To find the right proposal !
Internship and thesis proposals
Criteria for selection
Number of proposals
95
1
Investigating strong electronic correlations effects in epitaxial single atomic layers
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
This M2 internship is intended to be pursued as a PhD work. We aim here to study simple model 2D materials that present Mott physics using local spectroscopy probe such as low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy. This means that our 2D materials undergo strong electronic correlations that prevent them from being good metals. Instead an insulating state occurs called a Mott insulator, that usually orders antiferromagnetically at low temperature. Exciting new phases can be achieved upon doping these materials, as discovered in high-temperature cuprate superconductors. There are two main aspects of the long term project. First the role of the coupling of the 2D material to its supporting substrate is usually overlooked. This is what we plan to study during the internship with the material 1/3 monolayer of Pb/Ge(111) for which we obtained nice preliminary results. The second long term objective of this project is to dope the Sn/Si(111) phase, that we have shown recently to be a 2D Mott insulator (https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.26304), in order to induce and identify new unconventionnal superconducting phases.
Contact
Christophe Brun
30/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
2
Time resolved scanning tunnelling microscopy
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
Quantum matter, such as high temperature superconductivity, is generally emergent, meaning that the physics cannot be understood by the sum of the individual components. The crucial additional ingredient is the interactions between the atoms (or lattice), electrons and spins. To directly study these interactions, we are currently developing a time-resolved scanning tunnelling microscope. This instrument will provide direct access to the surface atoms and the local electronic structure, while at the same time enabling read-out and/or excitation at GHz frequencies (i.e. nanosecond timescales).
During this internship, you will be the first to test and use this new instrument. Initially, measurements will be performed at room temperature to make sure that the microscope works correctly. Then, exploration at low temperature and high frequency will follow, with the aim of uncovering previously inaccessible information about the workings of quantum matter.
Contact
Freek Massee
30/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
3
Strong light-matter interactions with intra-cavity Rydberg superatoms
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Optical photons are excellent carriers of quantum information, but their lack of mutual interactions is a major roadblock for quantum technologies. Our setup enables such interactions by transiently injecting the photons into an intra-cavity cold atomic gas and converting them into strongly interacting Rydberg polaritons. The Rydberg-blockaded cloud then acts as an effective two-level superatom with an enhanced coupling to light. We can coherently manipulate its state, efficiently detect it, and observe state-dependent pi phase flips on the light reflected from the cavity as required for many quantum engineering tasks. We obtained the first fully deterministically-generated free-propagating states of light with negative Wigner functions. We also developed a deep theoretical understanding of the rich physics and the abilities of the superatoms, validated by experimental results.
This platform opens many perspectives for developing deterministic multi-photon gates, performing quantum measurements impossible with current techniques, generating non-classical free-propagating resource states, and studying strongly correlated quantum fluids of light.
Contact
Sébastien Garcia
30/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
4
Magnetic resonance of single biomolecules with quantum superconducting circuits
Domaines
Biophysics
Quantum Machines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Superconducting qubits, developed for quantum computing, can also serve as sensitive detectors for probing the magnetic properties of individual molecules. The Quantronics group has demonstrated the detection of individual electron spins in crystals by counting the microwave photons they emit with a transmon qubit [1], as well as the coherent control of neighbouring nuclear spins [2]. This internship will contribute to our ongoing work on molecular spins in frozen solution, with the aim of performing magnetic resonance spectroscopy on individual spin-labelled biomolecules.
Electron spin resonance (ESR) provides information about the local electronic and magnetic environment of molecules. In structural biology, interactions between spin labels can also be used to measure distances within proteins. Conventional experiments average over many molecules, obscuring their individual properties and limiting spectroscopic resolution. Measuring molecules individually could overcome this ensemble broadening and reveal local environments and spin couplings that are otherwise unresolved, opening access to more detailed structural information.
Contact
Emmanuel Flurin
30/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
5
Mechanochemical cell-state transitions during embryonic organoids morphogenesis
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Embryonic organoids are self-organizing stem-cell systems that reproduce key features of early development, including symmetry breaking, differentiation, collective cell motion and tissue elongation, and can progressively generate structures resembling early organ-like domains. Their morphogenesis results from a strong coupling between cell fate and mechanics: stem cells continuously integrate biochemical and physical information from their local microenvironment and, in response, choose whether to remain undifferentiated or differentiate toward distinct cell types. These fate decisions in turn modify cell adhesion, contractility, motility and tissue organization.
The aim of this internship is to bridge several physical scales: from single-cell properties and cell-cell interactions, to collective dynamics and a continuum description of the tissue. We will combine quantitative live imaging, image and data analysis, mechanical perturbations and biophysical modelling to understand how local mechanical properties, cell-state decisions and interactions between neighbouring cells generate non-trivial tissue-scale behaviours such as flows, spreading, polarization and elongation. The objective is to identify the physical mechanisms that connect cell-scale decisions to the global morphogenesis of embryonic organoids.
Contact
Sham Tlili
Laboratory : Marseille Developmental Biology Institute - UMR 7288
Team : Physical approaches to cell dynamics and tissue morphogenesis
Team Website
Team : Physical approaches to cell dynamics and tissue morphogenesis
Team Website
29/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
6
Active-matter physics of human placental morphogenesis: coupling cell-state transitions, collective migration and tissue mechanics
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-linear optics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Placental development is a remarkable morphogenetic process in which fetal trophoblast cells build a functional organ inside the maternal uterus through collective migration, differentiation and invasion. It emerges from a dynamic coupling between fetal and maternal tissues, yet its quantitative biophysics remains comparatively unexplored.
At its core lies a three-state problem: trophoblast progenitors can remain proliferative cytotrophoblasts (CTB), differentiate into multinucleated secretory syncytiotrophoblasts (STB), or become migratory, invasive extravillous trophoblasts (EVT). We will ask how this fate choice is controlled not only by the external environment, but also by the microenvironment generated by the trophoblast tissue itself: does the local fraction and spatial organization of CTB, STB and EVT bias the fate of neighbouring cells?
We will then place trophoblast organoids in controlled microengineered environments where tissue expansion is mechanically more or less permissive, from free-edge collective migration to 3D gel invasion, where resistance to motion and confinement generate increasing mechanical stresses and pressure. Quantitative live imaging in 2D and 3D will map cell identity, trajectories, flows, density and rearrangements, allowing us to test how tissue composition, neighbour interactions and mechanical resistance jointly control differentiation, migration and invasion.
Contact
Sham Tlili
Laboratory : Marseille Developmental Biology Institute - UMR 7288
Team : Physical approaches to cell dynamics and tissue morphogenesis
Team Website
Team : Physical approaches to cell dynamics and tissue morphogenesis
Team Website
29/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
7
Multiscale characterization of photovoltaic materials
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 et théorique Description
In the past years, photovoltaics (PV) became one of the cheapest sources of energy. 97% of commercial solar cells are made of silicon, and their lab-scale record efficiencies of 28.2 % are now close to the theoretical limit (29.4 %). Yet, expectations of both the society and the PV industry are still high, and most of the research efforts are now dedicated to pushing forward the efficiency. Combining silicon and new materials in tandem devices is the most-regarded solution for next-generation photovoltaics. Current options are polycrystalline semiconductors like perovskites and inorganic Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 or CdTe thin films, but they are still limited by both efficiency and/or stability issues that are hardly explained by current models. Further developments require a better understanding of the properties of low-cost thin-film materials.
The goal of this project is twofold. From the one side combining CathodoLuminescence (CL) and PhotoLuminescence (PL) techniques will provide a multi-scale (from <10 nm to cm) analysis tool for elementary processes and properties of bulk materials and surfaces. On the other side, we aim at pushing our analysis a step further by calibrating our tool in absolute terms, i.e. extracting the number of CL photons emitted by the sample. Another long-term objective is to use advanced computational methods for correlative data analysis, and simulation to build a realistic model of thin-film solar cells using the measured quantities.
Contact
Amaury Delamarre
29/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
8
Light-trapping for next-generation single-junction and tandem solar cells
Domaines
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 et théorique Description
Photovoltaics (PV) are a cornerstone of the global energy transition. Today, silicon-based solar cells dominate the market (97%), achieving average conversion efficiencies of 23% typically using 150 µm-thick wafers. The next generation of solar cells could achieve a seemingly paradoxical goal: higher efficiency with less material. Ultrathin solar cells (10x thinner than conventional ones) offer a transformative solution for material savings and reduced carbon footprint, lightweight and flexible applications.
However, their performance has been limited by insufficient light-trapping to compensate for the reduced material volume. Our team has already achieved a major milestone: in 2019, we demonstrated a 19.9%-efficient ultrathin solar cell with only 200 nm of GaAs, using a nanostructured back mirror that leverages multi-resonant absorption (Nature Energy, 2019). We’ve also published a comprehensive review on ultrathin cells (Nature Energy, 2020) and derived theoretical upper bounds for light trapping (PRX Energy, 2026), opening new perspectives for ultrathin solar cells.
This internship builds on these results to develop solutions for light-trapping in ultrathin solar cells. It will combine clean-room work and optical simulation, and it will explore the potential of correlated-disorder nanostructures for light-trapping using low-cost, self-assembly processes, aiming at their integration in single-junction silicon solar cells and tandems.
Contact
Amaury Delamarre
29/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
9
Method development for graphene assisted transferrable III-V 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 et théorique Description
III-V epitaxy is normally performed on mono-crystalline substrates a few hundred micrometers thick, while the active thin-film device itself is usually only a few micrometers. During the fabrication process, the substrate is either etched or retained in the structure without serving any functional purpose. In this project, we aim to detach the thin film from the substrate. This will yield semiconducting membranes that are altogether flexible, lightweight, integrable, and high-performance (both optically and electronically). These membranes have applications in numerous fields, including silicon photonics, flexible devices, and high-efficiency solar cells. Furthermore, this approach offers the opportunity to recycle the mono-crystalline substrates, which are both expensive and made from critical materials, thereby reducing material consumption 100-fold.
Our strategy is to deposit a graphene layer onto the substrate before performing the epitaxy (see figure in attached pdf). We have demonstrated that graphene enables the fabrication of high-quality mono-crystalline material while allowing its exfoliation. The general purpose of the internship is to develop this method, which requires both exploring the fundamental physical phenomena occurring at the graphene surface during material synthesis and defining practical methodologies and quality assessment protocols for each process step. Without restrictions, we aim to fabricate ultrathin solar cells.
Contact
Amaury Delamarre
29/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
10
A cell-based model for tissue electrohydraulic properties
Domaines
Condensed matter
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
In addition to generating forces and reacting to mechanical cues, cells and tissues are capable of actively transporting fluids and of creating electric currents. The goal of this internship will be to explore these properties using a cell-based approach. This numerical model, based on the vertex model and pump-and-leak model, will be designed include explicitly fluid transport. See pdf for details.
Contact
Charlie Duclut
29/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
11
A new source at 578 nm for clock interrogation and shelving of Yb atoms
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Quantum gases
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The internship will take place in the ytterbium lattice clocks team at LTE, Observatoire de Paris. Two topics are proposed in parallel: the design and the construction of a 578 nm source based on non-linear optics, and the demonstration of an atomic drain technique aiming at shelving atoms in metastable states so as to decouple the dynamics of a magneto-optical trap from the capture in a deep optical lattice.
Contact
Rodolphe Le Targat
28/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
12
Bio-inspired superconducting sensors for sub-THz technologies
Domaines
Condensed matter
Physics of living systems
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The overall objective is to develop an ultrasensitive, on-chip sub-THz spectrometer that mimics the cochlea’s remarkable ability to decompose complex audio signals. This will be achieved by combining graded metamaterial designs with the nonlinear dynamics of superconductors.
The internship will consist in setting up a 100GHz measurement apparatus and simulating, then fabricating a first prototype to verify the properties of the rainbow trapping in the linear case.
Do not hesitate to contact us, if you are interested !
Contact
Alexis Jouan
28/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
13
Local THz photons for coherent light-matter interaction
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
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 et théorique Description
The goal of this project is to build a quantum spectrometer in the meV range that opens the road for the study of quantum coherences in low dimensional systems. It lies at the frontier between microwave and optics will enrich two fields of research and give access to mesoscopic phenomena such as magnonic excitations.
Feel free to contact me if you are interested!
Contact
Alexis Jouan
28/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
14
Dynamique loin de l'équilibre dans des fluides quantiques à deux composantes
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Non-linear optics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Contact
Pierre-Élie Larré
28/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
15
Pump-Probe Spectroscopy of Charge Carrier Transport in Nanocrystal Optoelectronics
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 Description
Scientific project: The aim of this experimental project is to use a pump-probe optical microscopy method1 to spatiotemporally study microscopic charge transport in nanocrystal-based optoelectronics systems. Controlling nanoscale charge carrier transport is fundamental to energy conversion applications from solar cells to LEDs. While advanced spectroscopic methods grant an understanding of excited-state dynamics in isolated materials, many fundamental questions about the microscopic nature of transport in optoelectronics devices remain underexplored. To address this area, one needs a probe of local charge transport with ultrafast and nanosecond time resolution and sub-micron spatial resolution in a material in realistic device conditions. Our approach is to do ultrafast microscopy and fabricate nanocrystal-based optoelectronics. These studies will reveal microscopic structure–property relationships that connect nanoscale carrier dynamics to macro-scale energy conversion. We study fundamental questions, but under applied material conditions.
During the timeframe of the master’s internship, the student will take on one of several possible projects regarding charge transport in colloidal nanocrystal assemblies, and trying to connect this to electical measurements. The project likely involves optical spectroscopy, some instrumentation, Python simulations, some clean room, and basic chemistry lab prep. The goal is that the student continues on to do a PhD.
Contact
James Utterback
28/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
16
Study of Active Chiral Processes in Acto-Myosin Bundles
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Within every mammalian cell, the actin cytoskeleton forms networks composed of multiple filaments that support numerous fundamental cellular functions, such as cell division, motility, and intracellular transport. Myosin molecular motors use ATP hydrolysis to exert power strokes onto actin filaments. This phenomenon is up-scaled and applied to large assembly of filaments in actin networks inside cells, and leads to active chiral phenomenons. These are at the base of many large scale processes, such as the asymmetric development of multi-cellular organisms. Identifying the coupling between physico-chemical and geometrical parameters in acto-myosin networks to better understand active chiral processes is thus one of the most fundamental problem in biology.
To investigate this we focus our effort on the study of the emergence of rotational chirality in polar actin bundles. We propose bottom-up approaches to decipher individual molecular events and how they synergize to drive collective activity at the meso-scale. We will combine original experimental design to study motor-filament interactions using minimal reconstitution systems, with purified proteins. We will use a combination of fluorescence microscopy, microfluidics, and magnetic tweezers, which allows us to precisely control biochemical conditions and apply physiologically relevant forces in order to quantify the interactions between the filaments and various regulatory proteins.
Contact
Cécile Leduc
28/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
17
Magnetorotational instability in an accretion disk
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The aim of the project is to investigate the physical mechanisms and processes governing instabilities in an accretion disc orbiting a massive central object, which may give rise to turbulence. Because pure hydrodynamic models fail to explain astrophysical data, additional phenomena should be considered in order to explain how turbulence drives the transport of angular momentum. A primary candidate is the magnetorotational instability (MRI), which is triggered by the interaction of the accretion disk’s motion with a background magnetic field. The proposed work will combine numerical simulations within an idealized framework known as the ‘Taylor-Couette configuration’ with magnetohydrodynamic theory. The results will enable a comparison with the forthcoming DRESDYN-MRI experiment using liquid sodium, currently under construction at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR, Germany), which aims to detect and study different types of MRI in the laboratory.
Contact
Caroline Nore
28/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
18
Real-time imaging of 3D vectorial topologies in liquid crystal
Domaines
Condensed matter
Soft matter
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Understanding how topological structures emerge, evolve, and can be transferred
between physical systems is a central question in modern physics.In our group, we have developed an expertise to optically write & erase topological structures in liquid crystals, in a directional manner with respect to various degrees of freedom of light (polarization, phase, amplitude). In this regard, understanding the morphogenesis process remains a challenge that we propose to address by developing a novel optical imaging technique. This capability will enable the investigation of the dynamics and topology of liquid crystal textures and defects, as well as phase transitions and nucleation processes, in fundamentally new ways.
Contact
Delphine Coursault
28/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
19
Can biodiversity be seen from space? Multiscale complexity in remote-sensing images to predict ecosystem trends.
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
A biodiverse landscape may not simply be greener or more heterogeneous. It may possess a distinctive organisation across scales: habitat mosaics, edges, corridors, characteristic patch sizes, lacunarity and long-range correlations. Aerial and satellite images preserve much of this geometry, yet standard ecological products often compress it into pixel classes or a few averages. The challenge is to determine whether multiscale observables carry robust ecological information and, as a possible extension, whether they reveal spatial reorganisation before visible degradation.
Contact
Michael Benzaquen
27/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
20
{Mapping atmospheric convection from paragliding trajectories
Domaines
Statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Can thousands of recreational flights become an observatory of atmospheric convection? This internship will use large-scale paragliding trajectories to investigate the structure and dynamics of thermal updrafts. Combining atmospheric physics, trajectory analysis and statistical inference, we will explore what nearby pilots can reveal collectively about an invisible, evolving flow, while accounting for the selective way they explore it.
Contact
Michael Benzaquen
27/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
21
Erosion by dissolution: hydrodynamics and pattern formation
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
25/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
22
2D materials architectures 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 geometrically modified graphene with periodic nano-holes or nanocostriction, 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, electrical and thermal conductivity, rectification), and analyze results through finite element simulations. The project offers practical training in 2D materials and advances understanding of geometry-driven thermal and thermoelectric control.
Contact
Maria Luisa Della Rocca
25/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
23
Anisotropic Mechanics of Active Tissues
Domaines
Condensed matter
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This project aims to study the role of activity and anisotropy in the mechanics of cellular monolayers. Activity is found in systems which are out-of-equilibrium. They consume energy at the microscopic level, such as ATP hydrolysis in cells, which allows them to generate active stresses, such as contractile forces in the acto-myosin network in cells. Anisotropy is found in systems which have elongated particles, or cells, leading to different properties along the X or Y direction. Traditional mechanical characterization of biological tissues considers them as passive and isotropic materials. This project will close this gap using a novel in vitro system: the microstretcher.
Contact
Claire Dessalles
25/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
24
Covalent 2D organic nanostructures by optically controlled cross-linking of molecular self-assemblies
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
The aim of the project is to establish a proof of principle of light-induced nanoscale chemistry at the optical wavelength scale, combining optics and scanning probe techniques such as scanning tunneling microscopy.
Contact
Mylène Sauty
25/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
25
Polarity dynamics in cell migration and coupling to cellular footprint
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Cell migration is driven by the asymmetric activity of its cytoskeleton, which is controlled by several interconnected intracellular phenomena: RhoGTPases activity, organelle positioning, cell-substrate adhesion... We also discovered recently that epithelial cells deposit a footprint on their way, which in turn feedbacks on cell polarity to act as an external self-attracting cue. Some of the relationships between those phenomena, cytoskeletal properties and associated cell displacement have been described. However, there is no comprehensive overview of the specific properties that emerge from this complex dynamical network, in particular its responsiveness to external stimuli. The goal of this project is twofold: (1) extract the dynamical relationships between those various intracellular processes from microscopy videos of migrating cells and (2) understand how those dynamics integrate the signals from cellular footprint.
Contact
Joseph D'Alessandro
25/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
26
Molecular membrane fabrication for quantum technologies
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
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 central objective of this internship is to establish a reproducible route for fabricating europium
molecular membranes and, crucially, to determine whether their exceptional optical properties are
preserved after exfoliation and transfer. The student will optimize the mechanical exfoliation
conditions to increase the yield of thin, large-area flakes; develop deterministic dry-transfer protocols
onto photonic substrates such as SiC, SiO2/Si and glass; characterize membrane thickness,
morphology and crystalline quality using optical interference microscopy, atomic force microscopy
and Raman spectroscopy; and investigate their luminescence and optical homogeneous linewidths at
cryogenic temperatures using spectral hole burning. Comparison with bulk crystals will allow the
influence of exfoliation, reduced thickness and substrate coupling on the optical coherence of the
molecular material to be established.
Contact
Diana SERRANO
25/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
27
Active Flow Networks
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Context. How do biological organisms know how to transport matter and information exactly where they are needed? Many, like the slime mold rely on active flow networks. These systems are governed by the principles of active matter, in which the medium is set in motion locally. Remarkably, these local flows self-organize into transport that reaches the right place at the right time. While these highly effective transport networks are widely observed across nature, the physical mechanisms that allow them to self-organize and direct flows remain poorly understood. In this internship, we will design and study a novel artificial system to recreate these active flow networks and uncover the physical rules governing them.
This internship will experimentally recreate active flow in channel networks and model how such flow leads to self-organized functional transport. The student will work together with PhD students and postdocs and use experimental facilities to characterize the flow rate and pressure gradient produced by active pumps. Working with Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pumping, the student will gain practical experience using our microcontroller-based (Arduino) setup to map how flow and pressure gradients adapt to varying channel configurations. The results will open the way to innovative solutions for adaptive cooling and water management technologies in networks that can easily be disassembled and reused. The internship can be followed by a PhD grant.
Contact
Martin Brandenbourger
25/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
28
Design Viscoelasticity
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Context: Every interaction with our environment—from the shoes we wear to the helmets that
protect us from impact—is shaped by how materials respond to applied forces. Although
additive manufacturing has transformed the way we engineer mechanical properties, these
advances often remain limited to static, academic models (Fig.1). Bridging the gap to real-world
use requires designing materials with time-dependent behaviour, capable of complex
vibrations and high-velocity impacts of a dynamic world.
The project: The internship will study a periodic elastomeric metamaterial [1] comprising 3D-printed,
submillimetric channels filled with viscous liquid (Fig. 1). The student will characterize
how the presence of fluid within the structure controls the relaxation time of the material (Fig.
1). The project will build on these results and characterize experimentally how the architecture
of the tube (the distribution and size of the fluidic channels) and the viscosity of the fluid
control the relaxation dynamics from few milliseconds to seconds. We will then study the
mechanics of such a hybrid material under imposed deformation using tensile test machines
and impact tests.
Contact
Martin Brandenbourger
25/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
29
Collective motion based on deep reinforcement learning
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique 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.
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 [1]. At
IRPHE, researchers use deep reinforcement learning to allow the agent to infer the underlying
structure of its environment. Through simulated trial and error, the agent learns an optimal
strategy to adapt its trajectory and reach its target despite extremely limited visibility.
This internship aims at implementing this approach on physical robots in order to evaluate
these behaviors under real-world conditions. The candidate will learn to program the robotic
platform (Fig. 1) and conduct a series of experiments to evaluate its performance. The student
will join an ongoing project involving PhD students and PIs and combining experimental,
numerical and theoretical approaches. The internship could progress into a PhD aiming at
developing a complete understanding of collective motion in complex flows, pending
successful grant approval from the doctoral school.
Contact
Martin Brandenbourger
25/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
30
Single-Photon Detection and Correlation Measurements in Ultracold Atoms
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The Exotic Quantum Matter (EQM) Group is looking for a highly motivated Master 2 student to characterize a single-photon detection system that will subsequently be integrated into the experimental platform. The EQM group operates a quantum simulator based on ultracold potassium atoms to study strongly interacting quantum matter and light–matter interactions.
The EQM team has already demonstrated strong photon–photon interactions through classical measurements of optical intensity and phase. The next step is to investigate these interactions at the level of individual photons, where quantum correlations become directly accessible.
The internship will establish a two-channel single-photon detection system based on two single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) and a high-resolution photon arrival-time tagger. The system will be used to measure the second-order photon correlation function g²(τ).
Contact
Tom Bienaimé
25/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
31
Modélisation de l’effet d’une irradiation sur des cellules hypoxiques
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
La radiothérapie fait partie des traitements classiques contre le cancer. Mais des cellules radiorésistantes se développent, notamment dans les zones hypoxiques des tumeurs. L'objectif de ce stage est de développer de nouveaux modèles mathématiques permettant de caractériser la réponse à l'irradiation des tissus, en tenant compte notamment de l'état d'oxygénation des tissus.
Ce projet associe un aspect expérimental (culture de cellules, utilisation d’un vidéomicroscope de façon à pouvoir suivre les cellules individuellement pendant quatre jours, les cellules seront mises sous différents degrés d’hypoxie, puis irradiées avec différentes doses), un aspect d’analyse d’images et un aspect modélisation (un modèle discret stochastique des effets de l’irradiation de type agents-centré sera ensuite développé, de façon à tester des scenarii, expliquer et reproduire les données obtenues, dans les différentes conditions d’hypoxie et de doses d’irradiation).
Contact
Mathilde Badoual
24/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
32
Self-organized patterning in mammalian stem-cell aggregates
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
This project aims to uncover the biophysical principles that enable mammalian embryonic stem cells to self-organize into three-dimensional structures resembling developing embryos. How do cells acquire their identities and positional information, and how does precise and reproducible spatial organization emerge from their collective behavior? Combining quantitative microscopy, image analysis, mathematical modeling, and machine learning, the project will investigate the emergence of positional and correlative information during stem-cell differentiation and the flow of information through genetic networks. By linking theory and experiments, we aim to identify general principles of developmental self-organization and compare information processing across different biological systems, including mammalian stem-cell aggregates and Drosophila embryos.
Contact
Thomas Gregor
24/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
33
Gravimètre à atomes froids aéroporté
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Le stage proposé consistera à participer au premier essai aéroporté d'un gravimètre quantique de seconde génération, plus compacts, plus précis et permettant non seulement de mesurer l’amplitude du champ de gravité, mais également d’en déterminer l’orientation . Dans un premier temps, le stagiaire mettra en place une procédure de calibration des capteurs auxiliaires nécessaires au fonctionnement du gravimètre. Dans un deuxième temps, il participera à une campagne de mesures en vol aux îles Féroé. Enfin, il contribuera au traitement et à l’analyse des données acquises pendant les vols. Ce stage permettra au stagiaire d’acquérir des compétences à l’interface de plusieurs domaines : physique quantique, métrologie de haute précision, instrumentation et traitement de données. Le stage pourra se poursuivre par une thèse portant sur la suite du développement de ce gravimètre quantique, avec pour objectif la réalisation de mesures vectorielles du champ de gravité.
Contact
Sylvain Schwartz
24/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
34
Métrologie quantique avec des atomes de Rydberg dans des pinces optiques
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Ce stage s'inscrit dans un projet visant à explorer une nouvelle génération de capteurs de champs électromagnétiques avec des atomes froids de Rydberg. L'idée est de combiner la grande sensibilité des atomes de Rydberg au très bon degré de contrôle et de cohérence qu'il est possible d'atteindre avec des atomes froids contrôlés dans des pinces optiques. Cela ouvre la voie à de nouvelles applications dans des domaines variés comme : l’imagerie THz, la détection électromagnétique, la calibration des déplacements lumineux dans les horloges atomiques et des expériences de métrologie quantique où l'intrication entre atomes est mise à profit pour améliorer la sensibilité des mesures.
Notre dispositif expérimental a permis la démonstration de méthodes innovantes pour la mesure d’un champ micro-onde avec des atomes froids de Rydberg [Phys. Rev. Applied 22, 044039 ; arXiv:2608.07260]. L'objectif de ce stage est d’explorer de nouvelles techniques de mesure des champs électromagnétiques avec des atomes froids de Rydberg dans des pinces optiques.
Intégré au sein de l'unité DPHY/SLM de l'ONERA, qui est un acteur mondialement reconnu des capteurs à base d'atomes froids, vous serez également amené(e) à interagir avec le département électromagnétisme et radar de l'ONERA ainsi qu'avec nos partenaires académiques et industriels
Contact
Sylvain Schwartz
24/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
35
Fluid and electrical transport in confined saline solutions
Domaines
Condensed matter
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
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
The objective of this internship is to understand how the electrical conductivity of confining surfaces controls the flow properties of a nanoconfined saline solution. To this end, the project will utilize semiconducting surfaces, which will allow for the experimental exploration of a situation that lies between insulating and conducting surfaces.
The internship will consist of several complementary stages:
• fabrication of surfaces by sputtering;
• characterization of their topography using atomic force microscopy (AFM);
• conducting dSFA experiments to measure hydrodynamic forces in confined solutions;
• analysis and modeling of the results to identify the role of surface conductivity.
All necessary experimental techniques are available and mastered in the laboratory. The internship will thus allow the candidate to gain training in a range of cutting-edge experimental techniques at the interface between fluid mechanics, condensed matter physics, and interface physics.
This project is part of a research theme currently being developed at the laboratory and may be continued as a doctoral thesis, funded under the ANR JCJC ElectroMecano project. Continuing the project will, in particular, allow us to take a deeper look with the combination of mechanical and electrical measurements within the dSFA, in order to develop a unified understanding of fluid, ionic, and electronic transport under confinement.
Contact
Romain Lhermerout
24/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
36
Mechanical regulation of actin/vimentin crosstalk in vitro
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
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
23/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
37
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
This internship will focus on measuring mid-infrared molecular transitions of methanol (CH3OH), ammonia (NH3), and other molecules known for their enhanced sensitivity to changes in µ. The work will involve achieving subDoppler spectroscopic resolution to reach target laboratory frequency accuracies of ~100 Hz needed for comparisons with astronomical observations. This activity is part of the ANR Ultiµos project, a collaborative effort which seeks to refine current constraints on the possible variation of µ which involves leading research institutions, including Laboratoire Kastler Brossel (LKB, L. Hilico) and MONARIS (C. Janssen) at Sorbonne Université. The three partners of the Ultiµos consortium will collaborate to conduct measurements in different spectral windows, to identify transitions as targets for future Earth/space comparison campaigns, which could further tighten constraints on
variations of µ. Other collaborators, such as Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Onsala Space Observatory, will provide theoretical and observational/astronomical support to complement the experimental efforts.
Contact
Raphaël Hahn
23/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
38
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 student will join the effort at LPL to develop a new-generation compact and versatile microwave (MW) spectrometer operating over the 2–20 GHz range. This instrument is conceived both as a high-sensitivity detector of internal quantum states in polyatomic molecules and as a precision tool for molecular frequency metrology. The spectrometer will enable cross-checks between MW rotational frequencies and mid-infrared (MIR) rovibrational data planned to be measured at the 100 Hz level in the frame of the ANR Ultiµos project. These comparisons are directly motivated by the search for potential variations of the proton-to-electron mass ratio µ, a fundamental constant whose stability can be tested by confronting laboratory data with MW astronomical spectra of molecules such as methanol and ammonia. These species possess transitions with strong sensitivity coefficients to µ, making them powerful probes of possible temporal or spatial variations of fundamental constants. In Ultiµos, spectroscopy with ultrastable MIR quantum cascade lasers provide ultra-precise MIR frequencies with relative uncertainties of 10 ¹². By using combination–difference schemes, these MIR data yield effective MW intervals that can be directly confronted with our SI-traceable MW measurements. Such dual determinations, based on entirely different experimental chains and affected by distinct systematic effects, are ideal for robust cross-validation of frequency values and uncertainty budgets.
Contact
Raphaël Hahn
23/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
39
Precision Measurements and tests of fundamental physics with cold molecules
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Compared to atoms, molecular systems, owing to their numerous degrees of freedom, offer promising perspectives for improving tests of fundamental physics and precision measurements in general. Molecules are increasingly being used internationally for instance to test fundamental symmetries1, to measure fundamental constants2 or their
variation in time3, to search for dark matter4, ... Many of these experiments can be cast as measurements of resonance frequencies of molecular transitions highlighting the importance of frequency metrology. They also require advanced manipulation techniques already standard for atoms: individual states addressing, high detection rates, long coherence times, cooling of internal and external degrees of freedom.
The master student will participate in the development of a new-generation molecular clock specifically designed for precision vibrational spectroscopy of cold molecules in the gas phase. The proposed technology is at the forefront of cold molecule research and frequency metrology, and opens possibilities for using polyatomic molecules to perform
tests of fundamental physics and explore the limits of the standard model. The apparatus will be used in the first place for measuring the electroweak-interactions-induced tiny energy difference between enantiomers of a chiral molecule, a signature of parity (left-right symmetry) violation, and a sensitive probe of dark matter.
Contact
Raphaël Hahn
23/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
40
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
23/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
41
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
23/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
42
Data-driven modeling of gamma activity in mouse visual cortex
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The goal of the internship is to explore mechanisms of cortical gamma oscillations using computational modeling, to account for recent data on the spatial and temporal characteristics of gamma oscillations in mouse visual cortex. During the internship, we will employ rate models that may suffice to capture the interplay between thalamic inputs and locally coupled excitatory and inhibitory populations, as well as recurrent networks of spiking (e.g. leaky integrate and fire) neurons that may be necessary to capture spike-gamma event synchrony. Model predictions will be cross-checked using publicly available datasets of mouse V1 activity and intracellular recordings of V1 excitatory and inhibitory neurons.
Contact
Jonas Ranft
23/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
43
Confinement of Plasmonic Liquid Crystals in Emulsion Droplets
Domaines
Soft matter
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Plasmonic nanoparticles can self-assemble into liquid-crystalline phases with collective optical properties that differ strongly from those of isolated particles. This project will investigate the confinement of these new phases within emulsion droplets to create microscale, reconfigurable plasmonic materials. The study will focus on gold and silver nanorods forming nematic and smectic phases in confined geometries. It is expected that the curvature of the droplet interface impose specific orientations and generate defects or frustrated configurations. The project will (1) establish robust protocols for producing water in oil droplets containing plasmonic liquid crystals, (2) study the structure and measure the optical properties. Beyond fundamental research, we test this approach as a scalable route for "plasmonic pixels" with tunable vibrant colors.
Contact
Cyrille Hamon
23/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
44
Modeling ultrafast exciton transport in bio-inspired organic light-harvesting nanoparticles
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Energy transport is a key process at play in natural photosynthesis. Although pivotal to biology, this mechanism is still incompletely understood, but drives the interests of both fundamental and applied science. This internship aims at increasing the understanding of artificial photosynthesis by performing a theoretical modeling of EE transport in organic, bio-inspired light harvesting (LH) systems. The model design and parametrization will be guided by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy experiments performed in IPCMS. The goal will be to compute quantitatively and to simulate (i) the fluorescence anisotropy decay, which reveals the time scale for the ultrafast individual EE hopping events and (ii) the slower EE diffusion mechanism with a diffusion constant D that is extracted from the fluorescence quenching. This will be a first step towards a better understanding of EE transport, which is necessary to stimulate the emergence of innovative biomimetic photosynthetic materials. The candidate will join the IPCMS and work with J. Léonard performing the EE transport experiments and R. Avriller & B. Bacq-Labreuil working on the theory and simulation of EE transport. The candidate will benefit from a stimulating scientific environment in close connection between theory and experiments.
Contact
Rémi Avriller
22/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
45
Morphogenesis of the sea urchin skeleton microstructure: modeling actin self-organization
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Among all 3D structures, saddle-shaped geometries and minimal surfaces have intrigued scientists for centuries, because they can spontaneously self-assemble driven by the minimization of thermodynamic quantities such as the interfacial energy. Echinoderms, like sea urchins and sea stars, build a calcite skeleton whose microstructure is an outstanding biogenic example of saddle-shape geometry. This 3D structure, called stereom, is a porous meshwork made of calcite, whose peculiar curvature signature is conserved across different species and body parts. Several studies have addressed the morphogenesis of the stereom showing that it forms via biomineralization through a rich dynamics of branching and bridging episodes. Yet, a global, mechanistic comprehension of what controls preferential mineral deposition is still lacking.
Recently, we have found that the stereom may inherit its specific geometry from a precursor made of actin-fibers that self-organize under tension close to the growing boundary. However, precursors are confined in a pore-size layer closed to the growing boundary and cannot explain the coherence of the overall network. Our hypothesis is that the stereom local geometry is not only an emergent property but also a driving cue for skeletonizing cells and that this interaction is mediated by the cytoskeleton. The internship aims to build a model, coupling the stereom geometry and the self-organization of actin fibers using a continuous approach.
Contact
Giulio Facchini
Laboratory : MSC - UMR7057
Team : Morphogenèse et Dynamique des Systèmes Auto-Organisés
Team Website
Team : Morphogenèse et Dynamique des Systèmes Auto-Organisés
Team Website
22/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
46
Morphogenesis of the sea urchin skeleton microstructure: the role of the cytoskeleton - Experiments
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Among all 3D structures, saddle-shaped geometries and minimal surfaces have intrigued scientists for centuries, because they can spontaneously self-assemble driven by the minimization of thermodynamic quantities such as the interfacial energy. Echinoderms, like sea urchins and sea stars, build a calcite skeleton whose microstructure is an outstanding biogenic example of saddle-shape geometry. This 3D structure, called stereom, is a porous meshwork made of calcite, whose peculiar curvature signature is conserved across different species and body parts. Several studies have addressed the morphogenesis of the stereom showing that it forms via biomineralization through a rich dynamics of branching and bridging episodes. Yet, a global, mechanistic comprehension of what controls preferential mineral deposition is still lacking.
Recently, we have found that the stereom may inherit its specific geometry from a precursor made of actin-fibers that self-organize under tension close to the growing boundary. To confirm this hypothesis, the student will characterize how the stereom evolution is affected in the presence of drugs targeting the contractility and the polymerization of actin fibers. Next, we will also develop a new protocol to observe and characterize the cytoskeleton dynamics in vivo. The internship will be the opportunity to learn experimental techniques like immunochemistry and confocal microscopy, and to develop a numerical workflow for image analysis.
Contact
Giulio Facchini
Laboratory : MSC - UMR7057
Team : Morphogenèse et Dynamique des Systèmes Auto-Organisés
Team Website
Team : Morphogenèse et Dynamique des Systèmes Auto-Organisés
Team Website
22/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
47
Swimming cells under light
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Photosynthetic micro-organisms contribute for half of dioxygen production, consume carbon dioxide, and are promising regarding biofuel production. Our lab aims to develop a quantitative approach describing the energetic state of these micro-organisms exploring their environment, a crucial aspect to better understand their motility behaviour. To tackle this problem, we use the motile micro-algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a model unicellular organism, per-forming photosynthesis (light-to-chemical energy conversion) and phototaxis (cell reorientation along the light direction). Two projects are available.
Contact
Antoine Allard
22/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
48
Effective surface tension in miscible fluid flows
Domaines
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
When two miscible liquids meet, transient composition gradients across their boundary generate an effective interfacial tension. This gives rise to complex interfacial flow dynamics governed by tightly coupled mass and momentum transport: a fundamental problem with broad implications in microfluidics, active mixing, and soft matter physics. In this project, the student will investigate these interfacial flows through a combination of precision experiments and physical modelling. You will design and prototype custom millifluidic channels (using3D printing and microfabrication, no prior knowledge about it required) and perform micro-PIV measurements on a state-of-the-art inverted fluorescence microscope to map local velocity fields at the interface. Depending on the candidates background, the experimental work can be complemented by analytical scaling laws and calculations or numerical simulations.
Contact
Théo Lenavetier
22/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
49
Mimicking the ocean in the lab: the ultimate experiment
Domaines
Statistical physics
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The M2 internship and the following PhD thesis will consist in assembling and running a new experimental setup aiming at reaching the internal wave turbulence regime in a stratified and rotating fluid in order to test theoretical predictions that could offer new approaches for simulating ocean dynamics at small scales. The setup will consist in a rotating hexagonal water tank, 4 m high and 4 m large, filled with 40 000 L of salt stratified water installed on the 13 m diameter rotating Coriolis platform in LEGI laboratory in Grenoble. The PhD student's "base camp", where the analysis of the data collected during the campaigns will be carried out, will be the FAST laboratory in Orsay. However, the possibility of also conducting this part of the project in Grenoble can be discussed.
Contact
Pierre-Philippe Cortet
22/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
50
Exploring non-Abelian geometric phases with mobile spins
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
This project aims to perform direct measurements of non-Abelian geometric phases experienced by individual spins moving in materials with strong spin-orbit interaction. We will develop an experiment where single holes are displaced along closed loops inside 2D arrays of quantum dots in germanium at zero magnetic field. By studying the evolution of their spin states depending on the trajectory followed, we will evidence the non-Abelian geometric phases, study their properties and investigate their potential for quantum information processing.
Contact
Corentin Déprez
22/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
51
Understanding Confined Glass Transition using Levitodynamics
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental 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.
The proposed method involves significantly modifying/improving an experimental system [1,2,3] whose basis has already been developed at LOMA for other fields of application. The originality of our new device is that it will enable independent determination of the size, refractive indices (real and imaginary) and temperature of a glass former nanoparticle optically trapped at a wavelength of 1064 nm [4,5]. The addition of an extra CO2 laser will enable us to finely control the temperature of the nanoparticle whose position is resolved in 3D using ultra fast interferometric detection [1,5].
Contact
Yacine AMAROUCHENE
21/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
52
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
21/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
53
The statistical physics of visual preference: What makes an image appealing?
Domaines
Statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Why do some images feel visually compelling while others appear dull, chaotic or artificial? This internship will investigate whether aesthetic preference can be related to measurable statistical properties of images. Building on our previous work on structural complexity, multiscale relevance, and quantitative color harmony, we will combine large human-preference datasets with interpretable descriptors of image organisation to identify which visual structures are consistently associated with appeal.
Contact
Michael Benzaquen
21/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
54
Cooperation in hybrid human-AI populations: Can artificial agents reshape collective behaviour?
Domaines
Statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
As artificial agents become participants in social and economic interactions, even a small fraction of them may alter collective behaviour. This internship will investigate how cooperation emerges in populations containing both humans and artificial agents. Using empirical data from social-dilemma experiments together with simple statistical-physics and evolutionary-game models, we will ask when artificial agents stabilise cooperation, when they disrupt it, and which mechanisms control the transition between these regimes.
Contact
Michael Benzaquen
21/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
55
Strong Chiral Light-Matter Interactions in a Fabry-Perot Cavity
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
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
Théorique, numérique Description
Chirality plays a central role in chemistry and biology, where molecules of opposite handedness can exhibit strikingly different biological and pharmacological activities despite having identical chemical compositions. Identifying and controlling molecular enantiomers is therefore of major importance. Light provides a natural probe of molecular handedness: chiral molecules interact differently with left- and right-circularly polarized light, giving rise to optical activity and circular dichroism, the foundations of chiroptical spectroscopy. Cavity quantum electrodynamics goes one step further by using confined electromagnetic fields to modify matter itself. Chiral cavities, engineered to interact differently with opposite molecular handedness, could enhance weak chiroptical signals and open new routes toward enantioselective synthesis, a major challenge in the pharmaceutical industry. This internship aims to develop a microscopic quantum model of chiral molecular ensembles strongly coupled to a Fabry-Perot cavity with engineered chiral mirrors. The goal is to understand and optimize chiral light-matter interactions toward ultrasensitive chiroptical spectroscopy and cavity-controlled enantioselective chemistry.
Contact
Rémi Avriller
21/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
56
Quantum simulation of anyons
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
We propose an internship to implement quantum simulation scenarios with ultra-cold dipolar excitons, confined in nanoscopic electrostatic lattices. This semiconductor platform has shown a high level of performance. It relies on electron-hole pairs that are optically injected in a double quantum well, where gate electrodes imprint electrostatic lattices confining excitons. Here, a route is introduced to realize anyonic excitations in the lattice. Anyons are strikingly marked by a fractional quantum statistics. They are theoretically accessible to dynamically varying lattices of dipolar excitons. following so-called Floquet engineering.
Contact
Francois Dubin
21/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
57
Modeling the action of seasons on frozen soils
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The goal of the internship is to study experimentally a model of a periglacial soil undergoing freezing/thawing cycles. The system will consist in a wet granular material in which a moving freezing front will be imposed. During the internship, different strategies for visualizing the micromechanical processes taking place in the system during the displacement of the front will be developed and the obtained measurements will be analyzed and modeled.
Contact
Axelle Amon
18/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
58
Cat qubits based on dc-biased Josephson junctions
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum Machines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Cat qubits protect quantum information in hardware. Two coherent states of a microwave resonator are held in place by a dissipation that removes photons only in pairs, which suppresses bit flips exponentially with the cat size. This dissipation is usually activated by a microwave pump, which also turns on parasitic terms. We instead bias a Josephson junction with a dc voltage, so that Cooper pairs tunnel at a frequency selecting the useful process while every unwanted term averages to zero. We have just demonstrated this mechanism in Lyon with Alice & Bob. The internship consists in measuring the next circuit and turning this dissipation into a qubit, first a two-component cat imaged by Wigner tomography, then a four-component cat calling for a high-impedance memory.
Contact
Benjamin Huard
Laboratory : laboratoire de physique, ENS de Lyon - umr 5672
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
18/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
59
A superconducting qubit with built-in protection against errors
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum Machines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Quantum processors correct their errors in software, at a cost of roughly a thousand physical qubits per useful logical one. A protected qubit works differently. Its two logical states are placed so far apart in phase space that no local noise can connect them. Errors are suppressed by the geometry of the circuit rather than corrected after the fact. We identified a new circuit that should solve the current roadblocks of previous attempts at making such a device. During the internship, you will measure and characterize the first version of that circuit.
Moreover, we recently experimentally demonstrated that it is possible to remove any charge offset drift in superconducting circuits, which would greatly improve the coherence time of our qubit. You will also contribute to the development of a new fabrication recipe that stabilizes the charge offset deterministically.
Contact
Benjamin Huard
Laboratory : laboratoire de physique, ENS de Lyon - umr 5672
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
18/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
60
Nonequilibrium thermodynamics of defects in active matter
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
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 defects in pulsating active matter. The project will use some recent methods of stochastic thermodynamics to derive and examine the fluctuating hydrodynamics that describes the collective dynamics of defects. 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
18/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
61
Neural mechanisms for working memory
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Context: Neuronal networks generate large-scale activity patterns that support cognitive function. However, understanding how the anatomical and physiological properties of the network shape network activity and function is still a major challenge. Working memory is defined as the ability to temporarily store and manipulate behaviourally relevant information. The objective of our project is to elucidate how synaptic properties give rise to population activity patterns in working memory, which could reveal fundamental principles linking synaptic physiology and network computation. The project relies on a hybrid approach combining neuronal recordings and theoretical modelling.
M2 project: The intern will work on the construction of predictive neuronal network models constrained by available experimental evidence both from the existing scientific literature and from the dataset collected by the project experimental partner. He/she will work exclusively at the interface between models and large-scale data analysis, without participating in animal handling. Depending on the student’s interests, the project can emphasize modelling or data analysis.
Contact
Arthur Leblois
18/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
62
Probing Short-Time Brownian Motion in 3D with Optical Traps
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 Description
Push our optical trap toward a full 3D view of Brownian motion. Having proven we can track x(t) and y(t) under white light, cross-calibrated with our ultra-fast photodiode x(t) channel, join us to add a fast y(t) channel and a brand-new z(t) axis, the first steps toward a PhD probing particles near walls.
Contact
Julien BURGIN
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
63
Fractionalisation and anyons in integer quantum Hall circuits
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 et théorique Description
In reduced dimensionality, particles coined “anyons” can evade the familiar division between fermions and bosons with a fractional exchange phase between 0 and pi, with applications to topological quantum computation. Early on, quasiparticles of the Fractional Quantum Hall regime were identified as anyon candidates, and their fractional statistics was experimentally established in a few pioneer experiments in the early 2020s. It has been suggested that their existence extends way beyond this restrictive framework, and that they emerge for instance in bidimensional ballistic electron systems with strong Coulomb interactions, resulting in electron charge and statistics fractionalization.
The goal of this internship is to follow this novel approach with quantum circuit tools, combining quantum point contacts, single electron physics at high charging energies and ballistic edge channels of the Integer quantum Hall regime. The student will learn a variety of techniques mastered in the team (ultrasensitive conductance and quantum shot noise measurements, quantum thermal transport, electron interferometry), in order to reveal the anyonic nature of the system’s excitations, and characterize their quantum coherence.
Contact
Olivier Maillet
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
64
Infrared electroluminescence from colloidal quantum dots
Domaines
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Colloidal Quantum Dots (CQDs) are size-tunable semiconductors. They received the Nobel Prize in 2023 after being integrated into displays thanks to their spectrally narrow luminescence. While visible CQDs are now commercially available, their infrared counterparts have not yet released their full potential, whereas the short-wave infrared range lacks efficient non-coherent sources. The project aims to explore the design of light-emitting diodes operating in the 1 to 5 µm range. The infrared light-emitting layer is sandwiched between charge injection layers that selectively inject electrons and holes. In the visible range, the quantum efficiency can be as high as 20%, but it quickly drops as longer wavelengths are targeted (1% at 1.3 µm and 0.1% at 2 µm) due to the lengthening of the radiative lifetime and inefficient shielding, which makes non-radiative processes dominant. Thus, new concepts need to be introduced to circumvent this drop in efficiency. The project will explore new concepts related to charge injection based on energy transfer and cascade effects as strategies to generate electrical gain. A second aspect of the project will relate to the design and fabrication of photonic structures to achieve better light outcoupling.
Contact
Emmanuel Lhuillier
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
65
Nanocrystal-based infrared camera
Domaines
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Design of an infrared camera from colloidal quantum dots
Contact
Emmanuel Lhuillier
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
66
Toward the origin of ionic memory
Domaines
Condensed matter
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Biology processes information with ions flowing through nanochannels. Artificial nanofluidic devices made from 2D materials such as graphene now show ionic memory, which recent optical observations attribute to voltage-induced deformation of the channels. The physics behind this deformation remains poorly understood. In this internship, the student will fabricate model devices, submerged 2D flakes on substrates, and measure how the electrostatic pressure competes with interlayer adhesion, using coupled optical and electrokinetic measurements. Tuning the substrate roughness will then allow control of adhesion. The goal is a quantitative model identifying the key parameters for designing ionic memories.
Contact
Theo Emmerich
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
67
Imaging carrier transport in cross-sectional III-nitride LEDs
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
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 et théorique Description
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) made of nitride materials are universally used for energy-efficient lighting. However, such LEDs suffer from drastic drops in efficiency at high current densities and high emission wavelengths (green to red), whose causes are still debated due to their complexity. Understanding them requires to access carrier behavior inside the active region of the LED itself, taking into account microscopic structuration and heterogeneities. Most approaches in the literature focus on spatially averaged measurements, missing out the core of the problem.
This project proposes to develop a novel approach to directly image carrier behavior (injection, recombination et escape) in the active region of an in operando LED. The aim is to perform a pump-probe electrical and optical excitation on a cleaved device observed in cross-section in a low energy electron microscope. This approach includes several challenging steps, among them the cleavage of an operating device for an observation in cross-section and the development of a mixed electrical and optical excitation of the LED under the microscope. Numerical modelling will be developed to support experimental findings.
Contact
Mylène Sauty
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
68
Acousto-optic interaction for non-linear integrated mid-infrared photonics
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
The goal of this internship is to develop and characterize nonlinear acousto-optic devices operating in the mid-infrared (wavelength of 3-8µm), leveraging broadband transparency and piezoelectricity of III-V semiconductor heterostructures. These devices will perform phase modulation, but also potentially on-chip optical routing, a pre-requisite for magnetic field-free optical isolation.
The internship will be mostly experimental, involving the use and development of two existing setups. The first one is a mid-IR integrated photonic bench allowing to characterize the operation of the devices (see above, right). The second one is a heterodyne interferometer, that allows to image the SAW-related vibration (amplitude and phase) of the sample surface to characterize the acoustic properties of the devices (see above, left).
Contact
Mathieu Jeannin
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
69
Élaboration et caractérisation de grains cohésifs pour l'étude de milieux granulaires à polydispersité évolutive
Domaines
Condensed matter
Soft matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Les milieux granulaires sont omniprésents dans notre environnement, qu’il soit industriel (dans les secteurs agroalimentaire, du génie civil ou pharmaceutique, par exemple) ou naturel, comme lors de glissements de terrain ou d’avalanches.
Lorsque les grains présentent des interactions cohésives, ils peuvent s’agréger en amas maintenus par des liaisons susceptibles de se rompre sous l’effet de sollicitations mécaniques. Sous cisaillement, la rupture progressive de ces liaisons intergranulaires entraîne une évolution de la microstructure, caractérisée notamment par une fragmentation des amas et une dispersion croissante de leur taille. Cette fragmentation peut à son tour favoriser l’apparition de phénomènes de ségrégation, modifiant les propriétés d’écoulement à l’échelle macroscopique. Il s’établit ainsi un couplage entre l’évolution de la microstructure et le comportement rhéologique du matériau. Malgré son importance dans de nombreuses applications, les mécanismes gouvernant ce couplage entre microstructure, rupture des liaisons et comportement rhéologique demeurent encore largement incompris.
Ce stage constitue la première étape d'un projet de recherche plus large, qui a vocation à se poursuivre par une thèse de doctorat au laboratoire MAST-GPEM (Université Gustave Eiffel, Nantes). Il permettra au/à la stagiaire de développer les bases scientifiques pour aborder ce sujet dans la durée.
Contact
Patrick Richard
Laboratory : Granulats et Procédés d'Elaboration des Matériaux -
Team : Granulats et Procédés d'Elaboration des Matériaux
Team Website
Team : Granulats et Procédés d'Elaboration des Matériaux
Team Website
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
70
Mode-locked mid-IR fiber laser combs enabled by semiconductor saturable non-linear mirrors
Domaines
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 et théorique Description
Description
See pdf file for all the details
Extremely brief summary:
The goal of the internship is to develop and optimize mid-IR nonlinear mirrors, supported by recent results from the host team, that target comb operation of fiber lasers at lambda=3.5 and 4.6 um, and explore the mode locking regime. Our collaborators at CORIA/CNRS laboratory have developed these novel sources, and our SESAMs will enable their mode-locking operation
Contact
Raffaele Colombelli
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
71
Electrical and biochemical control of hair-cell mechanosensitivity in the inner ear
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Sound mechanoreception by the inner ear’s hair cells begins with the deflection of their hair bundle—a cohesive tuft of protruding stereocilia that serves as the hair cell’s mechanosensory antenna. Hair-bundle deflections modulate mechanical tension in elastic elements that pull on mechanosensitive ion channels and, in turn, modulate the influx of cations into the hair cell—the transduction current. Remarkably, a dynamic interplay between channel gating and an active feedback mechanism gives rise to active hair-bundle movements—reverse transduction, including spontaneous hair-bundle oscillations. This proposal aims at studying how external and internal control parameters modulate the mechanical and electrical correlates of transduction-channel gating to specify active and passive mechanosensitivity of the hair cell.
Contact
Pascal Martin
16/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
72
Ground-state cooling of multiple nanoparticles in optical levitation
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Quantum optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Optical levitation is a subfield of optomechanics, in which a nanoparticle is trapped in a vacuum at the focal spot of a microscope objective. Because levitated systems outperform other mechanical resonators, they offer the tantalizing prospect of investigating quantum mechanics at the mesoscale. To display quantum properties, the nanoparticle must be cooled down close to its ground state, which is typically achieved through the monitoring of its displacements and a modulation of the laser’s intensity. Currently, the most exciting endeavor in the field lays in performing levitation with many-body systems. Many-body levitation would offer the opportunity to observe effects for the first time, like the mesoscopic entanglement of nanoparticles. Sadly, conventional cooling techniques, cannot be multiplexed and fail badly to cool several elements in parallel.
Throughout this internship, the candidate will experimentally implement a new cooling technique intended to achieve the first-ever cooling of a many-body system composed of multiple nanoparticles in levitation. Compared to former strategies, here, a spatial light modulator is used to spatially shape the wavefront of the laser beam. Such a modulation enables to exert simultaneously adapted optical forces on all the nanoparticles in order to reduce their individual vibrational motions, which ultimately leads to the cooling of the many-body system. A funding is available to continue this internship through a PhD.
Contact
Nicolas Bachelard
15/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
73
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
15/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
74
The mechanics of osmotic pressure
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The aim of this project is to elucidate the mechanical nature of osmotic pressure. To this end, we will
experimentally measure the deformations of a soft semi-permeable membrane under an osmotic flux.
Based on preliminary results, we will engineer hydrogel semi-permeable membranes seeded with nanotracers
in microfluidic chips, and quantify material displacements with confocal imaging techniques.
Beyond bringing fundamental insight into soft membranes, we expect this project will have far-reaching
implications in the fields of biophysics and polymer physics.
Contact
Nicolas Bain
15/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
75
Tipping thresholds and bistability of Antarctic continental shelf regimes
Domaines
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The goal of the project is to investigate mechanisms and physical processes governing oceanic properties on the Antarctic continental shelf and to assess their relevance for potential bifurcations of ice-shelf cavities. Understanding this problem is crucial for reducing uncertainties in long-term climate projections, especially regarding sea-level rise. The proposed work will combine numerical simulations in an idealized setup and geophysical fluid dynamics theory.
Contact
Corentin Herbert
Laboratory : laboratoire de physique, ENS de Lyon - umr 5672
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
14/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
76
Build a 3D-printed holographic microscope for tracking particles in soft matter
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Holographic microscopy uses interference patterns to recover the three-dimensional positions
of many particles from a single image, making it a powerful tool for studying transport in soft and
heterogeneous materials. The NanoX-funded MEMTIM project will use this technique to determine
howdeformationhistorycreatesanisotropyandmechanicalmemoryinmucus. Thisinternshipwilldeliver
the new microscope required for these measurements.
Contact
Wylie Ahmed
14/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
77
Ultra-fast mid-IR modulators for applications to frequency combs
Domaines
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 et théorique Description
See pdf file for all the details
Extreme brief summary:
The goal of the internship is to develop electrically reconfigurable meta-surfaces whose optical properties, in reflection/ absorption, can be addressed electrically on ultra-fast timescales. In particular, we target ultra-fast amplitude modulators for the mid-infrared spectral range.
These developments are crucial for applications such as laser phase stabilization, spectroscopy, frequency comb generation, mode-locking, optical communications.
Contact
Raffaele Colombelli
14/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
78
Shaping the polarization of light for tip-enhanced photoluminescence
Domaines
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The goal of the internship is to develop an optical spectroscopy technique that is spatially resolved at the nanoscale, which is known as tip-enhanced photoluminescence (TEPL). This technique employs a laser beam focused onto the apex of a plasmonic metal tip (gold or silver) within an atomic force microscope (AFM) or scanning tunneling microscope (STM). To maximize the field enhancement effect at the tip apex, the focused beam must be radially polarized. To achieve this specific polarization, the intern will use a liquid-crystal polarization converter. The intern will then couple this beam to the plasmonic tip of an AFM or STM microscope, contribute to developing the software interface for controlling the optical detectors, and conduct TEPL experiments on semiconductor nanomaterial samples.
Contact
Eric Le Moal
14/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
79
Are there leaders in active systems?
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
You will aim at developing computational techniques to infer the presence of leaders in active systems. The stage will be based in SPEC/CEA (University of Paris-Saclay) and LPTMC (Jussieu).
Contact
Cesare Nardini
14/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
80
Oceanic Vortex Generation at a Sea-Ice Edge in a Rotating Tank
Domaines
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The objective of this internship is to investigate experimentally the generation and evolution of oceanic vortices at a sea-ice edge using a rotating-tank laboratory setup.
Contact
Charly De Marez
Laboratory : Laboratoire d'Océanographie Physique et Spatiale - 6523
Team : Ocean Scale Interactions
Team Website
Team : Ocean Scale Interactions
Team Website
14/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
81
Wet active systems: from anomalous diffusion to self-organization
Domaines
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 collective phenomenology. 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.
The stage will be developed between SPEC/CEA (Univ. Paris-Saclay) and LPTMC (Jussieu).
Contact
Cesare Nardini
14/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
82
PhD-thesis: Nonlinear dynamics in complex fiber networks
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
We are looking for a PhD-student to investigate the properties of complex fiber networks and the dynamics of network lasers within the framework of an ANR project. The project is mainly experimental but will be accompanied by numerical simulations.
Contact
Stefan Bittner
13/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
83
Dynamics of a DFB-laser with optical injection into a residual mode
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Distributed-feedback (DFB) lasers are semiconductor lasers with a single lasing mode thanks to a cavity design that suppress all other modes (called residual modes) by reducing their quality factors. Optical injection into a laser can lead to injection locking (i.e., synchronization), but also to unstable and ultra-fast chaotic dynamics. While optical injection into the main lasing mode of a DFB-laser has been extensively studied, injection into a residual mode remains unexplored. The objective is to study the dynamics caused by injection into a residual mode and to explore the possibility to create chaotic dynamics with increased bandwidth in view of applications like chaos cryptography. A systematic experimental investigation of the laser dynamics will be complemented by the development of a theoretical model and numerical simulations.
Contact
Stefan Bittner
13/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
84
Chaotic graphs in silicon photonics
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
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The objective of the internship and the thesis is to investigate the combined effect of nonlinearities and complex interferences in these optical graphs, particularly regarding the formation and dynamics of soliton states. In a second time, we will inject non-classical light (squeezed light or entangled photons) to test if entanglement is sensitive to chaos.
Contact
Mélanie Lebental
11/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
85
A Light Higgs Boson in Light of Ultraviolet-Infrared Mixing
Domaines
High energy physics
Fields theory/String theory
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Theory and phenomenology in particle physics beyond the Standard Model; Electroweak symmetry breaking; Higgs mechanism; Hierarchy problem. See PDF file.
Contact
Florian NORTIER
11/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
86
Streaming at the water surface induced by complex surface wave field
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
This internship aims to investigate experimentally and/or theoretically the fascinating complex flow patterns induced by random surface wave fields at the water surface. Preliminary results suggest that there exists strong connexion between the flow features (vortices/rivers) and the wave field features (zeros and maximum of oscillation), that are still to be explored and understood. Possibility to apply for PhD on the same topic.
Contact
Benjamin Apffel
11/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
87
Quantum plasmonic metamaterial time crystals
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
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
11/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
88
Controlling the polarization of light with chiral plasmonic nanostructures
Domaines
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 will (1) locally and electrically excite chiral plasmonic nanoparticles and (2) to use them to enhance the chiral properties of a new class of two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors called transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), which are key for a new branch of physics and technology called valleytronics
Contact
Elizabeth Boer-Duchemin
10/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
89
Transverse spreading of 2D localized microwaves in the presence of absorption
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
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
Expérimental et théorique Description
Various mechanisms underlie metal-insulator transitions in condensed matter. One of these mechanisms is Anderson localization, which is caused by quantum interference induced by disorder. As a consequence, the Drude diffusion of an electron through the sample has to be corrected, and when the interferences become large enough, conduction may cease, leading to an insulating phase. Because the origin of this phenomenon lies in interference, it has been suggested 40 years ago by Anderson himself that it should be easily observed using "classical" waves as light or sound. A signature of localization lies in the transmission transverse profile: in the diffusion regime, a Gaussian beam spreads in time whereas in the localization regime it saturates. This transverse profile beam spreading should be independent of transmission.
The intern will perform an experimental test of the independence of the claim that the transverse profile spreading in the presence of Anderson localization does not depend on absorption.
Contact
Geoffroy Aubry
10/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
90
Critical scaling of the bandgap appearance in 2D disordered photonic materials
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
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
Historically, photonic crystals and the concept of photonic bandgap were introduced in the seminal works of Yablonovitch and John in the 1980s. Even if natural examples exists (for instance in the blue iridescent wings of the Morpho butterfly), the first experimental realizations were done in the microwave regime by drilling holes in epoxy resin, and over the last 15 years, significant progresses in the micro and nano fabrication have been achieved enabling the availability of 3D materials with gaps or pseudo-gaps in the near-infrared. Nevertheless, despite a considerable amount of work reporting the measurement of photonic band gaps in different regimes (optical, infrared or microwave), an explanation of when to expect or not to expect a band gap is still lacking. Furthermore, even when a bandgap does exist, it is unclear exactly at which frequency it will occur and how wide it will be.
Using bandgap computation to compute the bandgap frequency and width fluctuations in two-dimensional hyperuniform dielectric materials, we propose to explore the idea of a possible continuous phase transition in the appearance of the bandgap using finite size scaling.
Contact
Geoffroy Aubry
10/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
91
How activity shapes transport and mechanics in crowded cellular matter
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 interior of a cell is a striking example of an active soft material: it is dense, heterogeneous, viscoelastic, and continuously driven far from equilibrium by internal energy-consuming processes. From a physics perspective, this activity can fluidize an otherwise glassy material and strongly enhance tracer motion. Yet we still lack a quantitative description of how energy injection and packing control fluctuations, transport, and mechanical response. The ANR-funded project, ActiveCyt, addresses this problem by combining controlled experiments with statistical-physics modeling.
Contact
Wylie Ahmed
10/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
92
Fabrication and magneto-optical characterization of a gadolinium doped silica optical fiber
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Light transport is in general reciprocal, and therefore the statement "if I see you, you see me" is in general true. The magneto optical Faraday effect is one way to break reciprocity, and it is used in optical isolators for instance. In our group, we are interested in more fundamental questions raised by the presence or not of reciprocity and its consequences on multiple scattering, and we work in particular with optical fibers as the propagation medium. The Faraday effect, and thus reciprocity breaking, is proportional to the external applied magnetic field and to the length of the Faraday active medium. The proportionality constant—called the Verdet constant—is for most materials quite low, meaning that reciprocity can only be substantially broken over very large distances for the magnetic fields achievable in the lab. We would therefore like to fabricate an optical fiber with a large Verdet constant.
Silica optical fibers doped with a small concentration of Gadolinium seem to be good candidates, as the Verdet constant of Gd-doped fibers was reported to be 2 orders of magnitude larger than standard telecom optical fibers, with reasonably low losses. For this work, we propose to fabricate Gd-doped optical fibers, and then characterize then both optically and magneto-optically.
Contact
Geoffroy Aubry
10/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
93
Nanoparticle diffusion in a cytoplasmic extract
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The interior of a cell is dense and crowded with polydisperse molecules, and subjected to biochemical activity that fluidizes it. Crowding and activity endow the intracellular milieu with specific properties. In particular, using single-particle tracking of genetically-encoded nanoparticles, we found that particle diffusion is not Brownian in vivo. Many reasons can explain this non-Brownian diffusion, such as particle interactions, the type of biochemical noise, or local heterogeneities due to the ultrastructure of the cytoplasm. The purpose of this internship is to study and model, using in vitro systems, how nanoparticles can diffuse in a cytoplasmic extract, as a controllable surrogate for a real cell.
Contact
Morgan Delarue
10/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
94
Unconventional liquid-like physics in frustrated metamaterials
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The project centers on a macroscopic 2D metamaterial we recently developed: arrays of interacting magnets. This platform is uniquely suited for exploring and engineering frustration effects and related liquid-like physics, as it allows precise control over each individual meta-spin while enabling full spatial resolution of the overall spin configuration and real-time tracking of its evolution. With this capability, we aim to uncover unconventional emergent phenomena, reminiscent of effects encountered in different research fields—such as phase separation effects, typically studied in combinatorial mathematics, or charge separation, transport, and recombination, which are central to condensed-matter physics.
Contact
Johann Coraux
10/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
95
Brownian motion in complex environments
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
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Contact
Thomas Salez
09/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :