal and cell activity. Depending on the physical and biological properties of the two cell population, the boundary can destabilize through various mechanisms. In particular, we have shown in a recent study that the intrinsic stochastically of cell division and cell death (apoptosis) induces a temporal instability of the mean position of the boundary.
Using both numerical and modelling techniques, we propose to explore the “phase space” of the boundary between two cell populations and determine the domains in which the boundary destabilizes.
Contact
Marc Durand
Laboratory : MSC - UMR7057
Team : Morphogenèse et Dynamique des Systèmes Auto-Organisés
Team Website
Team : Morphogenèse et Dynamique des Systèmes Auto-Organisés
Team Website
13/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
125
Modelling of genotype to phenotype coupling in phage replication
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Bacteriophages play critical roles in nature, from molecular to ecological scales. In an ANR project we plan to develop an in vitro framework to understanding phage cycles, in collaboration between experimentalists and theoreticians. This internship is on the theory side, for which there is funding for a PhD.
The master 2 internship will be centered on the capacity of genotype to phenotype coupling of phages, independent of cellular compartmentalization: when phages are produced with a mix of 2 closely related types of phage DNA, it has been observed experimentally that there is more association of DNA with related proteins than the null model [1]. A simple explanation is that, as proteins of a given type are produced close to the genome of this type, then the proportion of the matching protein is higher than the overall proportion of this protein type in the solution. A first model considering a local and a global protein concentration has already been developed. In the internship, the student will develop a more realistic model taking into account the out-of-equilibrium kinetics of protein production, assembly, and diffusion, using a combination of numerical simulation and analytical calculations, to test whether this more detailed model gives similar results, and link with physical parameters that may be tuned in new experiments, which would enable to compare with model predictions.
Contact
Claude Loverdo
Laboratory : LJP - UMR 8237
Team : LJP Stochastic dynamics of reactive and living systems
Team Website
Team : LJP Stochastic dynamics of reactive and living systems
Team Website
13/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
126
Turbulence d’ondes à la surface d’un fluide stratifié
Domaines
Condensed matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Lorsque des ondes aléatoires d’amplitude suffisamment élevée se propagent, leurs interactions non linéaires peuvent engendrer un régime de turbulence d’ondes. Il se traduit par une cascade d’énergie des grandes échelles vers les petites échelles. Ce phénomène, initialement motivé pour modéliser la dynamique des océans, se rencontre dans de nombreux domaines.
L’océan est un fluide stratifié à cause des gradients de température ou de salinité. Cependant, les interactions entre les ondes à la surface libre et les ondes internes au sein de la stratification sont toujours mal comprises. Le fluide stratifié le plus simple que l’on puisse imaginer est constitué de deux couches de fluides superposées, homogènes, le fluide du dessus étant moins dense que celui du dessous. Dans cette situation, des ondes peuvent alors se propager à la surface libre, mais également à l’interface entre les deux fluides.
Le but sera d’étudier expérimentalement la turbulence d’ondes dans un tel fluide, et le couplage non linéaire entre ondes de surface et d’interface se propageant au sein des deux couches de liquide. En réalisant une mesure spatio-temporelle des déformations des deux interfaces, nous pourrons alors reconstruire les différents modes de propagation résultant de leur interaction. Un couplage linéaire est attendu (modes en phase ou en opposition de phase des interfaces), et une interaction non linéaire entre la turbulence d’ondes présente sur chacune des interfaces.
Contact
Bruno Issenmann
13/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
127
Toy models of protocells for the origin of life
Domaines
Statistical physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The goal of the internship is to build a toy model for a protocell to test physical scenarios for the Origin of Life. The model will be studied analytically and then completed with numerical simulations based on finite elements methods.
Contact
David LACOSTE
13/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
128
Statistical simplicity of random chemical reaction networks
Domaines
Statistical physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The goal of the internship is to explore the notion of simplicity bias among random chemical networks using ideas from Statistical Physics, algorithmic information theory and chemical networks.
Contact
David LACOSTE
13/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
129
Controlling foam topology with viscoelasticity
Domaines
Soft matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The aim of the internship is to take advantage of the control over relaxation timescales found in weakly associative polymer solutions to control the evolution of foams.
Contact
Anniina Salonen
13/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
130
Electron-phonon coupling in superconducting materials from advanced density functional approximations
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The standard approach for treating the electron-phonon coupling from first principles is density functional theory within so-called semi-local approximations (LDA and GGAs). These methods fail, however, dramatically in systems with localised d or f electrons, failing to describe their insulating phases as well as their superconducting properties. Recent works have shown that improving the description of electronic correlation beyond semi-local approximations can strongly enhance the electron-phonon coupling, substantially increasing the critical temperature of certain materials exhibiting unconventional superconductivity. In this project we will investigate why semi-local approximations fail and how to overcome their deficiencies with the design of fully nonlocal approximations able to simultaneously capture short and long range effects of the Coulomb interaction. As an application, we will study TiSe2, an intriguing d electron system where superconductivity competes with a charge density wave instability.
Contact
Maria Hellgren
13/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
131
Weakly Coupled One-Dimensional Bose Gases
Domaines
Condensed matter
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The goal of this internship is to apply bosonization, together with the non-perturbative functional renormalization group (a modern implementation of the Wilsonian renormalization group), to study weakly coupled one-dimensional Bose gases (Luttinger liquids). These highly anisotropic systems are expected to display a rich phase diagram, featuring superfluid, density-wave, and possibly supersolid phases. The internship will involve both analytical calculations and numerical solutions of renormalization-group flow equations.
The project could be extended into a PhD thesis, focusing on Bose gases that deviate from the Luttinger-liquid paradigm. In particular, we will explore the effects of a periodic potential (leading to a superfluid–Mott-insulator transition, described by the sine-Gordon model) and of a random potential (which may give rise to a localized phase known as “Bose-glass”). In both cases, the non-perturbative functional renormalization group offers a powerful framework to determine the phase diagram and low-energy properties in the one-dimensional limit. Studying weakly coupled one-dimensional Bose gases, starting from the one-dimensional limit, is not only interesting in its own right but also provides a promising route to understanding the physics of two- and three-dimensional Bose gases, where direct approaches based on isotropic models are often difficult. Similar studies may be considered for Fermi gases.
Contact
Nicolas Dupuis
13/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
132
Tuning magnetism in van der Waals magnet using moiré pattern
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Van der Waals materials are emerging as extremely versatile building blocks in many applications such as spintronics, superconductivity, nanoelectronics, optics, and may serve as tunable quantum simulators. These materials appear as extremely attractive for exploring new exotic physics due to their ability to be stacked with an infinite number of combinations that lead to unexpected physical properties. The recent discovery of ferromagnetic order down to the monolayer limit in van der Waals materials confers new opportunities to engineer hybrid quantum materials [1,2]. The family of chromium trihalide, is one of the most promising classes of two-dimensional magnetic materials. Their integration in a van der Waals heterostructure may form moiré patterns which are expected to lead to a wealth of exotic effects such as non-colinear magnetism. Indeed, we know from recent experimental and theoretical works that the moiré potential give rise to a periodic modulation of the magnetic interaction between the neigh-boring atoms which can lead to the emergence of exotic non-collinear spin texture such as spin spiral, vortex or skyrmion lattices. During the internship we will investigate moiré pattern in such Van der Waals magnets coupled to metallic and superconducting substrate. Using the atomically resolved spin polarized scanning tun-neling microscope, we will study the magnetic ground of the heterostructures and investigate how the moiré pattern influence this magnetic ground state.
Contact
Marie Hervé
12/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
133
Magnetism and superconductivity in hybrid magnetic/superconductor van der Waals heterostructures
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
the family of chromium trihalides represents one of the most promising classes of van der Waals (vdW) magnetic monolayer materials. Their integration into vdW heterostructures is expected to yield a rich variety of exotic effects. For example, combining a magnetic insulator such as a chromium trihalide with a transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) may give rise to new and exciting physics, including the emergence of topological superconductivity, as recently suggested in CrBr₃/NbSe₂ heterostructures. The stacking of magnetic insulators and superconducting vdW materials remains highly appealing, owing to its exceptional compatibility with nanoelectronic device architectures. In this internship, we aim to further pursue this strategy. Specifically, we will investigate the growth of several magnetic insulators (FeCl₂, NiBr₂, CrCl₂, VCl₃) on NbSe₂, targeting the formation of either two-dimensional islands or one-dimensional nanoribbons. Spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy (SP-STM) will be employed to probe their magnetic ground states, and low-temperature scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) will be performed to search for potential signatures of topological superconductivity in these heterostructures.
Contact
Marie Hervé
12/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
134
Dynamique d’enduction et de séchage de fluide complexe sur fibres
Domaines
Soft matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Dans le procédé de fabrication de nombreux produits
de Saint-Gobain - composites, isolants, textiles - une
solution est appliquée sur des fibres. Dans le cas des
fibres utilisées comme renforts mécaniques pour les
matériaux composites, un revêtement est appliqué par
voie liquide sur les fibres. Ce fluide est généralement
une émulsion hautement diluée, appelée ensimage, et
joue un rôle clé pour assurer les propriétés du fil
obtenu (protection du fil, cohésion entre filaments,
tenue mécanique aux tensions et abrasions lors du
tissage). Lors de la mise en forme du composite,
l’ensimage constitue également une interphase
servant de lien entre la matrice polymère et le renfort
inorganique. Le rôle de l’ensimage est donc critique
pour l’utilisation des fibres, et une meilleure
compréhension du lien entre sa physico-chimie, le
procédé de dépôt et les caractéristiques du film
permettrait d’optimiser la performance des produits
industriels.
Contact
François Boulogne
Laboratory : Laboratoire de Physique des Solides -
Team : MMOI : Matière molle aux interfaces
Team Website
Team : MMOI : Matière molle aux interfaces
Team Website
12/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
135
Spreading of bacterial colonies on gels
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
At the scale of bacteria moving across surfaces, capillary forces are enormous, many times their flagellar propulsion force. During the internship we will investigate how bacteria collectively overcome this dominating constraint. To start with, we will study the spreading of drops on hydrogels, and study the flows induced by chemical gradients. A just acquired confocal chromatic probe, coupled to stuctured light profilometry, will be used to characterise the non-dispersive swelling front that precedes the bacterial spreading. If time permits we will compare the observations to experiments involving bacteria.
The wider aim of the proposed PhD thesis is to quantify the forces at play during mass swarming of Bacillus subtilis, notably by controlling the dominant capillary forces. Our improved understanding of microscopic interactions will then be used, in collaboration with Pr J Tailleur (MIT&MSC), to develop coarse-grained statistical active matter models for the colony morphogenesis.
Contact
Adrian Daerr
10/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
136
Spin-orbit coupling in MXene thin films
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The aim of this internship is to measure and strengthen the spin-orbit coupling in thin films made of MXenes, of formula Ti3C2Tx, which are 2D materials with a metallic character, unlike the usual 2D materials (graphene, TMD, etc.). The aim is to measure resistance variations at low temperature (2 K) and under magnetic field (9 T) in the weak localization regime (quantum interference of free electron wave functions). To do so, impurities with a strong spin-orbit coupling, such as low concentrations of gold or platinum atoms, will be deposited on top of the MXene layer in an evaporation chamber, before characterizing these thin films in the cryostat. The detection and manipulation of the strength of the spin-orbit coupling in MXenes would be a major first, paving the way for applications of these materials in spintronics.
Contact
Simon Hurand
Laboratory : Institut Pprime - UPR 3346
Team : Physique et Propriétés des Nanostructures
Team Website
Team : Physique et Propriétés des Nanostructures
Team Website
10/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
137
Formation of a sinkhole in the laboratory
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
A sinkhole is a sudden collapse of the ground, often triggered by the progressive disintegration of an underground cavity. In cohesive or karstic soils, this process begins when the roof of a cavity weakens and gradually forms a bell-shaped void that eventually reaches the surface.
In Paris, centuries of underground quarrying have made the subsurface particularly prone to such collapses. The shape and dynamics of sinkholes depend on multiple factors — cavity size, soil cohesion, and surface structures — making them difficult to predict from field data alone.
To better understand these mechanisms, a 2D laboratory experiment will be carried out using a cohesive granular medium with tunable adhesion. After removing the underlying support, the formation and growth of the cavity will be studied as a function of grain size, cohesion, and orifice size. The goal is to identify distinct collapse regimes, from gradual deformation to brittle fracturing, and to explore possible scaling laws and self-similar dynamics.
Field measurements in Nature or in Paris’ quarries with Inspection Générale des Carrières (Mairie de Paris) can also be included, depending on the candidate’s interests.
Contact
Anaïs ABRAMIAN
Laboratory : Institut d'Alembert -
Team : Fluides Complexes et Instabilités Hydrodynamiques
Team Website
Team : Fluides Complexes et Instabilités Hydrodynamiques
Team Website
10/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
138
Initiation of cracks in cohesive granular media
Domaines
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Fracture in disordered media is a central question in physics and mechanics. In cohesive granular systems, crack paths often exhibit irregular and complex geometries, ranging from multiscale patterns to structures with a characteristic wavelength. Understanding these processes is essential for industrial or natural examples, including the crack networks observed in snow avalanches or landslides.
This internship project aims to perform laboratory experiments on an innovative cohesive granular material with tunable adhesion, in order to characterize crack initiation and propagation as a function of material cohesion. Using a three-point bending setup, we will determine the thresholds for crack nucleation, the scaling of fracture toughness, and the characteristic wavelengths or patterns emerging during propagation. High-resolution imaging and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) will be employed to monitor crack initiation and growth.
These observations will be complemented by theoretical analysis using stability concepts and statistical physics. Depending on the candidate’s interests, possible extensions include connections to geophysical applications or numerical modeling.
Contact
Anaïs ABRAMIAN
Laboratory : Institut d'Alembert -
Team : Fluides Complexes et Instabilités Hydrodynamiques
Team Website
Team : Fluides Complexes et Instabilités Hydrodynamiques
Team Website
10/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
139
Resonance broadening in self-gravitating systems
Domaines
Statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The long-term relaxation of a long-range interacting N-body system is generically described by the inhomogeneous Balescu-Lenard equation (BL), which captures the lasting effects of two-body resonances. Yet, BL is ill-posed in the presence of flat frequency profiles, i.e. within "over-resonant" systems. In that case, one must resort to "resonance broadening theory" to include the contributions from nonlinear effects -- neglected in BL -- to self-consistently regularise BL's (sharp) resonance condition.
This internship focuses on exploring, analytically and numerically, the effect of resonance broadening in low-dimensional long-range interacting systems. For that purpose, we will focus on the model of classical Heisenberg spins evolving on the unit sphere withn different external profiles, in the limit of weak collective amplification. In practice, we will explore analytically the nonlinear origin of resonance broadening, using stochastic theory, emphasising the existence of anomalous scaling with respect to N. In parallel, we will use extensive numerical simulations with varying total number of particles and dynamical temperature, to explore the extent of resonance broadening, and its possible saturation. Ultimately, this program of research will offer new clues on the validity of the different quasilinear assumptions on which BL relies.
Contact
Jean-Baptiste Fouvry
10/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
140
Description of collective motions in atomic nuclei beyond Time-Dependent Density Functional
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Predicting the organization and dynamics of neutrons and protons within atomic nuclei is a significant scientific challenge, crucial for designing future nuclear technologies and addressing fundamental questions such as the origin of heavy atoms in our universe. In this context, CEA, DAM, DIF develops theoretical approaches to simulate the dynamics of the elementary constituents of atomic nuclei. The equations of motion, derived within the framework of quantum mechanics, are solved on our supercomputers. The 2010s saw the rise of the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) approach for tackling this problem. While TDDFT has provided groundbreaking insights into phenomena such as giant resonances observed in
atomic nuclei and nuclear fission, this approximation has intrinsic limitations.
This PhD project aims to develop and explore a novel theoretical approach to describe the collective motion of strongly correlated Fermions. The goal is to generalize the TDDFT framework to better describe observations such as the vibration damping in Fermions droplets. The objective will be to assess how this new theoretical framework enhances predictions of the damping of giant resonances in atomic nuclei and the formation of fragments during nuclear fission.
Contact
David Regnier
09/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
141
Mechanosensitivity and habituation of protozoa
Domaines
Condensed matter
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Protozoan are unicellular eukaryotes that display many animal-like behaviors. Among protozoan, ciliates form a complex and diverse group that swim by beating many cilia. Many ciliates are extremely mechanosensitive. Some, like Stentor and Spirostomum, contract in a few milliseconds when they are touched. Others, like Paramecium, swim backward when touched on the anterior end, or accelerate when touched on the posterior side. This mechanosensitivity is known to be mediated by mechanoreceptors, which trigger a transmembrane ionic current when the membrane is stressed.
In addition, the mechanosensitive behavior of ciliates shows habituation, a phenomenon first studied in animals, considered the most elementary form of learning. When the organism is repeatedly stimulated, its reaction weakens (for example, it stops contracting); after stopping the stimulation for a while, the organism becomes sensitive again. Habituation has been characterized most exhaustively in the contraction behavior of Stentor, but we have recently observed it in the modulation of swimming in Paramecium, which is more amenable to electrophysiogical studies (measurement of mechanotransduction currents).
The goal of this project is to develop a biophysical model of mechanotransduction and habituation in ciliates.
Contact
Romain Brette
09/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
142
Modèles de spin de Heisenberg sur des réseaux présentant des défauts ou une géométrie hyperbolique
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The quantum Heisenberg Hamiltonian is a faithful approximation of crystalline compounds or cold atom realizations, hosting fascinating low temperatures phases as topological spin liquids, superfluids or long range ordered phases. Analytical approaches fail to solve this problem when frustration is present (competing interactions), but many numerical or semi-analytical methods have been developped. We can cite for example tensor network methods or mean-field theories.
These models have mainly been considered on perfect euclidean 2d or 3d lattices. However, real compounds host defects, either from chemistry (substitution of a magnetic atom by a non-magnetic one for example), or structural (dislocations). Besides, hyperbolic lattices are lattices on a curved space and host interesting variations of the phases living in euclidean geometry.
The student will first study the classical Heisenberg spin models on 2d hyperbolic space, using the specific translational group to generalize the concept of regular magnetic order, and look for new classical spin liquids. The way defects such as dislocations affect spin order will be explored. If followed by a PhD, she/he will treat defects in experimental compounds (Herbertsmithite, averievite), in collaboration with experimentalists from LPS. Various analytical and numerical methods will be used, from classical Monte Carlo simulations to tensor networks calculations.
Contact
LPTMC Messio
09/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
143
Microbial Bioplastic Degradation
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This multidisciplinary project focuses on the biodegradability of biosourced plastics, with the aim of combating marine plastic poulltion. The project aims to characterize how bacteria invade and
erode a semi-crystalline / amorphous polymeric surface and how different the degradation is
from an abiotic medium which just contains soluble extracted depolymerases.
Contact
Eric Raspaud
08/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
144
Calculs ab initio de la structure électronique d’alliages (Bi,Sb)2(Se,Te)3 et de leurs interfaces
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Des calculs numériques ab initio, basés sur la théorie de la fonctionnelle de la densité (DFT), seront réalisés pour analyser la structure de bandes d'alliages (Bi,Sb)(Te,Se). Les propriétés de ces cristaux massifs seront tout d’abord étudiées en fonction de leur composition chimique. Pour les compositions les plus intéressantes, la structure électronique au voisinage de l’interface avec une électrode sera également calculée. Les calculs DFT aideront à comprendre les paramètres clés qui permettent le contrôle des propriétés électroniques essentielles pour les applications, qu’il s’agisse de la valeur des masses effectives, de l’alignement des bandes au voisinage des interfaces, ou de la position du niveau de Fermi vis-à-vis des différentes bandes. Une fois calculées, les caractéristiques importantes des alliages (Bi,Sb)(Te,Se) et de leurs interfaces pourront directement être comparées avec des mesures de transport réalisées au LNCMI, ce qui contribuera à interpréter ces résultats expérimentaux.
Contact
Rémi Arras
08/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
145
Calculs ab initio de la stabilité et des propriétés électroniques d’oxydes NdNiO3-x pour applications neuromorphiques
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Au cours de ce stage, nous proposons de calculer numériquement les propriétés physiques (structure atomique et électronique, moments magnétiques de spin et orbitaux) de l’oxyde NdNiO3. Nous étudierons ensuite la stabilité thermodynamique de phases NdNiO3-x (0 < x < 1), en fonction de la distribution des lacunes d’oxygène et des déformations structurales induites par la présence de ces défauts. L’objectif principal de ce stage sera de comprendre le lien étroit qui relie les distorsions atomiques générées dans les possibles phases de l’oxyde NdNiO3-x et la modification de leurs propriétés électroniques par rapport à celles du cristal parfait NdNiO3.
Contact
Rémi Arras
08/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
146
Stage M2-Thèse - X-CEA - Rupture d’un jet liquide soumis à un gradient de vitesse initial
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
L’atomisation d’un volume de liquide en gouttelettes a d’importantes applications dans de nombreux domaines, comme par exemple la combustion, les explosions, la pulvérisation agricole ou la formation d’aérosols océaniques et respiratoires [1].
Dans les problèmes d’atomisation inertielle, un jet ou une nappe liquide est éjectée depuis une origine, avec une forte variation de vitesse. C’est le cas de l’éjecta formé durant l’impact d’une goutte liquide ou par les micro-jets produits par spallation par choc laser. Cette variation de vitesse impacte fortement la distribution de gouttelettes produites.
Nous proposons ici d’étudier l’influence d’un gradient de vitesse initial sur l’atomisation d’un jet liquide. Ce projet s’appuiera principalement sur des simulations numériques avec le code open-source Basilisk [2], combiné à des analyses théoriques. Les candidats doivent avoir une solide formation en mécanique des fluides, en mathématiques, ainsi qu’une bonne maitrise de la programmation en language C.
Le projet se fera en cotutelle entre le LadHyX et le CEA. Il sera localisé au LadHyX, à l’École Polytechnique (Palaiseau), avec des échanges réguliers avec le CEA.
[1] Emmanuel Villermaux. Fragmentation versus Cohesion. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 898:P1, 2020.
[2] Stéphane Popinet. Basilisk flow solver. http://basilisk.fr, 2025.
Contact
Marie-Jean THORAVAL
08/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
147
Drop impact on a pool of immiscible liquid
Domaines
Condensed matter
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Drop impact on a pool of immiscible liquid
Context: The impact of a liquid drop onto a liquid surface is a commonly observed phenomenon in nature and throughout daily life, and is important for many industrial processes such as spray painting, inkjet printing and spreading of pesticides. It has been demonstrated recently that this process could be used for the mass production of particles with complex shapes and cell encapsulation [1]. The geometry of the resulting particles strongly depends on the impact dynamics and the deformation of the interfaces.
Goals: In this project, we propose to investigate the formation of complex encapsulations formed by the impact of a liquid drop on a pool of immiscible liquid. We will systematically study the impact of water drops on a pool of an immiscible liquid such as silicone oil. We will combine high-speed imaging experiments with high resolution numerical simulations (using the open-source code Basilisk) to investigate these complex dynamics, and uncover the physical processes involved.
Profile: Candidates should have a good training in Fluid Mechanics. The project can either be focused on experimental observations and/or numerical simulations depending on the applicant.
Environment: The project will take place in the laboratory of Prof. Marie-Jean THORAVAL at LadHyX in École Polytechnique, in the South of Paris.
Contact
Marie-Jean THORAVAL
08/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
148
Impact of compound drops: Bouncing or Sticky?
Domaines
Condensed matter
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Impact of compound drops: Bouncing or Sticky? -
Context: The impact of a drop onto a solid or liquid surface has a wide range of applications including combustion, 3D printing, biological microarrays, pharmaceutics and the food industry. While most of them rely on single fluid drops, the emergence of new additive manufacturing techniques promises to revolutionize these industries by combining multiple fluids into compound drops. One of the critical challenges in these applications is to control the deposition process of the impacting drop and therefore its spreading, potential rebound and splashing.
Goals: We propose in this project to control the rebound of the water core by varying the viscosity and thickness of the outer oil layer. We will combine high-speed imaging experiments with high resolution numerical simulations (using the open-source code Basilisk) to investigate these complex dynamics, and uncover the physical processes involved in the deposition of compound drops.
Profile: Candidates should have a good training in Fluid Mechanics. The project can either be focused on experimental observations and/or numerical simulations depending on the applicant.
Environment: The project will take place in the laboratory of Professor Marie-Jean THORAVAL at LadHyX in École Polytechnique, in the South of Paris.
Contact
Marie-Jean THORAVAL
08/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
149
Air film dynamics
Domaines
Condensed matter
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Air film dynamics -
Context: Gas transfer at the ocean surface has a critical importance for climate, as it captures around 30% of the CO2 released into the atmosphere, and for marine biological activity, as it provides the necessary O2. This transfer can be promoted by the entrapment of bubbles, produced through impacting rain drops or breaking waves. The shape and dynamics of the bubbles are important to model these transfers.
Goals: We propose in this project to study the contraction dynamics of an air film into a fluid. We will systematically vary the gas and fluid properties in different geometries to understand their contraction velocity and rupture mechanisms. This project will combine numerical simulations (using the open-source code Basilisk) with theoretical analysis to uncover the physical processes involved in the gas transfer into the ocean.
Profile: Candidates should have a good training in Fluid Mechanics and Computational Fluid Dynamics.
Environment: The project will take place in the laboratory of Prof. Marie-Jean THORAVAL at LadHyX in École Polytechnique, in the South of Paris.
Contact
Marie-Jean THORAVAL
08/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
150
Many-body dynamics of a quantum magnetic impurity in a superconductor
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The interaction between a single impurity and a superconductor leads to intra-gap localized and almost polarized bound states. Controlling and functionalizing these quantum bound states is a route actively followed for topological superconductivity but also to realize qubits.
However, most of the theoretical descriptions of the magnetic impurities rely on a classical spin model which simply describes the excitation spectrum but however artificially breaks time-reversal symmetry and fails to reproduce correctly the ground state degeneracy. Despite a lot of experimental and theoretical works that have been devoted to the interplay between magnetism and superconductivity, the many-body dynamics of these bound states have hardly been studied. Since external driving is important for experimental probing of the dynamics, as well as a tool for manipulating the topological phase of the system, a non-equilibrium theory would be highly valuable.
In this internship, we propose to study the dynamics of a simple model of a quantum spin impurity interacting with a superconducting substrate in the zero-band limit [4] and subject to a time-dependent magnetic field. This proposal is part of a collaboration we have with experimentalists on the Saclay Plateau studying atomic-scale spin dynamics.
Contact
Pascal SIMON
07/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
151
Towards entanglement between relativistic electrons and photons mediated by plasmons
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Quantum coherence, central to modern physics, underlies phenomena such as entanglement and Rabi oscillations, which lack classical analogues. This internship aims to explore a fundamental open question: can a relativistic free electron be entangled with a photon through its interaction with a plasmon? The project, which may evolve into a PhD thesis, combines experimental, instrumental, and theoretical efforts to reveal temporal correlations between ~100 keV electrons and photons mediated by surface plasmons. Using a scanning transmission electron microscope, a nanoscale electron probe will be positioned with nanometric precision on specially designed chiral plasmonic structures that emit circularly polarized photons at specific plasmonic resonances. Preliminary calculations indicate that in these conditions, each inelastic electron acquires a defined orbital angular momentum and becomes nearly perfectly entangled with a circularly polarized photon. The internship will focus on performing correlation measurements between electrons and photons to probe this entanglement, including tests of Bell inequality violations. These experiments will leverage a unique combination of advanced instrumentation, tailored nanostructures, and state-of-the-art detectors available in our group.
Contact
Mathieu Kociak
07/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
152
Coherent control of artificial atoms with relativistic electrons
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Nano-optics explores optical phenomena occurring far below the diffraction limit of light. To overcome this limit, new concepts and techniques have emerged, among which the use of fast electrons—traveling at about half the speed of light—has proven uniquely powerful for probing the optical properties of nanomaterials. Our team has been a pioneer in this field, using electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and cathodoluminescence (CL) to study a wide range of excitations in solids, from phonons to excitons, with unprecedented spatial and spectral resolution. More recently, we have developed energy-gain spectroscopy (EEGS), which combines the picometer-scale spatial precision of fast electrons with the sub-µeV spectral resolution of a laser. This innovation enables the investigation of quantum-optical systems such as ultra-high-finesse optical cavities. However, a key question remains open: can we coherently study and manipulate optical states in atomic or quasi-atomic systems such as quantum dots using relativistic electrons? The aim of this internship, potentially leading to a PhD, is to explore this new regime of coherent control of artificial atoms with electron beams. The project will take place on a unique platform coupling a monochromated transmission electron microscope with a laser system and custom-designed lithographic samples, opening unprecedented perspectives in quantum nano-optics.
Contact
Mathieu Kociak
07/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
153
Entropy in Engineered Quantum Systems
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
In the presence of strong correlations, the electronic matter can become very different from a bath of Fermi quasiparticles. The challenge is often to reveal unambiguously the most striking characteristics, as recently illustrated by the Majorana observation controversy. The broad aim of this experimental internship/PhD is to engineer such states in electronic quantum circuits, by design, and to reveal their nature through a combination of observables, notably including their entropy contribution. The latter is particularly revealing of emerging non-abelian states, with a contribution to the ground-state entropy that can take a remarkable fractional value, between 0 and kB ln(2) (kB ln(2)/2 for a Majorana). A major objective of this project is to pinpoint the fractional entropy associated with such exotic states.
Contact
Frédéric Pierre
07/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
154
Quantum geometry effects in collective modes of superconductors
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Contact
Andrej Meszaros
07/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
155
Active droplets for cargo transport and micro-engines
Domaines
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Emulsions are composed of at least two immiscible liquids, with the droplet interface stabilized by surfactants. In previous work we showed that when the droplet slowly dissolves into the continuous phase, self-sustained motion can occurs. More recently, we also demonstrated that as they shrink over their lifetime, single droplets interact with their own trail in a self-avoiding random walk. Yet, many questions remain: what are the collective behaviors of these active particles? What is the nature of inter-particle interactions? This internship explores active emulsion droplets as model systems of non-equilibrium soft matter. By combining experiments and theory, the project investigates how an active droplet can transport a passive one (cargo mode) or form a micro-rotor. The work involves microscopy, image analysis, and modeling to unravel the underlying dynamics and interactions. Beyond fundamental insight, the study aims to inspire microfluidic machinery and bio-inspired applications such as targeted delivery.
Contact
Adrien Izzet
07/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
156
Nonequilibrium thermodynamics of pulsating active matter
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Active matter is the class of nonequilibrium systems where every constituent extracts energy from its environment to produce an autonomous sustained dynamics. Recently, some active models have focused on the collective dynamics of repulsive particles with oscillating shape. It has been shown that shape oscillation promotes deformation waves, in line with experiments for dense biological tissues, yielding a rich family of dynamical patterns which are reminiscent of instabilities observed in reaction-diffusion systems.
The internship will study the thermodynamics of pulsating active matter. The project will use some recent methods of stochastic thermodynamics and control theory to evaluate how the dissipated energy correlates with pattern formation, and how to efficiently control pattern formation with external protocols. Overall, this study will largely build on the crosstalk between numerical and analytical methods of modern nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. In particular, the project will combine particle-based models and hydrodynamic theories.
Contact
Etienne Fodor
Laboratory : Department of Physics and Materials Science, University of Luxembourg -
Team : Physics of Active Matter
Team Website
Team : Physics of Active Matter
Team Website
07/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
157
AI-driven electronic response of nanoporous carbon electrodes in molecular dynamics simulations of supercapacitors
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
This internship focuses on the AI-assisted design of nanoporous carbon electrodes for next-generation supercapacitors, a key challenge in electrochemical energy storage. Conventional simulations often treat electrodes as rigid, yet recent studies show that electrode flexibility strongly affects charging kinetics and ion dynamics. This flexibility should also modify the local electronic response of the carbon surface, which current constant-potential models only approximate.
The project aims to implement a machine-learning description of the electron density, enabling large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of realistic disordered carbons with near–ab initio accuracy. By exploring how pore size distribution, sp²/sp³ ratio, and mechanical compliance influence performance, the student will identify structural features that optimize both energy and power density.
This internship is funded by the PEPR DIADEM as part of the DIADEM Academy, and will be carried out in collaboration with NTU Singapore and CNRS@CREATE, ensuring strong international and national visibility. It is designed as the first step toward a PhD thesis, extending the approach to other electrode materials.
Contact
Marco Saitta
06/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
158
Atom-Tweezer Array in an Optical Microcavity for Quantum Technologies
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
This project explores a new experimental platform combining single-atom control with cavity-mediated long-range interactions. Using an array of optical tweezers inside a high-finesse optical microcavity, we aim to engineer and study entangled many-body states of cold atoms with single-particle resolution. The system opens exciting perspectives for quantum simulation of spin transport under tunable disorder and dissipation, as well as for quantum-enhanced metrology. Depending on progress, the internship will focus on real-time tweezer control or cavity-assisted Raman transitions. The student will join a dynamic team at LKB and gain hands-on experience in optics, lasers, cold atoms, and cavity QED physics.
Contact
Romain Long
06/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
159
Effect of viscoelasticity on mucus clearance in the pulmonary airways.
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
This internship propose to investigate the dynamics of mucus clearance in the human airways, a process crucial for respiratory health and affected in diseases like cystic fibrosis. Mucus is cleared either by the coordinated beating of cilia or by cough-induced airflow, yet the role of its viscoelastic properties remains largely unexplored. As part of the CNRS-funded MUCUS project, you will study the behavior of liquid plugs formed during airway occlusion under different breathing scenarios.
You can choose between two complementary axes: numerical, using the Basilisk solver and supercomputer simulations to explore how viscoelasticity affects plug rupture in 2D and 3D geometries; or experimental, using microfluidic models to visualize plug dynamics and rupture under pressure gradients and cough-like flows. This hands-on internship combines fluid mechanics, advanced simulations, and cutting-edge experiments, offering the possibility to continue into a PhD. It’s a chance to tackle real-world biomedical challenges while gaining deep expertise in complex fluid dynamics and bio-inspired flows.
Contact
Charlotte De Blois
06/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
160
Nanopore and Polymer Feedback in Flow
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This internship propose to explore the hidden world of complex fluids at the single-molecule level. Traditional rheometers only reveal bulk properties, missing the microscopic details that truly govern how polymers move and interact—especially in biologically relevant environments such as mucus transport, where long mucin chains meet arrays of cilia. Using nanopore technology and fluorescence microscopy, you’ll directly visualize individual DNA molecules as they pass through nanometer-sized channels under controlled pressure. From these experiments, you’ll uncover key insights into polymer dynamics and fluid rheology by measuring translocation times, event frequencies, and critical pressures. You’ll be actively involved in setting up and calibrating the experimental system, preparing samples, and analyzing data in both Newtonian (water, water–glycerol) and non-Newtonian (DNA, PEO) fluids.
Contact
Charlotte De Blois
06/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
161
Revealing DNA Organization by Orientation Super-Resolution Microscopy
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Join our research team and explore the frontier of biological imaging in the nucleus! This internship focuses on applying super-resolution (SR) microscopy to investigate the mechanisms behind DNA organization in cells. By combining multifocus microscopy (MFM) with polarization measurements, we will capture the 3D positioning and orientation of single molecules, offering new insights into their structural and functional roles.
Contact
Bassam HAJJ
06/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
162
Towards neuromorphic applications with 2D ferroelectrics materials
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The 2D+ Research Group at CRHEA, located on the French Riviera near Nice, France, is seeking a highly motivated and talented master candidate to join our cutting-edge research in nanophotonics with 2D materials. We offer a unique opportunity to explore emerging phenomena such as sliding ferroelectricity, ultra-low-threshold nonlinear photonics, and exciton engineering. The project is part of the European-funded 2DFERROPLEX consortium, bringing together leading experts in the field.
Contact
Antoine Reserbat-plantey
06/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
163
Coupling quantum emitters to a photonic lattice
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Coupling quantum emitters to the optical modes of a photonic lattice creates new opportunities for engineering exotic quantum light sources and developing novel quantum simulators with long-range interactions. It would allow studying non-classical states with spread entanglement and the implementation of strongly correlated phases of light.
The main goal of this internship is to experimentally study the optical properties of quantum emitters coupled to a lattice of We have recently implemented an open cavity system with embedded individual molecules of DBT. Each molecule is a two-level system whose excitation couples to light.
The internship will consist in the characterization of the open cavity with quantum emitters and the study of superradiance and subradiance effects, which have never been observed in the context of lattice dynamics.
Contact
Alberto Amo
06/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
164
Physics of granular materials reinforced with fibres
Domaines
Soft matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The internship explores the physics of granular materials reinforced with fibers, a system where the addition of a small fraction of flexible fibers can significantly enhance mechanical strength. While such reinforcement is widely used in engineering and observed in natural root-soil systems, the fundamental mechanisms behind fiber–grain interactions remain poorly understood. The project will involve controlled experiments with grains and synthetic fibers of varying aspect ratios and flexibilities, using setups such as vane rheometry, inclined-plane avalanches, and column collapse. The objective is to identify how parameters like fiber concentration, geometry, and flexibility affect flow behavior and mechanical response, and to contribute to the development of a physical framework and modeling approach that predicts the behavior of fiber-reinforced granular systems across different regimes.
Contact
Baptiste Darbois Texier
05/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
165
Locomotion in granular media
Domaines
Soft matter
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This internship investigates locomotion in granular media such as sand, a highly complex material that can exhibit both solid- and fluid-like behaviors. Drawing inspiration from animals like snakes, lizards, and clams, the project aims to experimentally analyze their movement strategies and quantify their efficiency in controlled environments. By designing and testing bio-inspired robotic models, the research seeks to identify the physical principles that govern interactions between moving bodies and granular substrates, contributing to a deeper understanding of granular mechanics and locomotion physics.
Contact
Baptiste Darbois Texier
05/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
166
Baryogénèse dans les modèles d’unification asymptotiques
Domaines
High energy physics
Relativity/Astrophysics/Cosmology
Fields theory/String theory
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
La grande unification traditionnelle (GUT) se produit lorsque tous les couplages de jauge deviennent identiques à
une échelle d'énergie finie. Dans le cadre de l'unification asymptotique (aGUT), les couplages de jauge tendent asymptotiquement vers la
même valeur à haute énergie en raison de la présence d'un point fixe dans les équations d'évolution du groupe
de renormalisation. Les modèles aGUT minimaux sont basés sur une symétrie de jauge SU(N) en 5 dimensions.
Les modèles aGUT ne nécessitent pas nécessairement de supersymétrie et garantissent la stabilité du proton.
Le point fixe ultraviolet apparaît comme asymptotiquement libre dans la théorie effective à 4 dimensions spatio-
temporelles, mais n'est pas asymptotiquement libre dans la théorie complète avec des dimensions décompactifiées à haute
énergie. Dans le cadre de ce stage, nous prévoyons d'étudier les implications des contraintes de la physique des
particules et de la cosmologie pour la baryogénèse dans les modèles aGUT.
Contact
Aldo Deandrea
05/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
167
Single-molecule magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum Machines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
We are developing new techniques to measure the magnetic resonance spectrum of individual molecules. For that, we use microwave photon counting at millikelvin temperatures based on superconducting qubits.
Contact
Patrice Bertet
05/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
168
Electrical control of hair-cell mechanosensitivity
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The inner ear’s mechano-sensory “hair cells” rely on ion channels to convert sound-evoked mechanical vibrations of their hair bundles into electrical signals. Our group has recently discovered an unexpected transition between two functional states of the hair bundle at a threshold value of the electrical potential across the sensory hair-cell epithelium: a state of low mechanosensitivity (‘OFF STATE’), for which gating forces are weak and the hair bundle is quiescent, and a state of high mechanosensitivity (‘ON STATE’), for which gating forces are strong the hair bundle oscillates spontaneously. The aim of the traineeship will be to study this transition, determine whether it qualifies as first-order phase transition, and modulate its properties by external biochemical perturbations.
Contact
Pascal Martin
04/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
169
Sound emission by coupled critical oscillators in a nonlinear model of the ear’s cochlea.
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Our group has recently developed a numerical model of cochlea—the auditory organ of the inner ear—which is based on a string coupled critical oscillators that are organized according to the frequency map of the cochlea. The objective of the traineeship will be to study how coherent reflections of the traveling waves within the cochlea may give rise to active sound emissions by the ear, called oto-acoustic emissions, which are well characterized experimentally, used as a noninvasive screening test for deafness, but still poorly understood.
Contact
Pascal Martin
04/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
170
Machine learning-assisted study of nuclear quantum effects in 2D noble gas clusters
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The proposed thesis focuses on the implementation of the nested sampling method, a machine learning method issued from Bayesian statistics, for exploring complex potential energy landscapes of condensed matter systems that include nuclear quantum effects. As a benchmark test system, Lennard-Jones clusters in 2D will be considered. The theoretical findings will directly be compared to the recent experimental measurements of noble gas clusters confined in a graphene sandwich. The nuclear quantum effects are evaluated using the Feynman path integral formalism.
Contact
Martino Trassinelli
03/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
171
Ultrafast Stark Spectroscopy of Two-dimensional Semiconductor Nanostructures
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Non-linear optics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
In this project, we aim to investigate the ultrafast dynamical processes in colloidal hetero- nanoplatelets composed of halide perovskite and/or metal chalcogenide semiconductors, such as charge- and energy- transfer, hot exciton relaxation, (multiple) exciton interactions and recombinations. We propose to combine ultrafast optical technics with Stark spectroscopies to investigate the effect of the in-plane exciton delocalization and charge transfer character (spatial separation of the electron and hole wavefunctions).
Contact
Elsa Cassette
Laboratory : Laboratoire Lumière, Matière et Interfaces (LuMIn) - UMR 9024
Team : LuMIn -Optics&Materials:Quantum&Nano
Team Website
Team : LuMIn -Optics&Materials:Quantum&Nano
Team Website
03/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
172
Collective emission from ordered, quantum-confined nanostructures toward superradiance
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Non-linear optics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This interneship aim to experimentaly study both 1) internal superradiance (giant oscillator strength, effect of the delocalization of the exciton center of mass motion) in a nanostructures and 2) superradiance/superfluorescence from the collective emission from different emitters within nanostructures coupled through dipole-dipole interactions. The semiconductor nanostructures will be 0-dimensional quantum dots and 2D nanoplatelets (quantum wells of a few monolayers) of metal halide perovskite. Ultrafast time-resolved spectroscopy such as picosecond streak camera and femtosecond transient absorption will be employed.
Contact
Elsa Cassette
Laboratory : Laboratoire Lumière, Matière et Interfaces (LuMIn) - UMR 9024
Team : LuMIn -Optics&Materials:Quantum&Nano
Team Website
Team : LuMIn -Optics&Materials:Quantum&Nano
Team Website
03/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
173
A novel active optical clock based on continuous superradiant lasing
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Quantum gases
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Recently, a new type of clock has been proposed: the active clock using superradiant lasing. Instead of shining a very stable laser onto ultracold atoms to probe the atom resonance frequency (and thus measure time), the clock would operate by letting the atoms themselves emit light. The light coherence will be set by a collective synchronization of the atomic dipoles with each other - a process called superradiance. Thus, in addition to its significance as a new clock architecture, this system is interesting from a fundamental point of view: it is an example of an open-dissipative system in which correlations of quantum nature may naturally arise.
We have built a prototype for such a cold-atom-based superradiant laser. We want to tackle the unresolved issue of sustaining continuously a superradiant emission. The construction of the apparatus is completed. Throughout the PhD project, we will investigate the light properties to understand how the emitters synchronize their oscillations, and how the light coherence is related to correlations between all atomic emitters. Our experiment will have the unique capability to explore several distinct superradiant emission regimes, that will be identified through the spectral and correlation properties of the light and of the atoms. In collaboration with metrology experts, we will contribute to assessing the metrological interest (i.e., “performance” criteria to act as a clock) of atomic-beam continuous superradiant lasers.
Contact
Martin Robert de Saint Vincent
03/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
174
Physics models for the origins of Darwinian evolution
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Life is both the result of and the engine behind Darwinian evolution. In modern life forms, the underlying mechanisms of Darwinian evolution are complex and are also products of billions of years of evolution. At the origin of life, however, Darwinian evolution must have emerged from simpler processes. What could these processes be? We approach this question from a physics perspective by developing statistical physics models.
Our goal is to identify the fundamental physical and chemical processes that could give rise to Darwinian-like evolutionary dynamics and, more generally, life-like features, beyond the specific pathway that led to life on Earth.
Contact
Olivier Rivoire
03/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
175
Is chromosome segregation robust under mechanical pressure?
Domaines
Biophysics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Errors in chromosome segregation during mitosis lead to aneuploidy (an abnormal number of chromosomes), which has deleterious or even lethal consequences for eukaryotic cells. In the yeast S. cerevisiae, aneuploidy is very often synonymous with growth defects; in humans, it contributes to cancer progression by promoting the emergence of advantageous or resistant clones. The fidelity of chromosomal segregation is therefore crucial for cells; however, the mitotic process is sensitive to the forces experienced by cells.
Most cells proliferate in a confined environment, in both physiological and pathological conditions. Confined proliferation leads to the development of a mechanical, growth-induced, compressive stress, which is relevant to many pathologies such as cancer. How mitosis fares under mechanical pressure is still unknown, in particular when it comes to chromosome segregation and potential mechanically-driven aneuploidy.
Contact
Morgan Delarue
02/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
176
Cell growth regulation under mechano-osmotic pressure
Domaines
Biophysics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
In multicellular organisms, cells proliferate within a confined space, facing a spatial constraint that impacts their ability to expand. As confined cells grow, the continuous biosynthesis still occurs while cell expansion is limited. This results in an increase in intracellular crowding, defined as the accumulation of macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids within the cytoplasm. In yeasts, macromolecular crowding driven by mechanical pressure relates to biomass production reduction, further leading to growth reduction. This biophysical feedback might be essential for a physiologically-controlled multicellular proliferation, avoiding over-proliferation.
In solid cancer the rapid tumor growth and the environment remodeling explain their high intensity of compressive forces. One example is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) where mechanical pressure induced-macromolecular crowding interferes with multicellular aggregates growth and cell cycle progression, potentially leading to a mechanical form of chemotherapeutic resistance. Investigating how cells adapt to mechanical stress in controlled experimental conditions can therefore provide fundamental insight into how compression contributes to growth regulation in physiologically and pathologically relevant settings.
Contact
Morgan Delarue
02/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
177
Atomic Scale Study of Charge Density Waves and Electronic Coupling in 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This internship focuses on exploring two-dimensional (2D) materials, particularly transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), which exhibit unique electronic phases such as charge density waves (CDWs). The project aims to study the interactions of CDWs with their atomic-scale environment using low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS). The intern will investigate how defects, interfaces, and neighboring CDWs affect the local electronic properties of single-layer TMDs and TMD heterostructures, providing insights into CDW coupling and atomic-scale perturbations in 2D quantum materials.
Contact
Jérôme Lagoute
02/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
178
Quasi-1D Fermi gases
Domaines
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The internship will address some aspects of the physics of ultracold atoms confined in quantum waveguides, in a regime where their dynamics is quasi-one-dimensional and does not obey the usual paradigms of many-body physics in 3D.
Contact
Frédéric Chevy
02/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
179
How robust the collective emission of coupled emitters is against dephasing processes.
Domaines
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Les effets collectifs en émission de photons apparaissent lorsque des atomes (ou des boites quantiques) sont suffisamment proches les uns des autres. Dans ce contexte, des modes collectifs se forment, pouvant être soit superradiants (fortement couplés au rayonnement), soit sous-radiants (faiblement couplés au rayonnement). La manipulation de ces modes revêt un intérêt majeur pour de nombreuses applications, où l’objectif est de contrôler en temps réel l’intensité de l’interaction entre la lumière et la matière.
Les arrangements de boites quantiques sont particulièrement prometteurs à cet égard, car ils permettent un positionnement avec une précision de l’ordre de la dizaine de nanomètres. Cependant, à température ambiante, les boites quantiques subissent un déphasage pur, phénomène qui tend à détruire les effets collectifs. Ce stage vise à étudier théoriquement la compétition entre les effets collectifs d’émission et le déphasage pur.
Ce stage peut-être prolongé en thèse, dont le financement est deja assuré par l'ANR.
contact: nikos.fayard@ens-paris-saclay.fr
Contact
Nikos Fayard
02/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
180
Spatiotemporal Phonon and Thermal Transport in Nanocrystal Optoelectronics
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Non-linear optics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The aim of this experimental project is to use a pump-probe optical microscopy method1 to spatiotemporally study microscopic coherent phonon and incoherent thermal transport in nanocrystal-based optoelectronics systems. Controlling nanoscale energy carrier transport is fundamental to energy conversion applications from solar cells to LEDs. While the optical and electronic properties of colloidal nanocrystal solids have been extensively studied, phonon and heat management remain largely unexplored. To address this area, one needs a probe of local phonon transport with ultrafast to nanosecond time resolution and sub-micron spatial resolution. One also needs a way to probe microscopic temperature gradients in a material under realistic device conditions. Our approach is to combine ultrafast microscopy, nanocrystal self-assembly, optoelectronic device fabrication, and custom data processing. These studies will reveal microscopic structure–property relationships that govern energy transport.
Contact
James Utterback
02/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
181
New experimental methods for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in ferromagnetic heterostructures
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance is very commonly used in chemistry or biology however
Its use for studying ferromagnetic materials is much more confidential. The reason is that
when performed on ferromagnets, the NMR signal shows specific properties that require the
development of dedicated experimental set ups as well as analyses methods. Therefore, to
describe this technique an alternate name is often used: Ferromagnetic Nuclear Resonance
(FNR). The spectrometers and methods developed in the team during the last decades [1]
allowed successfully studying the structure the morphology and the magnetic properties of
ferromagnetic materials ranging from new permanent magnets [2] to multilayers, thin films and hybrid heterostructures [3].
In order to further increase our understanding in the properties of ferromagnetic systems we have developed very recently a new state of the art FNR spectrometer that opens up a completely new and very broad field of investigation for FNR.
For this project we will focus on metal/organic heterostructures. The samples will be grown in the UHV system of the laboratory and analyzed with conventional techniques (XRD, Magnetometry…) simultaneously to the development of new spin polarization FNR sequences. New analyses methods and accompanying software might have to be developed
also.
Contact
Martin Bowen
01/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
182
Antiferroelectric–Ferroelectric Transitions in Molecular Nanostructures and dielectric proximity effect
Domaines
Condensed matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Antiferroelectric materials can store energy, making them attractive for the development of new types of electrostatic capacitor devices. In this context, the small molecule squaric acid (SQA) is of particular interest. Recent studies on SQA crystals have demonstrated their antiferroelectric behaviour and suggest that they could allow high energy density storage [1]. When exposed to an external electric field, such antiferroelectric systems change their polarization from an antiferroelectric (AntiFerro) to a ferroelectric (Ferro) configuration. This transition is at the origin of the charge storage capability of such material. Electrostatic energy can be stored in the resulting ferroelectric state.
This Master 2 project proposes to investigate SQA model nanostructures, focusing on their growth un-der UHV conditions, their structural characteristics, and their fundamental local polarization properties. A key challenge of this internship will be to measure and understand the piezoelectric response and relate it to the induced charges during the antiferro-ferroelectric (AFE-FE) transition in SQA nanostructures. This will be done by exploring the dielectric proximity effect induced by the molecular layer in interaction with a 2D graphene sheet. The antiferroelectric properties, including electronic polarization, hysteresis loops, and local current-voltage characteristics, will be studied using standard local probing techniques.
Contact
Martin Bowen
01/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
183
Quantum Spintronic Qubit: first experiments
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Many hardware platforms exist to implement qubit operations for quantum technologies, but these platforms, although conceptually elegant, do not offer a straightforward path toward consumer applications in terms of energy/resource usage (#QEI). To address this challenge, we propose a new platform: the quantum spintronic qubit device. It contains an atomic paramagnetic atom that electronically interacts with a simple ferromagnetic metal across a fully spin-polarized interface (‘spinterface’, see panel a). Thanks to its solid-state implementation, this qubit paradigm offers many advantages: large/built-in magnetic field, spintronic initialization/manipulation/readout of the qubit (panel a), potential for room-temperature operation, built-in entanglement.
Beyond first successes in the areas of quantum information and energy harvesting, we propose as a Masters 2 project to further mature this platform by continuing promising magnetotransport experiments across a CoPc-borne qubit embedded into a molecular spintronic nanojunction. The project’s samples will be grown and processed into nanojunctions by Jan 2026, and the M2 candidate will oversee the measurements in close interactions with the research team.
Contact
Martin Bowen
01/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
184
Modelling the collective behaviours of the social bacteria Myxococcus xanthus
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Myxococcus xanthus is a predatory bacteria that exhibits complex social behaviour and has been used as a model organism to study microbial cooperation. In favourable conditions, M. xanthus form coordinated swarms that hunt on other bacteria (like E. coli) and invade their colonies. The goal of this internship is to develop an agent-based model of M. xanthus able to explain the collective mechanism of prey invasion. The intern will conduct predation experiments, analyse bacteria trajectories and develop the model under the guidance of the supervisors (possibly using data-driven, AI-based techniques).
Contact
Aurore LOISY
01/10/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
185
Automated Computational Tools for Studying New Physics Models
Domaines
High energy physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
High-Energy Physics explores the fundamental laws of the Universe through global experiments such as the LHC at CERN. Confronting experimental data with theoretical predictions lies at the heart of this research, but the calculations required to study New Physics models are complex and computationally demanding. Developing automated codes capable of generating these predictions directly from the Lagrangian of various models is therefore a major challenge to accelerate and systematize the study of scenarios beyond the Standard Model.
The proposed internship will allow the candidate to:
- Become familiar with these existing codes (such as MARTY and SuperIso) and their functionalities,
- Contribute to their development and automation, making the calculations more robust and accessible,
- Explore, through concrete applications, different New Physics models and their phenomenological predictions.
This project will provide practical experience with computational tools used in theoretical particle physics, as well
as an introduction to the systematic study of New Physics effects, combining theory, phenomenology, and
scientific programming.
Contact
Nazila Mahmoudi
30/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
186
Désintégrations semileptoniques des mésons B et la nouvelle physique
Domaines
High energy physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Despite its spectacular successes, the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics has well-known limitations. Understanding what lies beyond the SM is one of the major challenges of contemporary fundamental physics.
In recent years, flavour physics and in particular the study of rare B-meson decays, has revealed deviations from the predictions of the SM. These “flavour anomalies” have attracted strong interest, as they could represent the first indirect signs of New Physics.
The internship project aims to explore these deviations in two steps:
- Perform precise calculations within the Standard Model for the relevant decays,
- Carry out a study of a theoretical New Physics scenario capable of modifying these processes and potentially accounting for the observed deviations.
Depending on the candidate’s interests, the project may also include a more involved programming component to complement the analytical approach.
This project will allow the intern to gain experience with analytical and numerical tools used in particle physics, to develop skills in theoretical calculations while maintaining a link with phenomenological aspects, and to take part in a research topic at the forefront of current investigations.
Contact
Nazila Mahmoudi
30/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
187
A tunable optical lattice for ultra-cold quantum gases
Domaines
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The Master 2 internship aims at conceiving, realizing and testing a tunable optical
lattices. The conception of the optical system realizing the tunable lattice will carefully
consider optimizing the lattice depth and homogeneity, as well as easing the tuning of the
lattice configuration on the experiment. Numerical calculations of the physical parameters
of the tunable lattice in the various configurations (e.g. tunnelling amplitude, on-site
interaction energy) will be realized, to prepare the appropriate choice of parameters of the
future studies. A substantial part of the internship will be dedicated the experimental
characterization of the laser source used to create the tunable lattice. A self-heterodyne
interferometer will be built on a test bench to precisely measure the phase noise of the
laser, the latter being the most sensitive property affecting the lattice potential that results
from interferences between retroflected laser beams.
Contact
David CLEMENT
30/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
188
Emergence of directed collective cell migration on ratchet-like asymmetric cues
Domaines
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Directed collective cell migration is central to morphogenesis, wound healing and cancer progression. The molecular anisotropy of the microenvironment can guide this migration in vivo via extra cellular matrix (ECM) deposition. On microgrooved substrates, anisotropic friction elicits a polar mode of collective migration in bidirectional wide “lanes”.
Here, we question the behavior of the cells on surfaces that are not only anisotropic but also asymmetric. Using ratchet-like substrates that break the left-right symmetry, we expect a non-zero component the cells’ velocity in the direction perpendicular to the grooves. Such a displacement has indeed been recently observed in preliminary experiments.
A better understanding of this phenomenon requires a reliable mapping of the trajectories of all cells to quantitatively characterize the impact of cell-cell transient interactions (e.g. contacts and reorientations) in space and time. This is notoriously difficult in dense monolayers because of practical limitations (cells divide, die, they can be too close to be discernable, etc..). Here, we propose to adapt a new deep neural network architecture for 2D tracking that includes temporal information (ongoing, collaboration Laboratoire Jean Perrin). Quantities based on a statistical analysis of these trajectories on different geometries (flat, anisotropic but symmetric, anisotropic and asymmetric) will then be correlated to the rectification process to pinpoint its origin.
Contact
Pascal Silberzan
30/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
189
Kinetically locked-in cell migration on micro-patterned substrates
Domaines
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Emerging collective behaviors observed in biological tissues are largely controlled by the structure of the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM). Notably, cells can deposit aligned fibrous ECM which then acts as a guiding cue for neighboring cells, providing an effective “memory” of the cell trajectories in cell populations and contributing to large correlation lengths in confluent monolayers.
Aligned ECM on a surface can be mimicked by synthetic subcellular micro-patterns such as grooves. On the other hand, the spontaneous direction of collective migration can be controlled by the release of a well-defined barrier. In the absence of grooves, the direction of migration is perpendicular to the initial barrier. When the substrate is patterned with microlines making an angle with direction, the collective behavior of the monolayer is then either dominated by the initial barrier direction, by the grooves’ direction, or may result from a compromise. In the same line, other geometries such as a regular array of obstacles defining an “easy axis” at an angle with the migration direction define an energy landscape in which collectively migrating cells may be kinetically locked-in, the corrugation of this energy landscape being tuned by the depth of the micropattern.
These experiments will be interpreted with our colleagues from the theory group of the laboratory, shedding light on the behavior of cell populations in complex environments.
Contact
Pascal Silberzan
30/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
190
Direct measurement of cell-cell friction
Domaines
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Directed collective cell migration is central to morphogenesis, wound healing, and cancer progression. Although the microscopic anisotropy of the microenvironment (mostly extracellular matrix) has been shown to guide this migration in vivo, its quantitative impact on cell collective motion remains unexplored. In a previous work, we have shown that subcellular microgrooves elicit a polar mode of collective migration in bidirectional “lanes”, whose widths reach hundreds of micrometers. This directed form of flocking is explained by a hydrodynamic theory of active polar fluids and corresponding numerical simulations.
Interestingly, the velocity does not vary within a given lane and the boundary between two antiparallel lanes is smaller than a cell size, meaning that the shear experienced by the cells at these boundaries is very large.
In the present project, we propose to take advantage of this mode of migration to directly measure the friction between cells of the same type. We will first monitor the velocities of the cells in this laning phenomenon as the lanes reconfigure, and use dedicated microfabricated setups for better control and force measurement. Eventually, such experiments may allow measuring friction between different cell types, or between a monolayer and a wall bearing various moieties (adhesive, non-adhesive …).
Contact
Pascal Silberzan
30/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
191
Impact of self-organized elongated fibroblasts in the sorting of cancer cells
Domaines
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Even though the presence of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the vicinity of tumors is well documented, it is not clear whether they promote or inhibit the escape and migration of the cancer cells away from the primary tumor.
In vivo experiments monitoring the morphology of tumors in mice are very valuable, but are too complex to infer a physical mechanism. Here, we propose an interdisciplinary experimental program that aims at investigating the processes involved in cocultures of CAFs and tumor cells (TCs). Experiments will initially be performed on Ewing tumor cells, an aggressive cancer targeting teenagers and young adults. In a second step, breast cancer cells will also be studied. Sorting of the CAFs and TCs is dictated not only by the cell/cell adhesive properties and rheology, as would be the case for passive materials, but also by the CAFs’ “nematic” organization (their propensity to align along a common direction) and their active contractility, both properties potentially affecting the tumor’s structure.
In close collaboration with our biology collaborators, we will use well-controlled cell lines on micro structured surfaces. The observations will be interpreted with physical theories encompassing adhesion and active nematicity. These well-controlled in vitro experiments may bring new insights into the mechanisms directing the evolution of these cancer systems in their in-vivo native environment.
Contact
Pascal Silberzan
30/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
192
Bilayering of cell sheets at conflicting orientation cues
Domaines
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Emerging collective behaviors in biological tissues are largely controlled by the structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Notably, cells can deposit aligned ECM fibers guiding neighboring cells and leading to the formation of large domains of common cell orientation. In these active cell sheets, multilayers form at conflicts of orientation such as defects. At an early stage, bilayering corresponds to a 2D-to-3D transition that is critical in several biological processes in embryogenesis or cancer development but whose physical mechanism is still unclear.
We have recently shown that aligned ECM on a surface can be mimicked by synthetic micro-patterned grooves. We then make mosaic surfaces with juxtaposed domains of uniform orientation recapitulating in a controlled way defect-like conflicts of orientation. The angle between the two orientations is one of our control parameters. Culturing a cell monolayer on such substrates can result in “crisscross” bilayers where the two layers are perpendicularly oriented. By monitoring quantitatively the formation of these bilayers in space and time, the fields of orientation or velocity can be quantitatively compared to the predictions of active matter theories developed in parallel by our collaborators in the laboratory. Other geometries can provide complementary information contributing to unravel the mechanism of formation of bilayers from a 2D monolayer as a first step in our understanding of the formation of 3D tissues.
Contact
Pascal Silberzan
30/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
193
Characterization of the mechanism of periosteal adhesion to bone, implications for bone remodeling
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The periosteum is a soft tissue that covers all the bones in the body. It nourishes the cortical bone, protects it from fractures, and transmits forces from tendons and ligaments. Located at the interface between bone and soft tissue, the periosteum transmits mechanical stimuli between these two environments, thereby influencing bone cell differentiation, remodeling, and healing. However, the role of periosteal adhesion in transmitting these stimuli remains poorly understood.
The objective of this internship—and subsequent thesis—is to thoroughly characterize the adhesion properties of the periosteum and to achieve a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms, particularly at the microstructural level. This will be accomplished through biomechanical experiments, primarily instrumented peeling tests to detach the periosteum from the bone.
Contact
Jean Boisson
30/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
194
Stationary fluctuations in integrable spin chains and KPZ universality with boundaries
Domaines
Low dimension physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
KPZ universality, from Kardar, Parisi and Zhang, describes the dynamics of large scale fluctuations in a variety of settings, such as growing interfaces, one-dimensional classical and quantum fluids, or random geometry, which exhibit characteristic long range correlations generated by local interactions. In the past decade, it has become a prominent topic at the interface between non-equilibrium statistical physics and probability theory, with recent experimental observations in a few classical and quantum systems.
KPZ fluctuations have in particular been observed in integrable spin chains, classical and quantum, in the early time regime where the correlation length is small compared to the system size. A goal of the proposed internship would be to explore the longer time scale associated with the relaxation of fluctuations to a non-equilibrium stationary state, when correlations eventually span the whole system. There, KPZ fluctuations in finite volume, taking into account boundary effects responsible for the spin current flowing into the system, are expected.
During the internship, after familiarizing herself / himself with integrable spin chains and their relation with KPZ fluctuations, the student will explore a quantum spin chain with dissipative boundaries, and especially analytical representations for its stationary density matrix, from which stationary spin fluctuations may be extracted.
Contact
Sylvain Prolhac
30/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
195
Étude expérimentale des propriétés électroniques et magnétiques du RuCl₃
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Depuis leur découverte en 2017, les matériaux bidimensionnels (2D) magnétiques suscitent un fort intérêt
scientifique et technologique. Ces matériaux offrent une plateforme unique pour étudier le magnétisme à
l’échelle 2D, où les fluctuations thermiques s’opposent à l’ordre magnétique à longue portée. Parmi eux, RuCl₃
se distingue par ses propriétés électroniques et magnétiques intrigantes et par la possibilité de former des
hétérostructures pouvant présenter des effets ferroélectriques. Le stage vise à explorer les propriétés électroniques et
magnétiques du RuCl₃, ainsi que de ses hétérostructures, en se concentrant sur des mesures de transport électronique à basse
température et sous champ magnétique. La ou le stagiaire : 1. préparera des échantillons en exfoliant des cristaux
massifs du RuCl₃, 2 fabriquera des dispositifs microélectroniques à base de couches exfoliées, 3.réalisera des mesures de transport électronique à températures cryogéniques et sous haut champ magnétique pour explorer les propriétés magnétiques, électroniques et ferroélectriques des matériaux.
Contact
Marco Aprili
30/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
196
Intégration à grande échelle de matériaux 2D pour des applications optoélectroniques
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Les matériaux bidimensionnels (2D), tels que le graphène, constituent une nouvelle classe de cristaux d’un atome d’épaisseur dotés de propriétés optiques et électriques spectaculaires. L’un des principaux obstacles au développement de technologies basées sur des matériaux 2D est le manque de procédés de fabrication à grande échelle. Le développement de procédés de production fiables permettrait de libérer le
potentiel des matériaux 2D pour toute une gamme de technologies.
Ce stage vise à développer de nouveaux procédés de fabrication afin d’intégrer des matériaux 2D dans des dispositifs hautes performances à l'échelle de la tranche. L'un des principaux objectifs du ce stage est de développer un procédé à grande échelle
permettant de transférer des matériaux 2D sur divers substrats sans les endommager. Le projet de ce stage vise également à améliorer les étapes de micro/nanofabrication nécessaires pour intégrer les matériaux 2D transférés dans des dispositifs optoélectroniques hautes performances. En collaboration avec des partenaires
universitaires et industriels (Teledyne-DALSA), ces dispositifs seront ensuite caractérisés et utilisés dans divers prototypes technologiques, notamment des simulateurs quantiques et des circuits intégrés photoniques.
Contact
Marco Aprili
30/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
197
Système hybrides quantiques
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Les avancées récentes en physique quantique ont ouvert de nouvelles perspectives fascinantes, permettant
un contrôle sans précédent des degrés de liberté quantiques dans divers systèmes tels que les atomes
froids, les dispositifs micromécaniques et les boîtes quantiques. Grâce à ce contrôle, nous pouvons
aujourd’hui créer et manipuler des systèmes hybrides quantiques de plus en plus complexes. Ces
systèmes, combinant plusieurs types de degrés de liberté quantiques, offrent une plateforme unique pour
explorer des phénomènes physiques novateurs tout en ouvrant la voie à la prochaine génération de
technologies quantiques. Par exemple, l’un des grands défis technologiques actuel est le développement de
nouvelles interconnexions quantiques. En contrôlant les interactions lumière-matière à la fois dans les
domaines microonde et optique, il devient possible de transférer de l’information quantique entre différents
supports. Dans ce contexte, les systèmes mécaniques peuvent jouer le rôle d’interface, facilitant le transfert
d’états quantiques d’un mode à l’autre avec une précision exceptionnelle.
Notre groupe est à la pointe de ces recherches, travaillant activement sur des systèmes hybrides
quantiques qui intègrent circuits supraconducteurs, dispositifs mécaniques et systèmes optiques. En
particulier, nous utilisons des membranes, des cantileviers et des résonateurs mécaniques.
Contact
Marco Aprili
30/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
198
Modélisation théorique des dispositifs microélectroniques topologiques
Domaines
Condensed matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Des efforts importants sont actuellement déployés pour trouver de nouveaux matériaux d'interconnexion qui
remplaceront le cuivre. Les matériaux topologiques, dotés d'états de surface robustes et hautement
conducteurs, ont le potentiel de renverser l'échelle de résistivité défavorable prédite par Fuchs et Sondheimer
pour les fils conventionnels. En collaboration avec des chercheurs d'IBM, j’ai récemment évalué le potentiel
des semi-métaux topologiques (CoSi) pour les interconnexions [voir l’article Unconventional Resistivity
Scaling in Topological Semimetal CoSi, npj Quantum Materials 8, 3 (2023)].
Il reste encore beaucoup à faire pour consolider et développer la théorie précédente. Ce sera l'objet de ce
stage. Par exemple, dans les interconnexions réelles, la composition du fil le long de sa section transversale
n'est pas homogène. Dans ce cas, la courbure de Berry devrait contribuer au courant électrique longitudinal
au premier ordre dans le champ électrique appliqué. Cela crée une perspective alléchante pour concevoir
des hétérogénéités spatiales dans les interconnexions topologiques afin d'améliorer leur conductivité grâce
à la courbure de Berry. Pour explorer cette nouvelle possibilité, nous allons résoudre l'équation de Boltzmann
dans des systèmes confinés, en présence d’un gradient spatial du potentiel chimique le long de la direction
de l'épaisseur.
Contact
Marco Aprili
30/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
199
Théorie de la correction d’erreur quantique dans un ensemble d’oscillateurs harmoniques
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Un des plus grands défis technologiques des dernières décennies est de construire un ordinateur
quantique. Ce type d’ordinateur promet de révolutionner plusieurs domaines comme la chimie,
l’apprentissage machine et la cryptographie. Cependant, un des défis majeurs à surmonter est de
combattre la décohérence qui efface l’information quantique et limite les capacités de calcul. La correction
d’erreur quantique permet, en principe, de résoudre ce problème. Une approche prometteuse pour la
correction d’erreur est d’encoder l’information dans des oscillateurs harmoniques, par exemple des cavités
micro-ondes, à l’aide de codes bosoniques. Cette approche tire avantage des longs temps de vie des
oscillateurs harmoniques, de leur grand espace d’Hilbert, et permet de corriger les erreurs avec un
minimum de surcoût en matériel.
Pour une perspective récente sur le domaine, voir l’article suivant:
Cai et al., Fundamental Research 1, 50-67 (2021)
Voir aussi : Sivak et al., Nature 616, pages 50-55 (2023)
SUJET DE STAGE
Le projet de stage consiste à explorer différents codes bosoniques, plus spécifiquement des codes où un
qubit est encodé dans plusieurs oscillateurs harmoniques. Le sujet précis du stage pourra être adapté en
fonction des intérêts du stagiaire, par exemple penchant plus sur des aspects mathématiques ou pratiques
des codes bosoniques multimodes.
Ce projet théorique serait constitué d’un mélange de calculs analytiques et de simulations numériques.
Contact
Marco Aprili
30/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
200
Théorie des circuits quantiques supraconducteurs
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Les circuits quantiques supraconducteurs constituent l'une des approches les plus prometteuses pour
construire un ordinateur quantique. Cela s'explique notamment par l'augmentation du temps de
cohérence et de relaxation des qubits supraconducteurs au cours des dernières décennies, qui est passé
de moins d'une nanoseconde au début des années 2000 à plusieurs centaines de microsecondes
aujourd'hui. Grâce à ces progrès, il est possible d'exécuter des algorithmes quantiques simples avec des
dizaines de ces qubits. Cependant, le passage à des processeurs quantiques plus grands nécessite
encore une amélioration significative de la qualité de tous ses composants. Par conséquent, l'objectif de
ce projet est de concevoir des qubits supraconducteurs plus robustes. Parmi les pistes prometteuses
figurent les qubits bosoniques, où les informations quantiques sont stockées dans des cavités
électromagnétiques de haute qualité, et les variations du qubit 0-π qui exploite les symétries pour
découpler le qubit de son environnement bruyant.
Contact
Marco Aprili
30/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
201
Coupled quantum dots for integrated quantum photonics
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Semiconductor-baser quantum dots are ideal for quantum information applications due to their discrete, atom-like density of states and ease of integration into conventional semiconductor devices. In this internship we propose to explore coupled quantum dots, or so-called quantum dot molecules, where two dots are close enough that carriers can tunnel coherently between them. This system has great potential as the quantum gate needed for quantum computation. By controlling the number of charge carriers in the molecule, a spin qubit with a large coherence time can be created, about two orders of magnitude longer than the coherence time of a single spin in a QD. The intern will perform single quantum dot molecule spectroscopy at low temperature under applied external bias in order to characterize the electronic spectrum and identify the spin states that are at stake. The long term goal is to manipulate the quantum states with sequences of optical pulses in order to initialize, control and read the qubits.
Contact
Valia Voliotis
30/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
202
Mechanics of the cytoskeleton in living cells
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Although extensively studied in vitro, the mechanics of the cytoskeleton is still largely unexplored in living cells. We have recently developed a micromanipulation technique based on intracellular optical tweezers and fast confocal imaging to measure the mechanical properties of two components of the cytoskeleton, microtubules (MTs) and intermediate filaments (IFs). This internship aims at better understanding the mechanical coupling between MTs and IFs.
Contact
Jean-Baptiste Manneville
29/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
203
Are mitochondria mechanosensitive organelles?
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Cells can sense and respond to external forces and mechanotransduction events appear to be critical for most cellular functions, including cell migration and invasion. This M2 internship project will study mechanotransduction at the level of mitochondria, the intracellular organelle which is central to cell metabolism by producing energy in the form of ATP molecules.
Contact
Jean-Baptiste Manneville
29/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
204
Role of the Alzheimer amyloid beta peptide in glioblastoma cell mechanics and invasive properties
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Cells can sense and respond to external forces and mechanotransduction events appear to be critical for most cellular functions, including cell migration and invasion. This M2 internship project will study mechanotransduction in the context of glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive brain tumour, and Alzheimer’s disease. The project will focus on the role of the Alzheimer amyloid beta (Abeta) peptide in GBM cell mechanics, migration and invasive properties.
Contact
Jean-Baptiste Manneville
29/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
205
A flick to get in : Active transport through mimetic nanopores
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Non-linear optics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Biological nanopores are uncanny molecular machines that perform a wide variety of cellular functions, from sorting biomolecules to building cellular osmotic pressure and folding newly synthesised proteins. Their performance, as measured, for instance, by their energy efficiency, is unmatched by any other artificial system. Some biological nanopores as the nuclear pore complex induce the directionnal transport of macromolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins.
In this internship/PhD project, our aim is to investigate directional transport using to two distincts scenario :
- Translocation ratchet : A molecular agent present downstream bind to the transported molecule and exert an effective translocation force on the species present upstream.
- Translocation induced by the enhanced mobility of enzymes in presence of their substrate.
The transport of single macromolecules will be measured by a near-field optical technique developed in the laboratory (Zero-Mode Waveguide for nanopores). Using a unique in France optical tweezers system coupled to a confocal microscope and a microfluidic system (Lumicks C-Trap) the forces involved in the transport will also be measured. From this measurement, we will extract the change in the translocation energy landscape in the presence of ratchet agents.
Contact
Fabien Montel
Laboratory : laboratoire de physique, ENS de Lyon - umr 5672
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
29/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
206
Optical sequencing of molecules for molecular data storage
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Non-linear optics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Molecular data storage relies on the ability to write and read digital information encoded onto large molecules. Recently, digital synthetic polymers have been introduced offering interesting perspectives for data storage due to a larger versatility and variety. However, sequencing of macromolecules, i.e. reading the digital information they contain, is a major challenge for molecular data storage. Nowadays, the main characterization techniques are based on mass spectrometry or electrical current detection. Despite their high sensitivity, these methods remain restricted to specific polymers and low level of parallelization.
Our transdisciplinary consortium of 3 laboratories (Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères, Lyon; Laboratoire de Physique ENS de Lyon / CNRS ; Institut Fresnel, Marseille) aims to explore a novel approach involving the development of fluorescently encoded synthetic polymers and also DNA origamis, combined with an optical sequencing technique that enables faster reading of their controlled sequence. Our main goal is to set up an innovative platform based on the real-time optical sequencing of digital synthetic and natural polymers (Figure 1).
Contact
Fabien Montel
Laboratory : laboratoire de physique, ENS de Lyon - umr 5672
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
29/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
207
Protein droplets on a DNA wire : Optical tweezers to decipher biocondensate formation
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Inside our cells, compartments also known as organelles enable to separate and regulate biomolecular processes : e.g. DNA replication in the nucleus or ATP production inside the mitochondria. Beyond these objects delimited by lipid bilayers it has been shown more recently that membrane-less structures known as biomolecular condensates can also segregate specific molecules. Such assemblies are formed by a demixing process called liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), in which molecular partners spontaneously enrich in a condensed phase usually forming droplets.
Here at the Physics Laboratory of ENS de Lyon / CNRS, we propose a single molecule approach using cutting-edge technology to manipulate DNA molecules together with a protein involved in DNA maintenance, DciA,. This protein from Deinococcus radiodurans, has been shown to form LLPS with DNA molecules and is postulated to be able to recruit other repair factors.
Using optical tweezers coupled with confocal microscopy and a microfluidic control, we will characterize the formation, the structure and the dynamics of these assemblies. Based on the ability of our system to exert and measure forces at the same time as they are visualized in fluorescence microscopy, our aim will be to understand the key molecular processes involved.
Contact
Fabien Montel
Laboratory : laboratoire de physique, ENS de Lyon - umr 5672
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
29/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
208
Pressure-imposed flows of model granular suspensions
Domaines
Condensed matter
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The purpose of this internship is to start investigating the pressure-imposed rheology (PIR) of suspensions [3,4], a state-of-the-art method to characterize quantitatively suspensions up to the critical volume friction at which the viscosity diverges. Part of the internship will be dedicated to the finalization of the PIR tool currently developed at MSC. Then, work will revolve around the characterization of the mechanical response of model suspensions developed between MSC and SIMM under imposed pressure. In particular we will focus on frictionless suspensions, as their response to flow is still essentially unknown. Theoretical propositions exist in the literature to which the data will be compared.
This work may lead to a PhD, subject to the smooth progress of the internship. Th eproject is supported by an ANR grant.
Contact
Matthieu Roché
29/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
209
Superfluorescence of semiconductor quantum light nano-emitters
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The topic of the internship is to probe chains of semiconductor nanoplatelets by fluorescence microscopy and examine whether these structures exhibit superfluorescence, a mechanism by which incoherently excited dipoles, because of their coupling to the electromagnetic field, spontaneously develop a coherence and interfere constructively, leading to accelerated emission and original properties for emission correlations and directionality.
Contact
Laurent Coolen
29/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
210
Charge carrier dynamics in rutile TiO₂(110): role of oxygen vacancies probed by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Domaines
Condensed matter
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Contact
Anna LEVY
28/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
211
Hot electron injection and defect control in Au–TiO₂ nanocomposites probed by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy
Domaines
Condensed matter
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Contact
Anna LEVY
28/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
212
Simultaneous cooling of degenerate optomechanical modes (experiment).
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Optomechanics explores the interaction between light and mechanical vibrations. As a typical example, one can consider a Fabry-Perot cavity (i.e., optical mode), in which one of the two mirrors is vibrating (i.e., mechanical mode). To display quantum properties, a mechanical mode must be cooled down close to its ground state (i.e., down to a few quanta of vibrational energy), which is typically achieved by leveraging the optical field. Sadly, when considering multiple degenerate modes, one cannot apply conventional cooling techniques that have been devised for single modes. Throughout this internship, the candidate will experimentally implement a new cooling technique intended to achieve the first-ever cooling of degenerate mechanical modes. Compared to former strategies, here, a spatial light modulator is used to spatially shape the wavefront of the light beam. Such a modulation enables to exert simultaneously adapted optical forces on each mode in order to reduce (i.e., cool) their individual vibrations. A funding is available to continue and expand this internship through a PhD.
Contact
Nicolas Bachelard
Laboratory : Laboratoire Ondes et Matière d'Aquitaine - UMR 5798
Team : Nanophotonics Group
Team Website
Team : Nanophotonics Group
Team Website
28/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
213
Drainage of bubbles in liquid mixtures
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The aim of the internship is to study the drainage of bubbles formed on the surface of mixtures of miscible liquids. The lifetimes of bubbles in mixtures is larger by up to four orders of magnitude than in a pure liquid. We have recently shown that this effect results from a surface elasticity induced by small concentration differences in the mixture and that this effect could be quantitatively described by solving the coupled equations for velocity and concentration fields established from thermodynamics of ideal solutions and hydrodynamics. These model systems open up a new avenue for investigating coalescence phenomena which are poorly understood at the present time.
Contact
Laurence Talini
26/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
214
Magnetic Control of Inter-Valley Coupling In A Single Type-II GaAs/AlAs Quantum Dots
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Quantum optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This Master’s internship offers a unique opportunity to dive into the frontiers of quantum nanophotonics and condensed matter physics. Hosted at the Institut des NanoSciences de Paris, the project focuses on GaAs/AlAs type-II quantum dots, grown via nanohole infilling, a technique that yields exceptionally well-controlled nanostructures.
These quantum dots are special: they can host two distinct excitons : a direct exciton confined in the GaAs dot, and an indirect exciton where the electron occupies the X-valley of the AlAs barrier, far from the hole. By applying a gate voltage, you can tune the interaction (hybridization) between them, observing anti-crossings that signal inter-valley coupling, a fundamental quantum mechanical process.
The goal of the internship is to actively control this coupling, which depends both on atomic-scale interface properties and on carrier density. To do so, you’ll implement an in-plane magnetic field (Voigt configuration), squeezing the electron wavefunction and modifying its interaction with the interface. This tunability not only advances our understanding of valley physics, but may also allow you to explore Aharonov–Bohm-like oscillations, a hallmark of quantum coherence in mesoscopic systems.
Contact
Benoit Eble
26/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
215
Sedimentation of diatom chain colonies in complex flows
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Diatom chains are cohesive assemblies of unicellular microorganisms that are found in still and fresh
waters. Some species are passively transported by ambient currents and settle due to the weight of their dense
silica shells, while others have use various strategies to move or self-propel. One species in particular, called
Bacillaria Paxillifer, forms colonies of stacked rectangular cells that slide along each other while remaining
parallel. Their intriguing coordinated motion, leads to beautiful and nontrivial trajectories at the scale of the colony.
However, the effect of gravity and externat ambient flows on the dynamics of diatom chains must be investigated
to understand the behavior of plankton and marine snow aggregates as they sink, and capture CO2, to the ocean
depths.
Contact
Blaise Delmotte
26/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
216
Understanding Confined Glass Transition using Levitodynamics
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
According to Anderson, the most profound and interesting problem in condensed matter physics is the glass transition. Indeed, glassy materials are ubiquitous in nature, and discussions of the glass transition involve many areas of physics. Despite intense interest in the dynamic slowing down that accompanies glass formation, a complete microscopic theory does not yet exist. Recently, the supposed existence of a length scale ξ for cooperative rearrangement has generated considerable interest in an alternative approach: the study of confined glasses. The correlation length scales emerging in these systems appear to be much larger than molecular sizes, which intrigues the community. We propose to address the problem of confined glass transition on a silica nanoparticle isolated from its environment using optical trapping in vacuum.
Contact
Yacine AMAROUCHENE
26/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
217
Internship at University of Califonia, Santa Barbara
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Low dimension physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
We are looking for motivated students in Physics or Applied Math who are interested in soft matter and complex systems.
Our group combines Theory, table top Experiments, and numerical Simulation to Test ideas and gain insights into the evolution of patterns in in soft matter and fluids mechanics. Also, we use machine learning methods to learn the underlying physical laws of these complex systems.
Both theorists and experimentalists are welcome to apply to the group. Current topics of research include: pattern formation in active matter, statistical mechanics of filaments, instability in thin films, fluids-solids interaction, impact on soft interfaces.
Contact
Ousmane Kodio
26/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
218
Probing Short-Time and Small-Scale Brownian Motion with Optical Traps
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This Master’s internship focuses on optical trapping, a technique pioneered by A. Ashkin (Nobel Prize 2018) and now widely used to probe matter at short scales.
The project aims to study Brownian motion, whose instantaneous velocity was long thought immeasurable until recent breakthroughs using ultra-sensitive optical setups. Our experiment combines balanced detection, high-speed acquisition, and an ultra-stable continuous laser, reaching record sensitivity down to 10⁻¹⁵ m/√Hz. We have already observed the ballistic regime of Brownian motion in water and measured particle velocity and its autocorrelation function. The internship will provide the opportunity to refine instantaneous velocity measurements, benchmark and optimize detection performance, and explore new regimes of Brownian motion near rigid and soft boundaries.
Contact
Julien BURGIN
26/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
219
Real time and Multipoint measurement of Interfacial Properties via structured illumination
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Understanding and characterizing soft systems—ubiquitous in materials science and biophysics—requires precise knowledge of their rheological and interfacial properties, such as viscosity and sur-face tension. These properties are not always uniform: many dynamic processes, like the solute or thermal Marangoni effect and surfactant-driven interfacial motion, are governed by spatial variations in these same interfacial parameters. Yet, capturing these interfacial variations remains a significant experimental challenge—especially at the micrometric scale, where traditional methods fall short, and in out-of-equilibrium systems, where many fundamental questions are still unresolved. This project aims to tackle this challenge by developing an innovative, non-invasive optical technique capable of simultaneously measuring interfacial properties in real time and across multiple points of a micrometric interface. The final goal of the PhD project is to achieve the first-ever 2D mapping of interfacial properties in non-equilibrium systems—a breakthrough that could revolutionize how we understand and control interfacial dynamics at small scales.
Contact
Ulysse DELABRE
26/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
220
Patterns generated by erosion by dissolution
Domaines
Soft matter
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Erosion by dissolution plays a significant role in area covered by a soluble mineral like in Karst regions and is the cause of the formation of remarkable patterns (limestone pavements, scallops, dissolution channels, dissolution pinnacles, limestone forests…) with characteristic length scales. We propose in this internship, by the mean of controlled laboratory experiments, to study the morphogenesis of dissolution patterns. The soluble media and the hydrodynamic flows will be tuned to downscale the characteristic size and time of the involved processes from geological values to “laboratory” values. Thanks to quantitative measurements of the flow and of the topography of eroded surfaces, we will identify the driving elementary physical mechanisms and thus develop mathematical models and numerical simulations, with the aim to explain complex geological systems and to predict the long term evolution of landscapes.
In this internship, the student will develop in the group, one or several model experiments, reproducing dissolution erosion phenomena. To decrease the timescales, fast dissolving materials like salt and plaster will be used. Hydrodynamic properties of the flows will be characterized and the 3D shape evolution of eroded surfaces will be recorded.
Contact
Michael Berhanu
25/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
221
Test of quantum electrodynamics in strong Coulomb fields
Domaines
Fields theory/String theory
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This internship will be centred on the preparation of a new experiment on high-accuracy x-ray spectroscopy for testing quantum electrodynamics in strong Coulomb fields of highly charged ions and antiprotonic atoms.
Contact
Martino Trassinelli
25/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
222
Quantum-repeater architecture with high-performance optical memories
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Central to the development of long-distance quantum communications is the concept of quantum repeater. It consists in dividing a long communication channel into various shorter segments over which entanglement can be faithfully distributed. Adjacent segments are then connected by entanglement swapping operations. To be scalable, this approach requires quantum memories, which enable quantum states to be stored at each intermediate node.
In this context, the LKB team developed a large cold atomic ensemble based on an elongated magneto-optical trap (3-cm long), enabling 90% efficiency for entanglement storage between two memories. This is the state-of-the-art in term of storage-and-retrieval efficiency for a quantum memory, regardless of the physical platform considered.
The work is now focusing on two directions. A first one is to improve other figures of merit, including storage lifetime and multimode capacity. A second one is the demonstration of a 50-km telecom quantum repeater link relying on two distant quantum memories and frequency non-degenerate photon pair sources.
Contact
Alban Urvoy
25/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
223
Waveguide-QED - combining cold atoms and nanophotonics (2 internships)
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Controlling light-matter interaction at the single-quantum level is a long-standing goal in optical physics, with applications to quantum optics and quantum information science. However, single photons usually do not interact with each other and the interaction needs to be mediated by an atomic system. Enhancing this coupling has been the driving force for a large community over the past two decades.
In contrast to the cavity-QED approach where the interaction is enhanced by a cavity around the atoms, strong transverse confinement in single-pass nanoscale waveguides recently triggered various investigations for coupling guided light and cold atoms. Specifically, a subwavelength waveguide can provide a large evanescent field that can interact with atoms trapped in the vicinity. An atom close to the surface can absorb a fraction of the guided light as the effective mode area is comparable with the atom cross-section. This emerging field known as waveguide-QED promises unique applications to quantum networks, quantum non-linear optics and quantum simulation. Recently, the LKB team pushed the field for the first time into the quantum regime by creating an entangled state of an array of atoms coupled to such a waveguide. Two experiments are dedicated to this waveguide-QED effort and internships/PhD projects are proposed on both of them.
Contact
Alban Urvoy
25/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
224
New thermalized light sources based on fluorescent scattering media
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Quantum gases
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
At ESPCI PSL, the Institut Langevin and LPEM are seeking a motivated intern and PhD candidate to join an exciting ANR-funded collaborative project investigating photon thermalization in disordered scattering media.
The spectrum of the light emitted by a black body in thermal equilibrium at temperature T, such as the Sun or a light bulb, is determined by the temperature alone, as stated by Planck’s and Wien’s law. At Institut Langevin we have recently experimentally demonstrated that a different behavior can be observed for photons emitted by laser-pumped Rhodamine fluorescent molecules in a scattering medium. The next step after this first proof of principle is to design the disordered scattering medium and the properties of the fluorophores to optimize the occurrence of photon thermalization.
In the frame of the internship, the student will work at both LPEM to synthesize inorganic nanomaterials as scatterers or emitters with well controlled optical properties and at Institut Langevin to characterize the ability of the samples to generate thermalized light.
During the PhD thesis that will follow the internship, we will use the knowledge developed in nanoparticles synthesis and thermalization to develop innovative scattering materials with optimized disorder correlations with the final goal to reach Bose-Einstein condensation of photons in these samples.
Contact
Valentina Krachmalnicoff
25/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
225
Chaotic graphs in silicon photonics
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Low dimension physics
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Chaotic systems have a particular quantum behavior and several conjectures remain to be demonstrated concerning their spectrum and their wave functions [1]. Graphs can be chaotic or not and allow a relatively simple theoretical study of the classical and quantum limits [2]. These experiments are easier to carry out in photonics and the formalism fits well to the wave-particle duality of light. We have therefore produced graphs (chaotic or not) where light circulates in silicon waveguides (Fig. 1a) and we study their spectrum (Fig. 1c) and their wave functions (Fig. 1b).
The first objective is to verify the validity of the conjectures according to different types of graphs. In a second step, we will inject non-classical light (squeezed light or entangled photons for instance) to know if entanglement is sensitive to chaos.
The silicon graphs are fabricated in the C2N cleanroom. Their design requires numerical simulations performed under the supervision of Xavier Chécoury (C2N). The experiments are carried out on a dedicated characterization setup at C2N and the theory is developed in collaboration with Barbara Dietz (Dresden). The student may be involved in one or several of these tasks, depending on his/her preferences.
Contact
Mélanie Lebental
25/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
226
Quantum informational resources in quantum optics and superselection rules: the role of detection.
Domaines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Metrology
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Quantum information protocols are well defined mathematically, and there exist different benchmarks for establishing the necessary resources for potential quantum advantage, as for instance the discrete Wigner function negativies or "magic". At the same time, physical systems, and in particular, bosonic systems - as the quantum electromagnetic field - can be used to encode quantum information or, alternatively speaking, simulate quantum informational protocols. Nevertheless, for such systems, the "magical" resources enabling quantum advantage over classical simulations - i.e., enabling the efficient simulation of quantum protocols - are subjected to physical constraints, as symmetries and conservation laws. While abstract qubits have no particular symmetry, photons are bosons, symmetric identical particles.
During this internship, we will address the interplay between physical and informational resources to determine how detection may be seen as a non-classical resource in quantum optics based quantum information protocols. This will be done by constructing a original framework where the phase reference of quantum optical states is explicitly treated as a resource. In general, this resource is implicit and disregarded, obscuring the assessment of the resource tradeoff of bosonic quantum information protocols. We will analyze, in particular, the role of detection in BosonSampling protocols and in homodyne detection, that is usually considered as resourceless.
Contact
Perola Milman
25/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
227
Tuning the electronic and magnetic properties of 2D antimonene via doping with magnetic impurities
Domaines
Condensed matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
In this intership project we propose to study the electronic properties of antimonene, a 2D allotrope of antimony, grown on topological insulators, by angle resolved photoemission electron spectroscopy (ARPES). The antimonene layer will be doped with magnetic impurities to induce ferromagnetism. This intership project, and the follow up PhD thesis will be carried out in collaboration with the EPFL in Switzerland.
Contact
Sergio Vlaic
25/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
228
Toward 2D electron gases with strong spin-orbit coupling in crystalline metal- semiconductor heterostructures
Domaines
Condensed matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The aim of this intership project and the following PhD thesis is to develop a strategy to preserve the strong Rashba effect in 2D heavy metallic layers on semiconducting surfaces and make use of these systems for spintronic applications. We will grow a dielectric capping material on the desired heavy metal in ultra-high vacuum environement, study the band structure of the heterostructures by ARPES and perform charge-spin conversion measurements by magneto-transport techniques.
Contact
Sergio Vlaic
25/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
229
Probing the impact of electron–phonon coupling on the carriers lifetime in gold-based perovskites
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Halide perovskites are promising semiconductors for thin-film photovoltaics, but contain toxic lead and suffer from stability issues. Gold-based double perovskites such as Cs₂Au₂Cl₆, provide a lead-free alternative with bandgaps well suited for solar energy conversion. Yet, their charge recombination pathways—radiative and non-radiative—remain poorly understood. Our recent work has shown that photoinjected carriers (electrons and holes) rapidly formnew quantum quasi-particle called polarons through strong interactions with phonons. The objective is therefore to investigate how this coupling influences carrier lifetimes. The internship aims to investigate the role of electron–phonon interactions in carrier recombination in gold-based perovskites. The student will combine transient absorption and time-resolved photoluminescence to probe radiative and non-radiative pathways and perform temperature-dependent studies using a cryostat to control phonon populations and explore the influence of lattice vibrations. The intern will work at IPVF, benefiting from state-of-the-art facilities for material growth, device fabrication, and optical/electronic characterization.
Contact
Géraud DELPORT
25/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
230
High-Sensitivity Microwave Spectroscopy for Precision Measurements and Tests of Fundamental Physics
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The master’s student will join Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers (LPL) to develop a compact microwave (MW) spectrometer operating from 2–20 GHz. This instrument is designed both as a sensitive detector of internal quantum states in polyatomic molecules and as a precision tool for molecular frequency metrology. Proof-of-principle measurements have already shown free induction decay signals on the OCS J = 0 → 1 transition at 12.163 GHz with excellent signal-to-noise ratios. The next objective is sub-Hz accuracy, made possible by ultrastable, SI-traceable frequency references distributed by the REFIMEVE network.
Within the ANR Ultiμos project, the spectrometer will enable cross-checks between MW rotational frequencies and mid-infrared (MIR) rovibrational data measured at the 100 Hz level. These comparisons are motivated by the search for variations of the proton-to-electron mass ratio μ, a key constant of the Standard Model. Methanol and ammonia, with transitions highly sensitive to μ, are particularly powerful probes. MIR and MW results, obtained via independent experimental chains, will provide robust cross-validation of frequencies and uncertainty budgets.
The student will contribute to optimizing waveguide and cavity configurations, performing precision spectroscopy on benchmark species, developing MIR–MW double-resonance schemes to enhance sensitivity, and preparing integration with a cryogenic buffer-gas cooling source (~3 K).
Contact
Mathieu Manceau
Laboratory : Laboratoire de physique des lasers - UMR7538
Team : Métrologie, Molécules et Tests Fondamentaux
Team Website
Team : Métrologie, Molécules et Tests Fondamentaux
Team Website
24/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
231
Precision Measurements and tests of fundamental physics with cold molecules
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The master’s student will contribute to the development of a new-generation molecular clock dedicated to precision vibrational spectroscopy of cold molecules in the gas phase. This cutting-edge platform combines cold molecule research and frequency metrology, enabling fundamental tests of physics beyond the Standard Model. A key first objective is the measurement of the tiny electroweak-induced energy difference between enantiomers of a chiral molecule—a direct signature of parity (left-right symmetry) violation and a sensitive probe of dark matter.
Molecules, with their rich internal structure, offer unique opportunities compared to atoms for precision measurements. They are increasingly used to test fundamental symmetries, measure fundamental constants and their possible time variations, and search for dark matter. Such experiments rely on ultra-precise determination of molecular transition frequencies, requiring advanced techniques familiar in atomic physics: selective state control, high detection efficiency, long coherence times, and cooling of internal and external degrees of freedom.
The student will play an active role in early developments of the experiment, including: setting up mid-infrared quantum cascade laser systems at 6.4 μm and 15.5 μm to probe molecular vibrations; and performing first Doppler and sub-Doppler absorption spectroscopy on cold molecules (~1 K) generated in a novel apparatus.
Contact
Mathieu Manceau
Laboratory : Laboratoire de physique des lasers - UMR7538
Team : Métrologie, Molécules et Tests Fondamentaux
Team Website
Team : Métrologie, Molécules et Tests Fondamentaux
Team Website
24/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
232
Looking for potential variations of the proton-to-electron mass ratio and other tests of fundamental physics via precision measurements with molecules
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The master’s student will take part in forefront experiments dedicated to ultra-precise measurements of rovibrational molecular transitions to test a possible time variation of the proton-to-electron mass ratio (μ), a key constant of the Standard Model. Detecting such a drift would signal new physics and shed light on dark matter and dark energy. The approach relies on comparing astronomical molecular spectra with laboratory data. The experimental setup uses quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) stabilized to optical frequency combs traceable to primary standards, a technology pioneered at LPL that enables unprecedented precision in the mid-infrared.
The internship centers on methanol (CH₃OH), whose transitions are especially sensitive to μ-variation. The student will install and stabilize a QCL in the relevant spectral region, aiming for sub-Doppler resolution and ~100 Hz frequency accuracy, necessary for astrophysical comparisons. This work is part of the ANR Ultiμos project with LKB and MONARIS, combining spectroscopy of methanol and other species such as ammonia to identify key transitions for Earth- and space-based campaigns. Partners including Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Onsala Space Observatory provide theory and astronomical input.
Contact
Mathieu Manceau
Laboratory : Laboratoire de physique des lasers - UMR7538
Team : Métrologie, Molécules et Tests Fondamentaux
Team Website
Team : Métrologie, Molécules et Tests Fondamentaux
Team Website
24/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
233
Interférométrie à haute sensibilité pour le développement de revêtements cristallins dédiés aux détecteurs d'ondes gravitationnelles
Domaines
Relativity/Astrophysics/Cosmology
Quantum optics
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Les détecteurs d’ondes gravitationnelles sont basés sur un interféromètre laser de type Michelson dont les bras, de plusieurs km de long, subissent un petit changement de longueur lors du passage d’une onde gravitationnelle. Dans la région de fréquences où les détecteurs sont le plus sensible, autour de 100 Hz, la limitation principale vient du bruit thermique des miroirs qui composent l’interféromètre. Pour cette raison les scientifiques cherchent à réaliser des miroirs ayant un plus faible bruit thermique. Un axe de recherche consiste à utiliser de matériaux monocristallins basés sur des matériaux III-V du type de ceux utilisés pour l’électronique.
Pour ce faire, le groupe Virgo du LAPP coordonne un projet financé par l’ANR en collaboration avec le CEA à Grenoble, le LMA à Lyon et deux entreprises en région parisienne. Le rôle du LAPP est de développer un banc optique capable de mesurer le bruit thermique de ces miroirs afin de guider leur développement. La mesure est basée sur une cavité optique à très haute finesse illuminée avec un faisceau laser dont la fréquence est modulée de façon à exciter plusieurs modes de la cavité en même temps. Le stage proposé porte sur le développement et la mise en fonctionnement de ce banc de mesure. Le banc est installé au LAPP et son développement bénéficie du savoir-faire développé à Annecy dans le domaine de la détection des ondes gravitationnelles depuis plus de trois décennies
Contact
Raffaele Flaminio
24/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
234
Multiscale computational investigation of PAR-seeded condensates in DNA damage response
Domaines
Biophysics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
This M2 project aims to understand the formation and structure of biomolecular condensates, which are crucial for DNA damage repair. Specifically, it will use multiscale simulations to investigate the interaction between PAR chains (nucleic acid scaffolds for these condensates) and the FUS protein, a key player in DNA repair. The project will be divided in two tasks: 1) Atomistic simulations with refined force fields to characterize PAR-FUS interactions in dilute solutions; 2) Coarse-grained simulations to explore the physical properties of PAR-FUS condensates under varying conditions. This internship should yield an improved molecular understanding of these crucial processes, with long term potential therapeutic impact as dysfunctional condensates are linked to diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders
Contact
Elise Duboué-Dijon
24/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
235
Realization of a Topological Model in a Dynamical Quantum System with a Bose–Einstein Condensate
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
This internship focuses on the realization of topological quantum phases in a dynamical system based on a Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) of potassium atoms. Topology provides robust properties in quantum states, often revealed through protected states or invariants, and can emerge in periodically driven ("Floquet") systems. Building on the group’s recent advances in implementing effective spin–orbit coupling with spin-dependent optical potentials and modulated Raman coupling, the project will combine experimental and numerical approaches. The intern will contribute to ongoing experiments on BEC preparation of optical driving sequences, experimentation and data analysis, as well as develop numerical simulations, aimed at identifying signatures of topological phases, such as topological invariants. The project offers the opportunity to collaborate with theorists and is intended as a precursor to a PhD, extending toward many-body topological systems. The position is hosted at the PhLAM laboratory (University of Lille, CNRS) within the “Quantum Systems” team, which provides strong experimental and theoretical support. Candidates should have a background in quantum/atomic physics, interest in both theory and experiment, and prior lab experience is highly valued.
Contact
Radu Chicireanu
24/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
236
Quantum devices in the ultra-strong light-matter coupling regime
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The aim of the internship is to explore microcavity-coupled optoelectronic quantum devices which operate in the ultra-strong light-matter coupling regime. These devices are based on quantum well heterostructures integrated with multimode photonic microcavities and metamaterials. Such architectures can dramatically enhance light–matter interactions, enabling access to the ultra-strong coupling regime, which defines new frontiers in cavity quantum electrodynamics. In this regime, electronic excitations in quantum wells hybridize with optical modes of microcavities to form new coupled states—cavity polaritons—that can exhibit strikingly non-classical properties. Such properties can be uncovered by electrical transport measurements or through the non-linear optical conversion which takes place under strong coherent pump.
As an intern, the candidate will characterize optoelectronic devices that have been already fabricated in clean room. She/he will thus acquire advanced training in infrared spectroscopy and electrical measurements of quantum devices, including in cryogenic conditions. The internship can be followed by a PhD project specifically focused on non-linear optical effects in such devices. The PhD funding is available through an ANR project.
Contact
Yanko Todorov
23/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
237
Position dependent two- and three-body interactions in Bose-Einstein condensates
Domaines
Low dimension physics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental Contact
Thomas Bourdel
23/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
238
Proto-Neutron Star Dynamics : A Stepping Stone to Beyond-Standard-Model Physics
Domaines
High energy physics
Relativity/Astrophysics/Cosmology
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Core-collapse supernovae create a hot (≳50 MeV) proto-neutron star (PNS) that cools mainly via neutrinos before becoming a neutron star or collapsing to a black hole. Because any extra cooling channel (e.g., axions/hidden-sector particles) would modify the cooling history and leave multimessenger signatures, PNSs are powerful laboratories for new physics.
This project takes an integrated approach: (i) a rigorous beyond-Standard-Model framework rooted in effective field theories (Chiral Perturbation Theory at finite T, ρ) to model reliably calculable exotic-emission channels—focusing on the well-motivated QCD axion; and (ii) state-of-the-art PNS simulations of hydrodynamics and neutrino transport, extended to include muons, pions, hyperons, and axions, with improved turbulence/transport modeling. The synergy enables quantitative predictions of how exotic physics distorts neutrino and gravitational-wave signals.
Training spans EFT, nuclear astrophysics, and numerical modeling. The thesis is co-supervised by UniStra (numerics/astrophysics) and LAPTh Annecy (EFT). We seek a strong candidate in theory or astrophysics, ideally with QFT or simulation experience. An M2 internship in spring–summer 2026 is strongly encouraged and can be hosted at either lab.
Contacts:
diego.guadagnoli@lapth.cnrs.fr
micaela.oertel@astro.unistra.fr
Contact
Diego Guadagnoli
22/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
239
Molecular dynamics simulations of shocks in metallic glasses
Domaines
Condensed matter
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Since their appearance in the 1960s, metallic glasses have been the subject of numerous studies highlighting mechanical properties that are often superior to those of their crystallised counterparts (yield strength, hardness and fracture resistance). Although the compositions of these amorphous alloys have expanded in terms of the elements present (Zr, Ti, Al, Cu, Ni, Fe, etc.), their industrialisation is currently limited to a few niche markets (luxury watchmaking and jewellery, cutting-edge medical applications, aeronautics, defence, and high-end leisure goods). In the field of shock and impact applications, the potential of metallic glasses is largely untapped, for example in golf clubs or the armouring of space structures against hypervelocity impacts, with studies on their dynamic behaviour initiated in the early 2000s still in their infancy. Our results already obtained on Zr50Cu40Al10 glasses at the macroscopic scale originate at the microscopic scale in the modification of the organisation and local composition of the material at the atomic scale. It is therefore also at this scale that the behaviour of different metallic glasses under laser shock must be studied. To analyse behaviour at this scale, we will use molecular dynamics simulations with the LAMMPS code. The simulations will enable us to account for the evolution of the atomic organisation of metallic glasses under dynamic stress.
Contact
Maxime Vassaux
22/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
240
Shear phonons in graphite and their coupling to electronic excitations
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The graphite crystal represents a stack of rigid graphene monolayers bound by Van der Waals forces. The shear phonon mode corresponds to the neighboring layers oscillating in the opposite directions. Phonons are typically probed by Raman spectroscopy, and the observed spectrum of the shear phonon mode has a peculiar Fano shape which arises due to quantum interference when a discrete mode is coupled to a continuum of excitations. In the case of graphite, the continuum was suggested to originate from electronic excitations.
A recent experiment has shown that the shape of the shear phonon peak strongly changes with the magnetic field. The preliminary explanation of this result is that the magnetic field quantizes the electronic bands of graphite into Landau levels, so the structure of the electronic excitation continuum is modified. To put this explanation on a firm ground, we have to construct a quantitative theory of this effect.
The goal of the internship is to calculate the coupling of the shear mode phonons to the electronic excitations in a magnetic field using the tight-binding model of Slonczewski, Weiss, and McClure. When the coupling is found,
we can proceed to the calculation of the Raman spectrum.
Contact
Denis Basko
22/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
241
Dissipative dynamics of a phase slip in a Josephson junction
Domaines
Condensed matter
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Superconducting circuits have many applications ranging from amplifiers and detectors to quantum computers and quantum metrological standards. A key building block of superconducting circuits is the Josephson junction between two superconductors which are connected by a weak link or a thin tunnel barrier. When the junction is closed into a loop by an inductance, the potential energy of the system as a function of the superconductor phase difference may exhibit several local minima, whose position and shape can be controlled by applying an external magnetic flux through the loop. The phase can slide from one minimum to the neighboring one, either spontaneously or due to some perturbation, which is called a phase slip. In a recent experiment at Néel Institute, a single phase slip in a Josephson junction based on a superconducting-normal-superconducting (SNS) junction could be detected thanks to a measurable temperature rise of the electrons in the normal link between the two superconductors, which absorbed the energy released during the phase slip.
The goal of this internship is to construct a time-dependent solution for the slipping phase, accounting for back-action of the electrons in the normal link, which are being heated up by the phase slip, on the superconducting condensate. Thus, we will have to solve coupled equations for the superconducting phase and for the distribution of normal electrons. This work will involve both analytical and numerical calculations.
Contact
Denis Basko
22/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
242
Investigating electronic correlation effects in epitaxial single atomic layers
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Electronic correlation effects are the heart of complex problems in condensed matter physics. It can induce a wealth of fascinating properties like high-temperature superconductivity and complex magnetic and charge ordering. In real materials, the structural complexity can makes it hard to disentangle these various ordering and trace back their origin to a well-defined theoretical model. We propose in this experimental internship to study a model system of Mott physics on a triangular lattice with an extremely simple chemical structure. We propose to pursue investigations already started in our group on the Pb/Ge(111) phase and reveal the nature of the groundstate. It is predicted not to undergo the Mott transition but to present a charge/lattice ordering. This work could pursued in the framework of a PhD thesis to induce an unconventionnal superconducting phase out of the Sn/Si(111) Mott insulating state by appropriate doping.
Contact
Christophe Brun
22/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
243
Non-equilibrium dynamics of degenerate 1D Bose gases
Domaines
Low dimension physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This internship focuses on the non-equilibrium dynamics of one-dimensional Bose gas and, in particular, on the detection of gray or dark solitons, density defects that can propagate through the system without dissipation. The work will be mainly experimental and will include the implementation of a new imaging system. The internship may be followed by a PhD thesis, for which funding has already been secured.
Contact
Aurélien Perrin
20/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
244
Higgs Mechanism & Ultraviolet-Infrared Mixing
Domaines
High energy physics
Fields theory/String theory
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Internship opportunity in Theoretical Particle Physics at IP2I Lyon.
Topic: For nearly four decades, the Higgs boson has inspired extensions to the Standard Model aimed at explaining its unnaturally light mass within the context of effective field theories. These extensions typically predict the existence of new particles that should be accessible at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). However, the absence of experimental evidence for such particles poses a significant challenge to conventional approaches addressing this issue. This internship is embedded within a research program that explores modifications to the Higgs sector to achieve ultraviolet-infrared mixing, thereby providing an explanation for why new physics may emerge at higher energy scales than those envisioned in traditional models. The internship is designed as a precursor to doctoral studies, offering a pathway to a PhD. More details in the attached file.
Contact
Florian NORTIER
19/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
245
Pilot-wave dynamics of swimming particles in stratified fluids
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Over the past two decades, experiments with bouncing droplets have shown that macroscopic “pilot-wave” systems - where a particle is guided by its self-generated wave - can mimic certain aspects of quantum-like dynamics. We recently demonstrated that similar dynamics emerge when a particle oscillates in a density-stratified fluid, such as in the ocean. The oscillating particle emits internal gravity waves and begins to swim horizontally due to a Doppler effect that creates a non linear propulsive force. These waves propagate over large distances, reflect on boundaries, and can strongly modify—or even cancel—the particle’s motion. A key open question now concerns collective states: how groups of such particles interact through their wave fields. This internship will focus on the simplest case—a pair of particles in the same horizontal plane—using experiments, theory, and simulations.
Contact
Simon Gsell
19/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
246
Soft Valves Under Pressure: When Flow Triggers Failure
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
In nature, liquid transport often relies on soft structures, such as valves, cilia, or porous walls, that deform under flow to passively regulate circulation. These structures have inspired the design of microfluidic devices and soft-robotic systems. However, sometimes these soft structures fail. For instance, soft valves are meant to close gently to prevent backflow, but under certain conditions, they can instead undergo snap-through instabilities: instead of sealing properly, the leaflet suddenly bends in an unintended direction. Such failures disrupt normal flow and can lead to pathological conditions. In this internship, we will explore these mechanisms using a simplified, upscaled experimental model of a soft valve in a flow at low Reynolds numbers.
Contact
Martin Brandenbourger
18/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
247
Domain walls in layered magnetic materials
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Heterostructures built from atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) materials form a rapidly advancing frontier of condensed matter physics. Within this family, several compounds exhibit intrinsic magnetic order. A prominent example is CrSBr, where spins align ferromagnetically within each layer but antiferromagnetically between layers.
Recently, our team developed a technique to write magnetic domain walls between regions of opposite Néel vectors [arXiv:2503.04922]. Building on this result, we aim to investigate (i) the optical properties of these domain walls and (ii) their response to external electric and magnetic fields. Key open questions include: What is the characteristic size and internal structure of the domain walls? Do they couple to optically injected excitons? Can domain walls be manipulated with electric or magnetic fields?
As a Master’s student, you will join our team to explore these questions. Depending on project needs and your personal interests, you could contribute to:
• Fabrication of layered magnetic heterostructures
• Optical spectroscopy at cryogenic temperatures
• Scanning magnetometry experiments
Contact
Patrick Maletinsky
18/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
248
Machine-learning approaches to model interatomic interactions
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Research overview
Materials can be studied using computer simulation which enables one to probe the motion of each constituent atoms and to build correlations between the macroscopic properties and the microscopic behaviors. On the one hand, traditional quantum mechanics methods provides particularly accurate results up to the electronic structure of the material. Yet, the drawback of this method concerns its computational cost which prevents from studying large system sizes and long time scales. On the other hand, effective potentials have been developed to mimic atomic interactions thereby reducing those issues. However, these potentials are often built to reproduce bulk properties of the materials and can hardly be employed to study some specific systems including interfaces and nanomaterials. In this context, a new class of interatomic potentials based on machine-learning algorithms is being developed to retain the accuracy of traditional quantum mechanics methods while being able to run simulations with larger system sizes and longer time scales.
Simulation project
Using computer simulations, the student will construct a database that should be representative of the different interactions occurring in a specific material. Machine-learning potentials based on the least-angle regression algorithm as well as neural network potentials will be trained and their accuracy will be studied as a function of the size and the complexity of the database.
Contact
Julien LAM
18/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
249
Crystallization of nanomaterials: theory and simulation
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Research overview
The formation of a crystal is triggered by the emergence of a nucleation core. Classical nucleation theory (CNT) is widely employed to discuss its nature and its origin. In CNT, the thermodynamically stable phase is always the one that grows first and its size is then driven by the free energy competition between how much it costs to build a liquid-crystal interface and the gain from growing the crystal. Yet, following Ostwald’s rule, another structure may emerge beforehand if it is closer in free energy to the mother phase. Then, structural and also chemical reorganizations happen during the growth. This multi-stage nucleation mechanism already appears in bulk systems but can be amplified in nanocrystal nucleation where surface effects and chemical reactivity are enhanced. For nanoscience to be inspired by the practical applications instead of still being driven by the synthesis possibilities, it is crucial to reach a better understanding of the unique crystallization mechanisms leading to nanocrystals.
Simulation project
Atomistic simulations will be performed to study crystallization of binary particles. Examples will be taken from well-studied materials including CuZr, NiAl, NaCl, Water... We will investigate the correlation between the thermodynamic conditions and the final nanoparticles. The goal is to ultimately better understand how nucleation theory is affected by downsizing to the nanometric scale.
Contact
Julien LAM
18/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
250
“Input-output” theory of light-matter interactions in optical Fabry-Pérot cavities
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Quantum optics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Over the past years, there has been a renewed interest in investigating light-matter interactions in optical Fabry-Pérot cavities. When molecules are put inside such cavities, they interact collectively and resonantly with the cavity electromagnetic field, leading to the formation of hybrid light-matter excitations called polaritons. It was shown experimentally that various physico-chemical properties of cavity-embedded molecules were deeply modified in such a polaritonic regime. While most of the available quantum mechanical theoretical models used to describe such properties consider the cavity optical modes and molecules embedded inside to be a closed system, the computation of experimentally relevant signals like the cavity optical spectra (transmittance, reflectance, or absorbance), fluctuation spectra and higher-order correlation functions of the field necessitate to « open » the cavity. The goal of this M2 internship is to develop and implement an « input-output theory » for computing optical properties of polaritonic Fabry-Pérot cavities, taking into account both the mirror losses and polarization of light. The application of this theory to chiral mirrors and chiral light-matter interactions for which optically active molecules are embedded inside the cavity constitute an open and interesting problem in this field of research.
Contact
Rémi Avriller
17/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
251
Cinétique de nucléation des gaz rares à différents taux de compression
Domaines
Condensed matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The objective of this internship is to take advantage of the new possibilities offered by the dynamic diamond anvil cell, an innovative dynamic compression device, to demonstrate novel phenomena or gain a detailed understanding of certain effects discussed in the literature, by performing ultrafast pressure variations. The work will focus on studying the nucleation kinetics of noble gases (Ar, Ne, Kr) as a function of the compression rate, and on comparing the results with recent measurements carried out at the XFEL in cryogenic jets.
A PhD may be pursued following this internship.
Contact
Charles Pépin
Laboratory : Laboratoire Matière en Conditions Extrêmes (LMCE) - ...
Team : Hautes pressions statiques
Team Website
Team : Hautes pressions statiques
Team Website
17/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
252
Enduction et évaporation sur des faisceaux de fibres
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Il s'agit d'un stage au Laboratoire de Physique des Solides, à l'Université Paris Saclay, suivi d'une thèse. Le stage et la thèse CIFRE sont en collaboration avec Saint-Gobain recherche.
Le sujet porte sur l’enduction et l’évaporation d’une suspension diluée sur un faisceau
de fibres dans le but de mieux comprendre le procédé industriel utilisé pour modifier les propriétés physico-chimiques de surface de fibres de verre. Le défi industriel est d’assurer un parfait contrôle du dépôt ainsi que sa reproductibilité, ce qui nécessite une parfaite maîtrise des phénomènes physiques et chimiques en jeu dans le procédé. Ici, nous nous concentrons sur les aspects physiques et nous avons identifié deux étapes importantes : l’enduction d’un liquide sur un faisceau de fibres puis son évaporation qui assurera le dépôt de la suspension.
Contact
Emmanuelle Rio
Laboratory : Laboratoire de Physique des Solides -
Team : MMOI : Matière molle aux interfaces
Team Website
Team : MMOI : Matière molle aux interfaces
Team Website
16/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
253
Flow through deformable vascular network
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Metastasis remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. A critical step in metastasis involves circulating tumor cells (CTCs) moving through confined environment of the vascular microcirculation before colonizing distant tissues. Unlike rigid tubes, these vessels are soft and deformable, continuously reshaping under pressure and flow. A critical yet often overlooked aspect here is how fluid flow locally deforms the vascular network, and how these deformations in turn alter the flow itself. Capturing this two-way feedback is essential to understanding the physics of transport in living systems- insights that goes well beyond cancer metastasis.
Contact
Martin Brandenbourger
16/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
254
Collective motion in complex flows
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
When a system of many individuals is under stress, whether seeking resources or avoiding
threats, its survival depends on its ability to collectively move towards a specific objective. In
many cases, either the objective itself or the environment in which this locomotion occurs is fluid,
examples include large systems like human populations migrating in response to climate change,
or microscopic systems like viruses navigating through the body to infect host cells. These
complex events are often difficult to study directly due to their infrequency, experimental
complexity, or the many scales involved. A large scientific community is currently working on
solutions to better model and predict these collective motions.
Contact
Martin Brandenbourger
16/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
255
Active mechanics of fluid transport
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
From unicellular organisms to human beings, liquid flows in vascular networks are among the most effective ways to transport matter and information for life. Artificial vascular networks have mimicked this strategy, without reproducing the same level of autonomy and adaptability. An ERC Starting Grant project (Self-Flow) has recently been started in the lab to bridge this gap between living and artificial matter. This project will create an artificial version of one of the simplest forms of life: the slime mold. The life of this organism is entirely based on a vascular network that actively contracts to transport fluids.
Contact
Martin Brandenbourger
16/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
256
Infrared sensing with enhanced light matter coupling using quantum dot
Domaines
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Quantum dots, thanks to quantum confinement, offer an interesting playground for optoelectronics. In the visible range, they have already reached commercial status as light sources for displays, and current efforts now focus on the infrared range. Films of such colloidal quantum dots offer a strategy for cost disruption, while infrared optoelectronics has historically been prohibitive. However, their polycrystalline nature tends to limit carrier diffusion length; therefore, to efficiently absorb and photoconduct, they must be coupled to a photonic structure whose role is to focus light onto a thin film of such quantum dots. This concept is now established, and our group aims to go further through the introduction of post-fabrication reconfigurable structures, where the spectral response can be tuned via the application of a bias.
In this project, we aim to design new photonic structures that enable control of linewidth and absorption directivity. In the long term, the project could also shift toward light emission, depending on the applicant’s interests.
Contact
Emmanuel Lhuillier
16/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
257
Weyl quasiparticles in photonic metamaterials
Domaines
Condensed matter
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Weyl points are band-crossing singularities in 3D crystals that host Weyl fermions, leading to Weyl semimetals with topologically protected chiral surface states and high electron mobility. Photonic analogues, found in chiral crystals and metamaterials, exhibit photonic Weyl points with robust surface modes and unusual scattering properties.
Coupling quantum electronic states to cavity photons has given rise to polaritonics, and its topological extension is rapidly advancing. Yet, strong coupling between topological electronic systems and nontrivial chiral photonic edge modes near optical Weyl points remains largely unexplored. This internship will develop a Hamiltonian model that can be solved analytically and use numerical simulations (finite element and FDTD) to assess experimental platforms capable of realizing such light–matter interactions.
Contact
Guillaume Weick
16/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
258
Physics of plants: Solving the mystery of embolism repair in plants after a period of drought
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
It is not really understood how a plant can recover after the development of an air embolism after the nucleation of cavitation bubbles in their hydraulic network, some studies calling for a "miracle". An emerging hypothesis focuses on solutes (salts, sugars) to trigger the nucleation and growth of new droplets, which will refill the dry parts of the hydraulic circuit. The main objective of the internship is to understand the physics of the refilling when solutes are present. Our approach will be to manufacture biomimetic leaves made of a thin layer of transparent silicone.
Contact
Philippe Marmottant
16/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
259
Impact of stimulated Raman scattering on time-frequency single photon encoding for quantum communication protocols
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The frequency (or time-of-arrival) degree of freedom of a single photon represents a continuous variable used for encoding quantum information [1,2,3]. Frequency is less susceptible to noise in optical fibers, waveguides, and free space, making it a strong candidate for future quantum information processing. Unlike polarization, frequency is unaffected by birefringence, does not require phase stabilization, and is immune to nonlinear effects at the single-photon level. Given the high cost and impracticality of deploying new fiber infrastructure, the project explores how quantum communication can be integrated into existing classical networks by having the coexistence of quantum and classical signals within one optical fiber.
This project investigates the development of a quantum channel mediated by stimulated Raman scattering (SRS), when there is coexistence of one classical field and a frequency-encoded single photon state. We will employ a light-matter interaction model to analyze how
SRS-induced field distortion impacts the frequency encoding of single photons, including two-color and grid-state encodings [3]. The resulting spectral modifications will be quantified by their effect on quantum communication performance, specifically the quantum bit error
rate (QBER) and the asymptotic key rate.
Contact
Nicolas Fabre
16/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
260
Mechanical regulation of cytoskeleton crosstalk in vitro
Domaines
Biophysics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Context of the project
Cell mechanics is mostly governed by the cytoskeleton which is composed of three types of interconnected filaments: actin, microtubules and intermediate filaments. Among them, actin forms dynamic networks that can remodel rapidly in response to its environmental cues, but are not mechanically resistant to deformation. Conversely, vimentin intermediate filaments form stable networks that are highly extensible and resistant to rupture. Despite these very different properties, actin and vimentin are involved in many common cellular functions such as cell migration or mechano-sensitivity, and work in coordination to perform them. However, very few studies have focused on the interaction between actin and vimentin at the molecular level to understand the mechanisms involved in this coordination.
Objectives
The goal of the internship is to reconstitute in vitro certain aspects of the vimentin/actin crosstalk and understand how it is modulated under external stresses. Using original microfluidic approaches developed by the team, we will study the impact of vimentin filament tension on the recruitment of vimentin/actin crosslinkers and how this could impact the morphology of vimentin/actin composite networks.
Contact
Cécile Leduc
15/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
261
Cooperative effects in a spherical quantum well supercrystal
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum optics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The fluorescence of a single quantum emitter is beginning to be well understood in condensed matter; but what happens when a large number of quantum emitters share a small volume, as in a supercrystal?
Contact
Benjamin Besga
15/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
262
Curvature control during insect wing unfolding
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Insects inflate wings larger than their cocoons within minutes, but what keeps them flat instead of curling? Combining advanced imaging, genetic perturbations, and mechanical testing, we seek the principles that ensure wing flatness and regulate curvature.
Contact
Joel Marthelot
12/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
263
Bosons and fermions in van der Waals heterostructures
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The project focuses on mixtures of electrons (fermion) and excitons (electron-hole pair, a boson) in a new class of materials: van der Waals heterostructures. The latter can be seen as a “mille-feuille”, obtained by stacking atomically thin sheets of various materials. They recently became a prominent platform to study many-body physics, after a milestone discovery of superconductivity in bilayer graphene. Our long term ambition is to introduce superconductivity in a controlled manner, using excitons as force-carrier bosons (instead of phonons in conventional superconductors). The internship will pave the way toward this goal. It includes two steps, (i) the fabrication of the heterostructures and (ii) a first characterization with optical spectroscopy.
Contact
Bertrand Evrard
12/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
264
Information flow and polymer physics of gene activity
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Our project tackles the fundamental challenge of bridging the diverse temporal and spatial scales of biological development. From the nanoscale molecular interactions that occur in seconds to the formation of millimeter-to-meter-scale tissues over days, nature's complexity is staggering. This project seeks to unveil how information flows from molecular transcription factors to orchestrate tissue formation. This project employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining experimental techniques (quantitative microscopy) with theoretical modeling (polymer and statistical physics). It aims to decode the mechanisms governing the interplay between cellular regulation and tissue development. This research has broad implications for biophysics, developmental biology, and regenerative medicine.
Contact
Thomas Gregor
12/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
265
SELF-ORGANIZED PATTERNING IN MAMMALIAN STEM-CELL AGGREGATES
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
This research project aims to uncover the biophysical principles that enable mammalian embryonic stem cells to self-organize into synthetic organoid structures reminiscent of mouse embryos. Our approach blends mathematical modeling with precise single-cell
measurements to investigate the emergence of positional and correlative information within differentiating stem-cell aggregates. By integrating theoretical predictions with experimental data, the project will compare dynamic information flow across various
developmental systems, such as fly embryos and stem-cell-derived organoids. This interdisciplinary effort not only bridges quantitative and life sciences but also offers students a collaborative environment where they can take ownership of their research and help define the project’s direction.
Contact
Thomas Gregor
12/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
266
Dynamics and Mechanics of Drosophila Head Eversion
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
During development, the fly head initially forms inward, in the larval body. A few hours after puparium (i.e. cocoon) formation, the head and eyes suddenly pop out, everting in less than a minute. Preliminary evidence suggests that this sudden inversion of curvature is driven by a change of internal pressure in the animal. We seek to describe the biophysics of head eversion through live imaging and mechanical measurements.
Contact
Raphael Clement
12/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
267
FISH SCHOOLS AS SOFT ACTIVE MATTER
Domaines
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Can the motion of animal collectives be described as the flows of soft active matter? To answer this question, we combine field studies of massive fish schools, extensive data analysis, machine learning, and mathematical modelling. Depending on your interests and the scope of your internship, you will contribute to a selection of these efforts. Reach out to learn more about our research!
Contact
Denis Bartolo
12/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
268
Hiding images in quantum correlations
Domaines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Quantum imaging exploits non-classical light to outperform classical methods in resolution, sensitivity, or to enable new modalities. Our team has recently developed an approach that encodes images in the correlations of entangled photon pairs, making them invisible to standard intensity measurements but retrievable through coincidence detection with advanced single-photon cameras. Using this technique, we demonstrated image transmission through scattering layers in conditions where classical light fails. This M2 internship (with the possibility of continuing as a PhD) builds directly on these results. The setup will be upgraded with a digital micromirror device and an event-based camera to move toward real-time operation. The project will then explore new applications, such as exploiting the intrinsic nonlinearity of quantum imaging for advanced image processing or photonic computing, and investigating secure image transmission schemes based on entanglement. The student will actively improve the system’s performance, study the underlying physics, and help identify promising research directions through both experiments and simulations.
More infos: www.quantumimagingparis.fr
Contact
Hugo Defienne
11/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
269
Manipulating entangled photons through complex media
Domaines
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Quantum entanglement underpins technologies in communication, computing, and imaging, but its fragile nature makes it highly sensitive to optical disorder such as turbulence or scattering. This limits the performance of many quantum protocols and poses a major challenge for real-world applications. In collaboration with Prof. Gigan’s group at LKB, we investigate how entangled photons propagate through complex media and develop methods to preserve and control their quantum properties. We have shown that wavefront shaping, originally designed for classical light, can compensate for scattering and enable entanglement transmission through diffusive layers. Surprisingly, disorder can also be exploited: we demonstrated Bell inequality violations through multimode fibers, opening new perspectives for entanglement distribution in networks. Building on these results, this Master’s internship (with the possibility of continuing to a PhD) will focus on transmitting complex entangled two-photon states (e.g. polariation, space, spectral) through highly scattering media. The project will develop a novel multi-plane wavefront shaping strategy, inspired by multi-plane light converters, combining the expertise of Dr. Defienne’s team in quantum imaging with Prof. Gigan’s advances in wavefront shaping. More infos: www.quantumimagingparis.fr
Contact
Hugo Defienne
11/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
270
Nonequilibrium thermodynamics of many-body quantum systems
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Recent progress in the field of quantum thermodynamics allowed to define and analyze work and heat exchanges between quantum systems, and extend the Second law to nonequilibrium ensemble of quantum systems. However, applying those definitions to concrete situations require to keep track of the full state of the systems, which is intractable for large quantum systems. The intern will join the effort of the group to build a formalism for nonequilibrium quantum thermodynamics involving only a few macroscopic observables, relevant for numerical or experimental analysis of many-body systems. To do so, the intern will apply the concepts developed in the group to paradigmatic examples of many-body quantum systems, whose dynamics is either analytically or numerically solvable, to help identify the best formulations of the theory being developed. The internship might be pursued with a PhD in the group funded via a European ERC project.
Contact
Cyril Elouard
11/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
271
Brownian Motion near Soft Interfaces
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Motility of microscopic biological entities with the aim of reaching specific targets is a central question of biophysics, as evidenced by: cancer metastasis, durotaxis of stem cells, antibody recognition, or DNA replication, among numerous other examples. In an idealization attempt, this problem could perhaps be reduced to simple mechanics through a minimal combination of essential ingredients: viscous flow, elastic boundaries, confined environment, charges and thermal fluctuations. Right from the above, the study of Brownian motion in soft-lubricated environments appears as one of the canonical fundamental problems of biophysics and nanophysics. Despite the obvious character of this statement, it is intriguing to notice that theoretical studies are scarce on the topic, and that experimental pieces of evidence are inexistant - to the best of our knowledge. The “EMetBrown” project thus naturally aims at filling this gap through various experiments, theoretical models and numerical simulations.
Contact
Thomas Salez
10/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
272
Probing electronic states of a synthetic 1D chain with transport and cQED
Domaines
Low dimension physics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
We study how spatial modulation of tunnel couplings in one-dimensional systems can open electronic band gaps and host edge states, as in the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) model. Beyond fundamental physics, controlling such gaps is attractive for quantum technologies, since they can protect fragile quantum states from decoherence.
Recently, our team demonstrated electrical control of a band gap in a suspended carbon nanotube using an array of 15 gates. By applying alternating electrostatic potentials, we achieved tunable gaps up to 25 meV, directly visible in transport spectroscopy.
The internship (with possible continuation as a PhD) will build on this result by probing the system with microwave photons in a mesoscopic QED setup. Using a new readout technique based on cavity dipole radiation activated by rf-gates, the goal is to reveal edge states and move toward SSH-type physics. The project combines quantum transport and microwave engineering in close collaboration with the startup C12. Candidates should have a strong background in quantum/condensed matter physics and an interest in nanodevices and advanced measurement methods.
Contact
Matthieu Delbecq
10/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
273
Contingent dynamics in unbounded chemical networks: towards the emergence of prebiotic Darwinian processes
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
This internship explores the emergence of prebiotic Darwinian processes in unbounded chemical networks. While existing models focus on autocatalytic cycles within finite chemical networks, this project aims to simulate infinite networks generated stochastically from simple chemical rules, considering a finite number of particles. This approach naturally incorporates chance effects, central to evolution, and produces dynamics that may be only partially reproducible. The goal is to understand how natural selection could arise in a purely physico-chemical context, at the origin of life. Simulations will be developed within the EmergeNS platform (C++), featuring a graphical interface and advanced visualization tools. The internship will take place at LBBE (Lyon) in a highly interdisciplinary environment bridging evolutionary biology, ecology, physics, and mathematics, with potential continuation as a PhD project at LBBE or PIMIT.
Contact
Sylvain Charlat
09/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
274
Molecular Formation Pictures: Time-resolved photoionization studies of atoms and molecules embedded in superfluid helium nanodroplets.
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The goal of this experimental internship is to follow in real time the bond formation of two isolated species initially separated in an ultracold (0.37K) superfluid solvent. For this purpose, we will use ultrashort laser pulses to trigger, track and characterize the reaction following a pump-probe methodology.
In practice, we will rely on time-resolved photoionization spectroscopy, a technique based on the ionization of the species by the laser pulses and on the detection of the electrons and ions as molecular probes. The electron carries information about the initial electronic state of the ionized species, while the ion reveals the final state after relaxation processes such as fragmentation or isomerization.
Contact
Constant Schouder
08/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
275
Quantum electronic waves crossing 2D junctions
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The internship is focused on charge density waves —macroscopic quantum states consisting in a coherent spatial modulation of the charge in a crystal— and how they can experience a proximity effect, i.e. live in a crystal that does not naturally develop such quantum phases but can host them when put in contact to another crystal. This effect will be studied in two-dimensional crystals, and will be scrutinized using cryogenic optical spectroscopy and electron diffraction.
Contact
Johann Coraux
03/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
276
Photon statistics of electrical light nanosources
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The goal of this internship is to develop a unique combination of a scanning tunneling microscope, an optical microscope, and a Hanbury Brown and Twiss (HBT) interferometer for photon correlation measurements. Using this unique instrument, cutting-edge nano-optics experiments on plasmonic nanostructures coupled to quantum emitters will be performed. The tunneling current under the STM tip will be used as a source of local electrical excitation of the surface plasmons. The light produced will be collected using the optical microscope, and the photon bunching and anti-bunching effects will be demonstrated using the HBT interferometer (i.e. measuring the second-order correlation g(2) function of light). The internship includes a significant experimental component and instrumental development
Contact
Elizabeth Boer-Duchemin
03/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
277
Probing excitons on the nanoscale in two-dimensional semiconductors and their heterostructures
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Two-dimensional semiconducting materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) monolayers, are key in the development of future device technologies. This is because such materials are only a few atoms thick and have unique optical and electronic properties. TMD monolayers are also considered an ideal platform for the study of excitons, i.e., bound electron-hole pairs, in 2D materials. Controlling the generation of excitons, their radiative decay, and their interactions with free charge carriers in 2D semiconductors is crucial for applications, e.g., in photovoltaic and light emitting devices. In this Masters thesis, the student will use nano-optical tools to probe the excitonic properties of TMD monolayers on the nanometer scale. The tunneling current between the sample and the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) will serve to locally excite the electroluminescence of the 2D semiconductor. The resulting light will be analyzed using optical microscopy and spectroscopy. Moreover, the student will carry out cutting-edge nano-optics experiments using the STM on “twist-engineered” heterostructures of these TMD monolayers. As has been recently discovered, new material properties may appear in such layered heterostructures depending on the misalignment angle (or “twist”) between adjacent layers.
Contact
Elizabeth Boer-Duchemin
03/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
278
Controlling the polarization of light with chiral plasmonic nanostructures
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The chiroptical response of materials and structures is most often studied by optical means, yet in a future optoelectronic nanodevice, a local electronic excitation is necessary. Working with this long-term goal in mind, we will investigate for the first time the electrical excitation
of a chiral nanoparticle using the tunneling current from a scanning tunneling microscope. We will also investigate chiral light-matter interactions of a 2D semiconductor in an electrically excited plasmonic cavity
Contact
Elizabeth Boer-Duchemin
03/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
279
Cell automaton-based simulation of tissue migration in early embryonic development
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
This is a new multidisciplinary collaboration between two internationally renown teams: one in biophysics (Paris) and one in cell developmental biology (Montpellier).
Embryonic development involves large scale auto-organised tissue remodelling. Gastrulation is the process during which a sphere-like embryo acquires a multi-layered structure with a distinction between an “inside” and an “outside”. This a major event, highly conserved across evolution. This internship focuses on the stage where the mesoderm tissues (purple and red in the diagrams below) enter inside the embryo and prepare the head-trunk organisation of the future animal. Our model is here an amphibian, for which the Fagotto team measures experimentally all physical properties (stiffness, adhesiveness, tensions, motility) that control the individual or collective cell activity.
We aim at integrating experiment-driven information into a robust numerical simulation of collective movements emerging at tissue scale. This internship will focus on the onset of gastrulation. The intern will exploit an open-source software based on the “cellular Potts model” in the Graner team. The aim is to propose predictions which the Fagotto team will experimentally test.
Contact
François Graner
Laboratory : MSC - UMR7057
Team : Morphogenèse et Dynamique des Systèmes Auto-Organisés
Team Website
Team : Morphogenèse et Dynamique des Systèmes Auto-Organisés
Team Website
03/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :
280
Pressure profile in hydrogel membranes
Domaines
Soft matter
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The aim of this project is to characterize mechanical deformations inside soft membranes under an osmotic flux. The membrane fabrication method will rely on photo-polymerization of hydrogels, and the characterization on micromechanics experiments, which allow for the visualization of materials displacements inside a hydrogel. Beyond bringing fundamental insight into soft membranes, this project will have far-reaching implications in the fields of biophysics and polymer physics.
Contact
Nicolas Bain
03/09/2025
/
Thesis :
Funding :