Ferroelectric nematics, recently discovered, exhibit spontaneous polarization and nonlinear optical properties comparable to ferroelectric solids, while being fluid. This unique combination of fluidity, i.e. tunability and processability, and polarity unlocks exciting opportunities for applications in sensing, organic electronics, energy harvesting, switchable photonics, and quantum light sources.
In the Light & Matter group, we have been involved since the beginning in the research on the materials exhibiting ferroelectric nematic (FNLC) phases, covering their discovery and seminal investigations for this emerging field. The polar properties of these materials together with the fluidity of the system result in a variety of novel physical phenomena, such as novel mechano-electric effects. PhD candidate will join a very dynamic research field and carry out a comprehensive set of experimental investigations combining polarization optical microscopy, second harmonic generation microscopy and interferometry studies, optical transmission simulations, dielectric spectroscopy and material characterization techniques among others. The candidate will also be involved in the development of customized measurement setups. PhD topic directions seek to advance material development, theoretical description, engineering versatile non-linear optical structures beyond inorganic crystals, and creating soft, flow-based mechano-electric systems as demonstrators for future applications.
Our research on FNLCs is performed in close collaboration with other international groups from UK, Germany, Belgium, Spain and China among others.
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