Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's (LBNL) Accelerator Tech-Applied Physics (ATAP) Division has an opening for a Physicist Postdoc to join the team.
In this exciting role, you will be working on developing ultrafast fiber laser technologies, nonlinear laser pulse compression, and their novel applications on laser-plasma accelerators (LPA). The BELLA Center at LBNL's ATAP Division seeks to develop high repetition rate, terawatt, ultrafast fiber laser technology, with the goal to drive multi-kHz, MeV-class LPAs.
The successful applicant will explore novel methods in the field, including coherent combination of laser pulses in temporal, spectral, and spatial domains, gain narrowing compensation, state-of-the-art high-power fiber amplification, nonlinear pulse compression, new LPA methods, and advanced digital control of laser and accelerator systems including machine learning. Combining these methods with numerical and analytic physics models, we have been running proof-of-principle demonstrations of energy-scalable technologies, moving toward increasingly energetic laser systems.
What You Will Do:
Design and perform experiments to investigate spectral combination of fiber chirped-pulse amplifiers (FCPA), as well as temporal stacking of amplified femtosecond pulses using cascaded optical interferometers.
Investigate pulse dynamics (including nonlinearity, gain narrowing and saturation, dispersion) in multi-stage, high-power FCPA systems, their interplay with coherent combination processes for amplified pulses, and methods to control and optimize them.
Characterize different kinds/designs of large-mode-area fiber amplifiers in temporal and spectral regimes, and use data to refine numerical models for system design and optimization.
Build and test optical systems (fiber and free-space) to spectrally broaden and temporally compress energetic ultrashort laser pulses to the few-cycle regime, by manipulating optical nonlinearity and dispersion.
Document and communicate the results of work in reports and oral presentations, including participation in meetings, reviews, conferences and publications in refereed journals.
Additional Responsibilities as needed:
Study and apply feedback control methods to stabilize temporal and spectral combination of amplified, ultrashort laser pulses. Explore advanced digital control concepts, including machine learning, for laser and accelerator systems.
Study and conduct low-energy (kHz, MeV) LPA experiments.
Build and perform experiments to investigate spatial beam combination schemes, comparing different stabilization algorithms and sensing methods.
What is Required:
PhD in Physics or Engineering, in the field of lasers, optics, or laser applications.
Experimental experience with at least one of the following: (1) coherently combined ultrafast fiber laser systems, their diagnostics and controls, (2) the design, characterization, operation of high-power FCPA lasers, (3) nonlinear ultrashort laser pulse compression.
Experience with simulations or modeling of ultrafast laser systems.
Ability to work closely in a team with other scientists, postdocs, graduate students and technicians.
Desired Qualifications:
Experimental experience with digital or/and analog feedback control of optical/physical systems.
Experience with programming and machine learning.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Notes:
This is a full-time 1 year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 4 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates.
This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof that vaccination requirements have been met or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.
Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
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