Careers

Careers @ Ernst Ruska-Centre

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New opportunities for Bachelor/Master's Theses!

Master's thesis at Forschungszentrum Jülich - Institute for Microstructure Research (PGI-5)

Atomic resolution analysis of the Verwey transition in magnetite

Magnetite (Fe3O4) is a magnetic iron oxide and the oldest magnetic material known to mankind. Interestingly, it is characterized by two transitions. The first is a conventional ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition, which takes place at the Curie temperature. The second transition, which is named after E. Verwey, takes place at 125 K and results in changes in conductivity, electrical polarisation and magnetic properties. The Verwey transition is typically associated with planar defect formation with decreasing temperature, as the cubic crystal structure transforms to a monoclinic structure. Despite numerous investigations, it is still not fully understood. 

In this Masters project, the Verwey transition will be studied at cryogenic temperature using state-of-the-art atomic resolution transmission electron microscopy. Electron-transparent specimens will be prepared from high-quality Fe3O4 single crystals using focused ion beam milling in a scanning electron microscope. In situ transmission electron microscopy experiments will be carried out using an ultra-stable liquid-nitrogen-cooled specimen holder. Structural observations will be correlated with quantitative imaging of the local magnetic state recorded using the technique of off-axis electron holography.

Contact: Dr. Andras Kovacs, Prof. Dr. Rafal Dunin-Borkowski



Master's thesis at Forschungszentrum Jülich - Institute for Microstructure Research (PGI-5)

Scanning probe microscopy using nanoscale superconducting quantum interference devices (nano-SQUIDs) (docx, 141 kB)

Master's thesis at Forschungszentrum Jülich - Institute for Microstructure Research (PGI-5)

Nanoscale superconducting quantum interference devices (nano-SQUIDs) (docx, 46 kB)

Contact: Prof. Dr. Michael Faley, Prof. Dr. Rafal Dunin-Borkowski

Further offers

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The Ernst Ruska-Centre offers opportunities for students and scientists to conduct research in fundamental and applied electron microscopy.

Students are given access to world-leading instruments and have the opportunity to work with experts in the field during the course of their Bachelor, Master or PhD thesis.

Forschungszentrum Jülich is interested in increasing the share of women in research positions and encourages female candidates to apply. Physically disabled applicants receive favorable consideration when they are equally qualified.

Last Modified: 03.03.2023