Ultra-sensitive sensors based on spin electronics for magnetrodes and low field MRI
HOST INSTITUTION
Centre de Recherche CEA Paris Saclay (France)
PhD PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The main goal of this PhD project is the development of ultra-sensitive magnetic sensors based on spin-electronics to achieve two types of instrumentation: local magnetic probes for neuronal recordings (“magnetrodes”) and sub-femto tesla devices for fast low-field MRI.
Objectives: 1 Develop spin-electronics based sensors for ultra-sensitive magnetic sensing, with optimized stack for enhanced sensitivity, low noise, linearity, hysteresis-free. 2 On-bench tests of the sensors. 3 In-vitro and/or in-vivo tests for spikes recordings
Expected Results: 1 Identification of the limit of detection in the sub-nanotesla range at low frequency (<1kHz) and sub-picoTesla range at high frequency (>100 kHz). 2 Integrate the sensing solution into magnetrodes and in flux concentrators for low field MRI.
Three secondments are Planned in industrial and academic partners facilities for industrial incorporation, in vitro and in vivo tests.
* Enrolment in Doctoral degree(s): PSU. It includes spin electronics, MRI basics, photolithography, device microfabrication, magnetometry (VSM), magnetotransport, noise measurements in ultra-shielded environment, cryogenics, C++ programming and various courses in technical skills and transferable skills.
RESEARCH SUPERVISOR
- Title: Dr
- Full name: Claude FERMON
- Email: claude.fermon@cea.fr
Research project/ Research Group website (Url): https://iramis.cea.fr/en/spec/lno/
RESEARCH GROUP DESCRIPTION
CEA, technological research institute ranked as the most innovative public research organization in Europe with over 600 patents filled per year, involved in around 400 European projects.
CEA-SPEC is a fundamental research laboratory for solid state physics with a unit dedicated to spintronics phenomena and its applications. Amongst recent projects, it has shown the first in vitro and in vivo recordings of neuronal activity by its magnetic signature. It has also developed two innovative low field (<10mT) MRI setups for brain imaging and for premature babies monitoring.
It has a fully equipped line for spin electronics sensors development from the sputtering chamber to the sensors dicing, packaging and bonding tools. It has an ultra-low magnetic noise platform for sensors tests and qualification down to 10attoTesla noise. In addition, SPEC has a shared laboratory with Neurospin in the clinical part for MEG.
CEA-Saclay is part of Paris Saclay University and the student will enter the graduate school of physics.
APPLICANT’S REQUIREMENTS
Training in solid-state physics, particularly electromagnetism. Skills in nanomagnetism and spintronics, sensors, instrumentation. Skills in microfabrication and/or electronics, magnetometry are a plus. Background in biomedical may also be considered. Internships in some of the above fields are required.
Report and article writing skills.
Ability to interact within a group and with teams from other disciplines. Autonomy.
ADDITIONAL PhD APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT STEPS
There is security survey for CEA with typical delay of 2-3 months. A number of courses for a Phd degree are provided by the University of Paris Saclay for all Phd students.
ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS:
- Mobility requirements: candidates not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
- Research experience: must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
- Candidates must enrol in a doctoral programme in the relevant EU Member State/Associated Country.