Summary:
Mid Infrared spectroscopy in the 2-14 µm region is widely used for chemical and biologic analysis. The company DIAFIR has developed an infrared fiber evanescent wave spectroscopy for biological analysis and food industry. The key component is the single-use tapered chalcogenide fiber sensor, which determines the sensitivity of this analysis solution. The main objective of this project is to develop a cost-effective technique for fabricating a much more sensitive and also more complex arsenic-free infrared optical sensor, which cannot be obtained by employing the currently used fiber drawing and tapering technique. The great improvement of sensitivity will be achieved by greatly improving the signal-to-noise ratio (thanks to more input light and larger contact surface).
The methodology selected here is to associate the newly matured SPS (Spark Plasma Sintering) technology with patented technology for the fabrication of chalcogenide glass powder by using ball milling. The innovation of this project is the cost-effective fabrication of a specially designed highly sensitive middle IR arsenic-free optical sensor with multi-cavity SPS sintering of infrared glass powder.
The consortium is composed of two academic partners and one industrial partner with complementary expertise. The coordinating partner is specialized in infrared transmitting chalcogenide glass since more than 30 years and will be responsible for fabricating high purity glass powder by ball milling. This will considerably reduce the fabrication cost in comparison with the current fabrication method, batch-by-batch, with single-use and expensive silica ampoule. The other academic partner has extensive experience in SPS sintering and will be responsible for numerical simulation and mold design. The industrial partner is a provider of infrared sensors and has substantial experience in SPS sintering of infrared optical components. He will be responsible of the fabrication and evaluation of the sensor.
Material scientific and financial conditions of the PhD project:
The work, that will be carried out during the Project, has an important experimental aspect, with many densifications of chalcogenide type glasses by Spark Plasma Sintering. Characterizations of the physicochemical, thermal and mechanical properties (i.e. creep) of the glasses will be carried out. The thermal and electrical contact resistances of SPS tools will be determined and will feed a finite element modeling of the process. Using simulations, specific and optimized tools will be developed to develop infrared sensors of complex shapes. These experimental and numerical methods are well known and mastered in the laboratory and will be implemented as part of this thesis topic.
The project is funded by the National Research Agency (ANR), and covers the salary expenses of the post-doctoral candidate, as well as experiments and conferences to participate in the dissemination of the results obtained during this work.
Profile and skills required :
We are looking for a motivated and passionate candidate to join our research team as a post-doctoral researcher in materials science. The ideal candidate should possess a PhD degree in materials science or a related field, with a strong understanding of the fundamental principles of materials science.
Prior experience in shaping by sintering and/or finite elements modelling would be a valuable asset. Candidates with practical experience in these areas will be particularly considered.
The candidate should demonstrate a high level of autonomy, problem-solving skills, and be able to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Scientific curiosity, the ability to learn quickly, and a strong motivation for academic research are essential qualities.
Starting date:
requested in December 2024 (subject to ZRR access authorization)
Location:
CIRIMAT-Chimie, Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier 118 route de Narbonne 31062 Toulouse
Duration:
24 months
Employer:
Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier
Supervision :
Dr Claude Estournès (DRCE-CNRS); +33 6 26616528; claude.estournes@univ-tlse3.fr
Application:
Please send a CV and a cover letter to C. Estournès before 30 september 2024.