To find the right proposal !
Internship and thesis proposals
Criteria for selection
Number of proposals
202
1
Universal oarsening dynamics and turbulence in a quantum fluid far from equilibrium
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
What if you could do the experiments of a cold-atom lab without a vacuum chamber, without a MOT, and with a full image of the wavefunction in every shot?
Laser light propagating through a hot rubidium vapor behaves like a two-dimensional quantum fluid, and we can image its full field (density and phase) at each step of its evolution. We recently used this to watch the fluid order itself after a quench: vortices annihilate, phase domains grow, and the dynamics turns out to be self-similar. Beyond the usual two-point correlations, we found that the whole distribution of a local order parameter rescales with a single length, the distance between vortices. During the internship you will extend this to new initial states and to two-component fluids, analyze the data (vortex tracking, cumulants, finite-size statistics), and compare with numerical simulations of the Gross–Pitaevskii equation. The work combines hands-on optics with data analysis, and you will join a small team at LKB (Jussieu).
Contact
Quentin Glorieux
20/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
2
Synthetic Photonic Matter in a Quantum Fluid of Light.
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Photons are great carriers of information but they usually don’t interact with one another. Atoms interact but are hard to manipulate and do not benefit from the toolbox of quantum optics for detecting quantum fluctuations and entanglement. Many approaches have been proposed to marry these two systems for quantum simulation of condensed matter with strongly interacting photons, but to date, the realization of large-scale synthetic materials made of optical photons is still missing.
Our team targets this exciting goal, namely the creation of Synthetic Photonic Matter.
We are offering an internship opportunity (followed by an ERC-funded PhD) to expand the capabilities of this platform to a new level by increasing by many orders of magnitude the effective photon-photon interactions and enter the strong interaction regime.
Contact
Quentin Glorieux
20/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
3
Créer de la matière artifielle à base de photons dans un Fluide Quantique de Lumière
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Les photons sont d’excellents porteurs d’information, mais ils n’interagissent généralement pas les uns
avec les autres. Les atomes interagissent, mais ils sont difficiles à manipuler et ne bénéficient pas de
l’arsenal de l’optique quantique pour d´etecter les fluctuations quantiques et l’intrication. De nombreuses
approches ont été proposées pour marier ces deux systèmes en vue de simuler de la matière
condensée avec des photons fortement interagissant, mais à ce jour, la réalisation de matériaux
synthétiques composés de photons fait encore d´efaut.
Notre équipe vise cet objectif ambitieux, à savoir la création de Matiere Photonique Synthétique.
Nous proposons une opportunité de stage (suivie d'une thèse financée par l'ERC) pour étendre les capacités de notre plateforme à un nouveau niveau en augmentant de plusieurs ordres de grandeur les interactions effectives photon-photon et en entrant dans le régime des interactions fortes.
Contact
Quentin Glorieux
20/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
4
Nonlinear Josephson Readout for Single Microwave Photon Detectors
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum Machines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Detecting a single microwave photon requires converting its arrival into a reliable electrical signal. In the detectors developed by the Quantronics group at CEA Saclay, the photon leaves a record in an internal transmon qubit. This internship will explore how Josephson nonlinearities can amplify that record and enable fast, faithful readout without a travelling-wave parametric amplifier.
The central idea is an asymmetric measurement: preserve the transmon’s ground state to suppress false clicks, while using its excited state to trigger a strongly distinguishable nonlinear resonator response. A dedicated Josephson element, separate from the transmon junction, will provide control over the readout nonlinearity. Combining circuit modelling, phase-space analysis, quantum simulations and cryogenic measurements, the project will investigate how bifurcation and the onset of chaos affect signal discrimination and measurement backaction. The goal is to improve photon detection while preserving transmon coherence and allowing rapid detector reset.
The internship is intended to lead to a CIFRE PhD with Qudigy, a spin-off of the Quantronics group that plans to begin commercialising single microwave photon detectors in 2027.
Contact
Emmanuel Flurin
20/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
5
Statistical inference for collective dynamics in living systems
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Statistical-physics models constructed directly from data have succeeded in describing the collective phenomena in many biological systems. While much success has been achieved in learning the steady state distribution, going into the (especially out-of-equilibrium) dynamics is more challenging, for example with problems such as causality, co-existing of many time scales and non-ergodicity, asymmetric interaction, partial and finite information, and dynamically-evolving landscapes. In turn, the environmental drive can also be used as an active perturbation to elicit more information. This internship project will address this problem by starting in one example of inferring interactions for non-equilibrium dynamics, to be discussed according to the expertise and the interest of the applicant. Specifically, the internship will include inferring interaction models from real biological data from neuroscience and/or collective animal behavior, and investigating toy models of interacting spins.
Contact
Xiaowen Chen
19/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
6
Investigation of Altermagnetism in Perovskite Oxides
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Altermagnets are a novel class of magnetic materials that combine properties associated with ferro- and antiferromagnetism: Like antiferromagnets, their magnetic moments compensate each other, resulting in no net magnetisation. At the same time, their particular crystal and magnetic symmetries can produce a spin-dependent electronic structure, a property that is attractive for future technologies based on controlling electron spins rather than only their charge. Experimentally demonstrating altermagnetism remains challenging, especially in electrically insulating materials where commonly used transport and photoemission techniques cannot easily be applied.
During this internship, you will investigate a family of magnetic perovskite oxides, several of which have been predicted to be altermagnetic based on their crystal and magnetic symmetries. The project will combine theoretical calculations with state-of-the-art X-ray experiments: You will perform density functional theory (DFT) calculations at IMPMC, followed by multiplet calculations, to understand how the crystal and magnetic structure determines the expected signatures of altermagnetism. You will then have the opportunity to participate in an X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) experiment at the BESSY II synchrotron at HZB in Berlin. By comparing theoretical predictions with experimental measurements, you will finally determine whether these materials really exhibit measurable signatures of altermagnetism.
Contact
Benjamin Lenz
19/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
7
Stage M2 – Optique quantique et interférométrie fibrée : mesurer les effets de la gravitation sur la lumière
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Comment la gravitation influence-t-elle les états quantiques de la lumière ?
Le laboratoire ARTEMIS (CNRS – Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur, Nice) développe une expérience d'interférométrie optique visant à mesurer les effets de la dilatation gravitationnelle du temps sur des états quantiques de lumière, à l'interface entre relativité générale et physique quantique.
Le stage portera sur la construction, la stabilisation et la caractérisation d'interféromètres fibrés de type Franson. Le travail comprendra l'assemblage de systèmes optiques, le développement de boucles d'asservissement de phase, ainsi que l'analyse des sources de bruit et de la sensibilité de l'expérience. Selon l'avancement du projet, des premières mesures à très faible flux lumineux pourront également être réalisées.
Ce stage s'adresse aux étudiants de M2 en physique, optique ou photonique, motivés par la recherche expérimentale et la métrologie de précision.
Lieu : Nice, laboratoire ARTEMIS (CNRS)
Durée : 6 mois, premier semestre 2027
Contact : eleonora.polini@oca.eu
Contact
Eleonora Polini
19/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
8
Magnetic GW: A New Many-Body Approach to Realistic Modelling of Quantum Materials
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Electrons in quantum materials interact via the Coulomb interaction, giving rise to a rich variety of collective phenomena, including magnetic excitations, charge-density fluctuations, and superconductivity. A major challenge in theoretical condensed matter physics is to describe these effects quantitatively. One widely used approach is the GW approximation, which describes electronic properties in terms of the interaction between electrons and dynamically screened Coulomb fluctuations. However, in materials where magnetic correlations play a dominant role, an accurate treatment of spin fluctuations is particularly important. Developing computationally efficient methods that capture these effects while remaining applicable to realistic materials is an important challenge.
The goal of this internship is to implement and develop a magnetic GW approach that incorporates the effects of magnetic fluctuations into the description of correlated electrons, and to apply this method to realistic quantum materials. The project combines theoretical method development, numerical implementation, and the investigation of physical phenomena. It offers an opportunity not only to develop a computational tool but also to apply it to fundamental questions concerning the interplay between electronic quasiparticles and collective magnetic excitations in realistic quantum materials.
Contact
Evgeny Stepanov
19/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
9
Implementation of a mass scanning quantum haloscope
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
There is a general consensus that only a small fraction of the matter and energy in the universe has been detected (about 5%), the rest being dark matter (about 27%) and dark energy (about 68%). Elucidating the nature and properties of such objects is one of the greatest challenges in physics. In general, dark matter (e.g. Weakly Interacting Massive Particles, WIMPs) is thought to consist of particles that "floods" galactic halos - and hence the Milky Way. Therefore, in principle, it can in principle be detected in laboratory experiments.
This work will build on our recent theoretical and experimental developments of an apparatus, called a haloscope, designed to detect axions, prominent candidates of dark matter. We will develop a full data taking setup able to probe the benchmark models for QCD axions on a mass range more than two orders of magnitude larger than the state of the art. This will enable a full test of the axion paradigm in the high mass range which should become one of the most stringent experimental constraints for dark matter models.
Contact
Takis Kontos
19/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
10
Hydrodynamique des rideaux liquides courts pour le dépôt par enduction
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Ce stage porte sur le dépôt d'un film mince liquide formé depuis une fente sur une surface en mouvement. La configuration choisie avec un rideau liquide pressurisé et une tête d'enduction rapprochée du substrat a été peu explorée dans la littérature. L’objectif de ce stage est d’explorer ce régime intermédiaire d’enduction. Il s’agira de caractériser l'hydrodynamique du rideau, son couplage avec le substrat en mouvement et le dépôt qui en résulte pour des fluides simples en fonction de leurs propriétés mécaniques (viscosité, tension de surface…), de la vitesse en sortie de la fente et de la distance de travail. Nous chercherons également à établir le diagramme de fonctionnement du système en fonction des conditions expérimentales exprimées à l’aide des nombres adimensionnés pertinents.
Contact
Sandra Lerouge
19/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
11
2D heterostructures for optical control of individual quantum emitters
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Colloidal quantum emitters have emerged as promising candidates as building blocks for quantum telecomunications for their large tunability in synthesis, cristallography, colour, leading to almost lifetime-limited systems. However, due to their large surface to volume ratio, they are still sensitive to charge environment which is further translated into blinking and spectral diffusion, reducing the emission coherence. In this internship, and hopefully PhD, we propose to address the passive and active charge control by embedding the nanocrystals into a 2D van der waals heterostructure.
Contact
Antoine Borel
19/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
12
Mechanical testing of historical chalk pastels: linking chemical composition, wear behaviour and optical properties
Domaines
Soft matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
What is the physics behind drawing with pastels? This interdisciplinary internship between Nice and Paris brings together physics and conservation science to explore how pastel composition controls drawing, wear, and the appearance of artworks.
Contact
Vincent Bertin
19/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
13
The statistical physics of rough contact
Domaines
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
This internship aims to develop a statistical-physics description of rough contact, using numerical simulations to explore effective models of microscopic contact networks.
Contact
Vincent Bertin
19/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
14
Quantum computing with a hybrid array of molecules and Rydberg atoms
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Quantum computing requires precise control of individual quantum systems and their interactions. Ultracold molecules offer long-lived quantum states for storing information, while Rydberg atoms provide strong interactions for fast quantum operations. Combining these advantages opens a new route towards scalable quantum computing.
Our group is developing an experimental platform combining individual CaF molecules and Rb atoms in reconfigurable optical tweezer arrays. The long-term goal is to exploit molecule–Rydberg atom interactions to implement fast quantum gates and new methods for manipulating and measuring molecular qubits.
During this six-month internship, the student will contribute to the development and characterisation of the hybrid experimental platform. Depending on experimental progress and the student's interests, the work may focus on optical tweezer generation and control, single-particle trapping and imaging, Rydberg excitation, or the development of experimental control and data analysis techniques. The student will work closely with researchers developing this new quantum computing platform.
Contact
Chi Zhang
19/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
15
Amorphous superconducting topological matter
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Because topological classifications do not depend on translational invariance, there is no reason why they could not extend from crystalline to amorphous materials, since the latter crucially differ from the former only by lacking long-range translational order. Motivated by this, a few recent works have found topological states in amorphous systems, both in theory and in experiment. Intriguingly, amorphousness may stabilize topological states with increased robustness, while the fact that some symmetries survive on average in these disordered systems in principle allows a zoo of symmetry-protected topological states which are analogous, but different, than their crystalline counterparts. A key challenge remains how to identify and distinguish various amorphous topological superconducting states.
In this internship, we would like to investigate one of the oldest toy models for amorphous matter, an enriched Weaire-Thorpe (WT) model to ensure non-trivial chiral topological states. We have recently shown using adiabatic arguments and computationally efficient topological indicators, how to predict the topological phase diagram of the amorphous state from the crystalline one. We want to extend that to superconductors.
Contact
Pascal SIMON
19/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
16
Search for physics beyond the standard model at the LHC and FCC using effective field theory
Domaines
High energy physics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The CMS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider operates at the energy frontier, with a broad research programme searching for evidence of new massive particles predicted in extensions of the standard model (SM). However, if these new states are beyond the direct energy reach of the LHC, a different approach is needed. Using the framework of effective field theory (EFT), it is possible to systematically study how new physics leads to deviations from SM predictions in the energy regime accessible. The EFT introduces a set of higher dimensional operators to the SM Lagrangian that parameterise all possible beyond-the-SM interactions.
The goal of the project is to study how measurements from the LHC (probing high energies) and the proposed FCC (for electroweak precision) can be combined in a global EFT fit, to provide complementary sensitivity to a wider range of beyond-the-SM effects than either could alone. Emphasis will be on mapping EFT constraints to specific beyond-the-SM theories, e.g. supersymmetry, to understand how our indirect constraints with the EFT compare with direct searches for new heavy particles.
Contact
Andrew Gilbert
19/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
17
Ultrafast Quantum Acousto-Magneto-Plasmonics
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The project will focus on active control of time-resolved photo-luminescence (PL) in functional quantum nanostructures excited with ultrashort laser pulses. Through a series of theoretical/ computa-tional tasks and the combined photoacous-tic/PL experiments the student will be asked to design a prototype of a quantum acousto-magneto-plasmonic modulator (exploiting plasmonic [1], magneto-plasmonic [2] or acoustic/magneto-acoustic [3] interactions), where various fs-laser-assisted excitations in hybrid multilayer structures would modulate the dynamics of nanoscale light emitters. Recent collaborative efforts in fs-laser nanofabrication [4] and unconventional solitonic superfluorescence in perovskites [5] will be combined to produce and characterize innovative hybrid nanostructures for quantum-optical applications. This research stay will be part of existing national and international collaborations providing access to fluorescent nanoparticles (PCnano), high-quality colloidal CdSe quantum dots and J-aggregates (France), hybrid perovskites (USA), hybrid metallic multilayers (Spain & Germany) and metasurfaces (Sweden) and advanced magneto-acoustic spectroscopy (South Korea).
[1] D. Pacifici et al., Nature Phot. 1, 402 (2007); Y. Fedutik et al. PRL 99, 136802 (2008)
[2] V.V. Temnov, Nature Phot. 6, 728 (2012); J. Opt. 18, 093002 (2016)
[3] A. Alekhin et al., Nano letters 23, 9295 (2023)
[4] P. Varlamov et al., PRL 135, 126904 (2025)
[5] M. Biliroglu et al., Nature 642, 71 (2025)
Contact
Vasily TEMNOV
18/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
18
Weakly Coupled One-Dimensional Bose Gases
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
One-dimensional quantum systems occupy a special place in many-body physics because they can be studied using a wide range of powerful theoretical methods. In particular, bosonization provides a remarkably simple framework to describe a broad class of systems known as Luttinger liquids, which include interacting fermions, bosons, and quantum spin chains. At low energies, these systems are governed by a quadratic Hamiltonian characterized by only two parameters: the velocity of the low-energy mode (i.e., the sound mode velocity in a Bose gas) and the Luttinger parameter, which encodes the interaction strength. The asymptotic behavior of the correlation functions is entirely determined by the Luttinger parameter, which thus sets the nature of the dominant fluctuations.
The goal of this internship is to apply bosonization, together with the non-perturbative functional renormalization group (a modern formulation of the Wilsonian renormalization group), to study weakly coupled one-dimensional Bose gases. These highly anisotropic systems are expected to display a rich phase diagram, featuring superfluid, density-wave, and possibly supersolid phases. The internship will involve both analytical calculations and numerical solutions of renormalization-group flow equations.
Contact
Nicolas Dupuis
17/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
19
Microscopic nature of the polaron-dimeron transition
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Low dimension physics
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Diagrammatic Monte Carlo computations with the goal of advancing the fundamental understanding of the transition between polaron and dimeron states at the microscopic level, in collaboration with cold atom experiments.
Contact
Félix Werner
16/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
20
Hybrid quantum systems combining mechanical resonators and superconducting circuits
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum Machines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Can a mechanical resonator oscillating at low frequency be prepared in its quantum ground state? This project explores hybrid quantum systems combining high-Q micromechanical resonators, optical readout and superconducting circuits, with the aim of probing and controlling the quantum motion of massive objects.
The internship will focus first on the optical characterization of microfabricated silicon-nitride membranes and ribbons, patterned or unpatterned. Using digital holographic microscopy and laser interferometry, the student will map mechanical mode shapes and measure resonance frequencies, thermal motion and quality factors. Finite-element simulations will help select resonators for quantum experiments.
A second stage will address coupling selected devices to superconducting circuits and performing microwave measurements in a dilution refrigerator near 10 mK. Superconducting qubits and electromechanical interactions provide tools to probe and control motion at the single-phonon level.
The internship can lead to an ANR GRAVITATION-funded PhD targeting the quantum ground state of a high-Q mechanical mode at low frequency. The strategy is to prepare the mode near its ground state and dynamically tune its frequency through mechanical stress control. Preserving quantum coherence during this process is a central challenge, with prospects for quantum sensing and experiments at the interface between quantum physics and gravity.
Contact
Thibaut Jacqmin
16/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
21
Quantum simulation with circular Rydberg states of strontium
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Rydberg atom arrays are powerful platforms for the quantum simulation of spin models, but the simulation time is limited by the short lifetime of laser-accessible Rydberg states. Circular Rydberg states, with maximum angular momentum, have an extremely long radiative lifetime, providing access to much longer quantum dynamics. Our group is building a quantum simulator based on circular states of strontium, a two-valence-electron atom whose ionic core remains optically active when the atom is in a Rydberg state, allowing optical manipulation directly in the Rydberg states. During the master’s internship, the student will build a new laser system to prepare Rydberg atoms in our new closed-cycle cryostat.
Contact
Brice Bakkali-Hassani
16/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
22
Quantum simulation with superconducting circuits
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum Machines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
We will build a superconducting circuit to simulate light–matter interaction beyond the strong-coupling limit: a fluxonium qubit coupled to a microwave resonator, with a coupling tuned in situ from zero up to the deep-strong regime, where it exceeds the bare frequencies of both. In this regime, the ground state becomes an entangled atom–field superposition, a Schrödinger cat, and the Dicke and spin-boson models predict quantum phase transitions driven by the interaction itself. Measuring these states remains an open challenge: once atom and photon hybridize, one can no longer read them out separately. Our approach relies on a new coupler, a Wheatstone bridge of Josephson inductances. When the bridge is balanced, the coupling vanishes by symmetry; a magnetic flux unbalances it and tunes the coupling in magnitude and sign. Switching the coupling off within a nanosecond projects the hybridized state onto the uncoupled basis, where standard readout applies. The student will first design the device using circuit quantization and numerical simulations, and develop superconducting air bridges in the ENS clean room. Depending on progress, the student will then fabricate the full circuit and perform its first spectroscopy at 10 mK. The internship can be continued as a PhD.
Contact
Zaki Leghtas
16/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
23
Épaisseur d’un film visqueux entraîné sur une surface en mouvement
Domaines
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Corporate activity
Description
L'écoulement le long de surfaces en mouvement peut induire l'expulsion d'une partie du liquide, tandis que l'autre partie reste entraînée par la surface sous la forme d'un film mince. L'épaisseur de ce film s'avère déterminante pour la maîtrise de certains procédés industriels, alors que l’hydrodynamique sous-jacente et sa dépendance avec les paramètres du problème restent à éclaircir. Cette compréhension permettrait d’optimiser ces procédés, notamment réduisant les consommations de matières premières et d’énergie, réduisant ainsi leur impact environnemental.
L’objectif du stage est de déterminer l'épaisseur du film mince conservé sur la surface en mouvement, après expulsion du surplus. Les missions du stage couvriront entre autres : (1) un volet expérimental avec la fiabilisation d'une mesure par luminescence déjà en test, et éventuellement l’exploration de méthodes de mesure complémentaires ; (2) un volet théorique avec l’investigation des lois d’échelle hydrodynamiques contrôlant l’épaisseur du film.
Contact
Quentin Magdelaine
16/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
24
Theory of atom-photon and spin-photon interfaces : from cavity-QED to waveguide-QED
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
In the framework of optical quantum computing and communication, a crucial goal consists in controlling the interaction between single atoms and single photons. This led to the development of cavity-QED, where natural or artificial atoms efficiently interact with confined photons. Many demonstrations were also performed in the simplified framework of waveguide-QED, exploiting the direct coupling of atoms to photonic waveguides, fibers, and on-chip photonic circuits
Our team in C2N has developed quantum-dot-based interfaces which can be used as efficient emitters of single photons: this led to the creation of the company Quandela. A strong challenge remains: developing quantum nodes that implement quantum logic operations on incoming photons. In such context, we use our light-matter interfaces as efficient receivers (and not just emitters) of quantum light.
In recent years, we realized that a breakthrough can also be obtained on the theory side: it becomes possible to describe many complex cavity-QED phenomena with the simpler framework of waveguide-QED . This allows implementing numerical and analytical strategies which were previously out of reach.
We now want to explore the potential of this breakthrough for spin-photon interfaces. We want to describe novel spin-photon and photon-photon entanglement schemes and to develop a simulation platform that any experimentalist could use, to predict the results of complex experiments with a variety of light-matter interfaces.
Contact
Loïc Lanco
15/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
25
Deciphering the structural environment of transcription in situ: interplay between RNA polymerase II and chromatin structure
Domaines
Biophysics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Eukaryotic genomes are compacted in the nucleus as chromatin, an array of nucleosomes (~147 bp of DNA wrapped around a histone octamer) connected by short linker DNA segments. This bead-on-string structure restricts access to DNA sequences, modulating all nuclear processes, including transcription. In eukaryotes, transcription is catalysed by RNA polymerase II (Pol II). Nucleosomes stand a major energy barrier to Pol II progression, which is associated to partial disassembly and displacements of the particle. Despite many structural studies in vitro, the interplay between chromatin organization and transcription is poorly understood, especially in situ where the local chromatin architecture during transcription is unknown. We have recently demonstrated the potential of cryo electron tomography (cryo-ET) to resolve nucleosome and chromatin folding in situ, unveiling their structural heterogeneity in relationship with their functional compartmentalization. We will explore how transcription couples to local chromatin organisation, assembly and disassembly in situ.
This experimental internship in the field of structural biology includes complete cryo-ET workflow from sample preparation to cryo-tomogram acquisition on high end instruments. It will also include first data analyses: tomogram reconstruction & denoising, particle picking & segmentation, sub-tomogram averaging. We dispose of a large set of preliminary data for training and test of data analysis tools.
Contact
Amélie LEFORESTIER
Laboratory : LPS - UMR8502
Team : Structure & Dynamique d'Objets Biologiques Autoassemblés
Team Website
Team : Structure & Dynamique d'Objets Biologiques Autoassemblés
Team Website
15/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
26
Chromatin remodelling into a crystal upon spermiogenesis
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Spermiogenesis is a radical process of cell differentiation whereby sperm cells acquire a compact and specialized morphology. In many animals, this entails dramatic chromatin remodelling: most histones are replaced by sperm-specific nuclear basic proteins (SNBPs), including protamines. In vitro, protamines, acting as multivalent cations, can organize long DNA molecules (>10kbp) into ~150 nm-wide toroids, and short DNA molecules (<200bp) into crystalline rods with hexagonal order. In situ configuration of the “protaminized” genome in mature sperm is largely unknown, as well as the structural transitions occurring from the initial histone-containing “bead-on-string” chromatin. In this internship, we propose to explore the structural transitions in cricket genome folding along spermiogenesis, focusing on how protamines organize the paternal genome in mature sperm in the two-spotted cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. A precise spatio-temporal dynamics of histone acetylation and the histone-to-protamine transition are critical to achieve this process. In G. bimaculatus, an emerging model organism, it occurs within cysts of synchronous spermatids.
The internship will combine cryo electron microscopy and tomography, polarization microscopy and simulations. We will follow structural transitions during spermiogenesis from the nucleosome bead-on-string chromatin expected in early cysts to the mature sperm cells where the entire genome folds as a nucleus-scale liquid crystal.
Contact
Amélie LEFORESTIER
Laboratory : LPS - UMR8502
Team : Structure & Dynamique d'Objets Biologiques Autoassemblés
Team Website
Team : Structure & Dynamique d'Objets Biologiques Autoassemblés
Team Website
15/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
27
Probing fundamental forces with cold atoms and nanostructures
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Fields theory/String theory
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Quantum gases
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
What happens when an atom comes close to a surface?
This apparently simple question lies at the intersection of quantum physics, nanoscience and fundamental physics. At short distances, an atom does not simply “see” a material surface: it interacts with the quantum fluctuations of the electromagnetic field surrounding it. These fluctuations give rise to the Casimir–Polder force, a quantum force whose behaviour in the nanometer range still raises fundamental questions. Furthermore, at short distances, deviations from known interactions could reveal new physics, such as hypothetical fifth forces predicted by several extensions of the Standard Model.
Contact
Quentin Bouton
15/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
28
On-chip fertilization: Making a controlled microfluidic environment to decipher fertilization mechanisms
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Fertilization is the founding event of life. Its success requires the fusion of one—and only one—sperm with an egg, as fusion of multiple sperm leads to pathological polyspermy. Despite decades of research, the mechanisms governing gamete fusion and subsequent block to polyspermy remain poorly understood. Advanced real-time imaging approaches of the gamete contact zone before and after fusion are essential to resolve the sequence of events underlying sperm–egg fusion and the establishment of the block to polyspermy. However, under physiological in vitro fertilization conditions, the large number and high motility of sperm contacting the zona pellucida (ZP), a glycoprotein envelop surrounding the egg, limit the applicability of high-resolution real-time imaging. The aim of the internship is to overcome this limitation by creating a biomimetic microfluidic environment for gametes that reproduces physiological conditions while allowing real-time imaging. The intern will make and test the first prototypes of a new microfluidic device, with which we will control the timing and location at which a sperm reaches the egg plasma membrane while immobilizing the egg to enable spatiotemporal imaging of the interaction site. The egg ZP will be removed and functionally replaced by a microfluidic valve that regulates sperm access and constrains sperm head movement. This chip will open avenue to study the gamete fusion by imaging relevant fusion protein reorganization on the gametes.
Contact
Nicolas Rodriguez
15/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
29
Microalgae & Surface bubbles
Domaines
Biophysics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Certaines microalgues marines toxiques peuvent être dispersées dans l’atmosphère par les embruns et provoquer des troubles respiratoires. Si leur transport par les gouttes issues de l’effondrement des bulles à la surface de l’océan a été démontré, leur éjection lors de la rupture du film des bulles reste à explorer. Ce stage expérimental vise à comprendre comment des microalgues de 10 à 50 µm peuvent être piégées dans ces films liquides, à étudier leur dynamique et leur influence sur la fragmentation du film, et à quantifier leur dispersion dans l’air. Les expériences porteront sur deux espèces, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii et Ostreopsis cf. ovata.
Contact
Juliette Pierre
15/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
30
Plateforme versatile pour la manipulation d’états quantiques photoniques
Domaines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Parmi toutes les plateformes actuellement étudiées pour développer un ordinateur quantique, les solutions tout-optique présentent l’avantage de pouvoir facilement déplacer l’information quantique. Cet aspect est essentiel pour permettre la scalabilité. Il existe maintenant des propositions théoriques de protocoles pour implémenter efficacement sur des états photoniques toutes les portes logiques nécessaires au calcul quantique. Ces protocoles nécessitent cependant la génération d’états quantiques complexes, et ce point est au cœur de nos activités de recherche. Nous avons déjà développé une plateforme qui nous a permis de générer des états chat de Schrödinger optiques avec un taux de génération et une amplitude à la pointe de l’état de l’art. Pour développer des protocoles plus complexes, notre objectif est d’utiliser le multiplexage temporel en stockant les impulsions dans une cavité de grande longueur (~60m), et en y prélevant les impulsions que l’on veut manipuler. L’objet de ce stage sera de participer au montage de cette cavité longue, et de caractériser son asservissement en phase, avant de tester ses performances pour la génération d’états quantiques.
Contact
Rosa TUALLE-BROURI
Laboratory : LCF - UMR 8501
Team : Optique quantique - Génération d'états non-classiques
Team Website
Team : Optique quantique - Génération d'états non-classiques
Team Website
15/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
31
Ultracold dysprosium atoms: a giant spin for quantum simulation and metrology
Domaines
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Quantum gases
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
M2 internship + PhD on ultracold dysprosium atoms, whose giant spin (J=8) enables quantum simulation of topological matter and quantum-enhanced sensing. The student will help build our new-generation experiment (quantum gas microscope) in the new ENS building, then study interacting spin systems.
Contact
Sylvain Nascimbene
15/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
32
Revealing topological helical edge states in topological insulators
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Topological Insulators (TIs) hold great promise for making novel electronic devices, thanks to the existence at their boundaries of topologically protected conduction channels. Due to strong correlation of electrons spin and momentum, backscattering is prevented leading to ballistic transport. These edge states thus constitute highway for electrons. Unfortunately, the expected topological protection has turned out to be less robust than anticipated, notably due to the existence of conduction in the bulk. This complicates the fundamental study of the edge states, and motivates the search for different Tis.
During this internship/PhD, we will explore more recently discovered topological materials that are better suited to the discovery of 1D states, because they have fewer trivial. This is the case of Bi4Br4, a second order TI with high bulk gap. The internship/PhD will involve nanofabrication and quantum transport experiments at low temperature.
Contact
Richard Deblock
15/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
33
Using Graphene to Probe Strong-Field Quantum Electrodynamics
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Strong-field QED predicts spectacular effects, such as the decay of the vacuum into particle–antiparticle pairs (the Schwinger effect), but testing them requires fields of ~10¹⁸ V/m, far beyond petawatt lasers, and is not expected before the 2060s. Graphene offers a way around: its electrons behave as massless Dirac fermions moving at vF = c/300, so the Schwinger field drops from ~10¹⁸ V/m in vacuum to ~10⁶ V/m in a table-top transistor. In 2023 we achieved the first quantitative observation of the Schwinger effect in a graphene transistor at room temperature [Nature Physics 19, 830 (2023)].
This experimental internship opens QEDene, a 4-year ANR project with the objectives to (i) locate where and how the Schwinger effect nucleates inside the graphene channel transistor using scanning probes, optoelectronics and advanced device designs; (ii) test new strong-field QED predictions: photo-assisted Schwinger effect, Schwinger luminescence, and "vacuum boiling" regime where the dielectric permittivity itself is modified by the presence of a strong field.
Contact
Emmanuel Baudin
14/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
34
Machine-learning-enabled quantum friction of water: from carbon nanotubes to nanoporous disordered carbons
Domaines
Physics of liquids
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Water transport through carbon nanochannels can exhibit exceptionally
low friction, yet experiments reveal strong dependences on nanotube radius, confinement and
electronic properties. A
promising explanation is quantum nanoscale friction, where charge fluctuations in water exchange
momentum with electronic excitations in the carbon surface, possibly driven by its
dynamical response.
This Master project will extend this framework from graphene to
carbon nanotubes and realistic nanoporous carbons. Using
molecular dynamics, the student will compare non-polarizable,
metallic constant-potential and Drude-polarizable descriptions of
the carbon wall to disentangle the effects of roughness, curvature,
confinement and electronic response, establishing how confinement modifies the
coupling between water dynamics and the carbon substrate.
The approach will then be transferred to realistic templated nanoporous carbons with
controlled pore size and disorder, designed in our group in a previous thesis. Friction and
permeability will be related to structural descriptors such as pore size, curvature and defect
density, as well as to the electronic response of the carbon framework. Machine-learning
analysis of the simulation database will identify the descriptors that best predict nanofluidic
transport, providing a route toward AI-assisted design of carbon materials with optimized
water-transport properties.
Contact
Marco Saitta
14/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
35
Black holes beyond GR and their gravitational-wave signatures
Domaines
High energy physics
Relativity/Astrophysics/Cosmology
Fields theory/String theory
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Black holes in four-dimensional General Relativity (GR) are remarkably constrained objects. Under
suitable assumptions, stationary and isolated black holes are characterised by only a few macroscopic parameters, as established by the celebrated uniqueness and no-hair results. Their response to perturbations is governed by a spectrum of quasinormal modes (QNMs), whose frequencies and damping times encode information about the underlying spacetime and gravitational dynamics, providing a means of probing fundamental black hole properties and testing gravity. The growing availability of gravitational-wave data, together with the projected sensitivities of future observatories such as LISA and the Einstein Telescope, promises increasingly precise tests of GR and improved prospects for identifying new physics. This raises the questions: which black hole properties are robust, which change beyond GR, and which can be probed observationally?
The aim of this internship is to explore black hole solutions and their QNMs, within GR and its
extensions, focusing on the fundamental properties revealed by their perturbation spectra. Within GR, QNMs can probe questions on black hole structure and causality. Beyond GR, additional fields, modified gravitational interactions, or extra dimensions may alter black hole properties and
perturbation spectra.
Contact
Aldo Deandrea
14/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
36
A continuous cold-atom interferometer to achieve quantum noise detection limit in gravity measurements
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Context: Cold atom inertial sensors have many applications, in particular in geosciences. The operation of these sensors is based on atomic interferometry, taking advantage of superpositions between quantum states of different momentum in an atom, generated by optical transitions with two (or more) photons in order to realize accurate sensors.
The project aims at developing continuous gravity measurements using cold atom inter-ferometers in order to improve their sensitivity while maintaining their accuracy. Ultimately, this sensor must reach the detection limit, intrinsically linked to quantum projection noise. This method is very general in atomic quantum sensors and can also be applied to dif-ferent schemes of interferometer, atomic clocks...
Master thesis work: In order to realize this continuous measurement, we must use a sequence whose cycle time is twice as short as the interrogation. To achieve this regime, certain modifica-tions must be made to the existing experiment in order to simultaneously realize atomic beam splitters and mirror for three independent atomic samples with Raman transitions. Another study will focus on hybridization with a conventional sensor in order to suited to continuous operation. Major modifications in the preparation of the input quantum state and in the detection schemes must also be study and setup in order to ensure that the light emitted by the atoms dur-ing these stages does not disturb the atoms inside the interferometer.
Contact
Arnaud Landragin
14/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
37
Effets mémoire dans les solides désordonnés : Étude expérimentale sur des matériaux polymères.
Domaines
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Dans les systèmes désordonnés, l’état du matériau et sa réponse aux sollicitations dépend de façon cruciale et fortement non évidente de l’histoire du système. Sur des matériaux aussi divers que des amorphes vitreux comme les verres ou les polymères, des gels, du papier froissé ou des textiles, on retrouve cette capacité du matériau à garder en mémoire, au moins un certain temps, l’histoire des contraintes mécaniques, thermiques, chimiques... qu’il a subi.
Nous nous intéressons plus particulièrement à la façon d’écrire, de lire et d’effacer cette mémoire des matériaux désordonnés. Est-ce que la mémoire va s’écrire de façon globale ou localisée dans le matériau ? Comment cette mémoire affecte-t-elle la dynamique du matériau et sur quelles échelles de temps? Le sujet est ouvert selon les centres d’intérêt de la candidate ou du candidat et même s’il est conçu comme essentiellement expérimental, une contribution aux modèles et questions théoriques est envisagée puisque la thèse sera co-dirigée par Caroline Crauste-Thibierge, expérimentatrice au LPENSL (Lyon) et Damien Vandembroucq, théoricien au PMMH (Paris).
Nous recherchons des étudiantes et étudiants curieux, aimant le travail expérimental et prêts à se passionner avec nous pour ces sujets. Nous avons pour objectif d’offrir un cadre et des conditions de
travail permettant une recherche structurée, dynamique et enthousiaste où chaque personne est force de proposition et de discussion dans l’équipe.
Contact
Caroline Crauste-Thibierge
Laboratory : laboratoire de physique, ENS de Lyon - umr 5672
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
14/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
38
Mise en place d'un potentiel dipolaire sur une expérience de puce atomique
Domaines
Low dimension physics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
L'expérience de puce atomique du Laboratoire Charles Fabry utilise des atomes de Rubidium confinés dans des pièges magnétiques réalisé par des microfils déposés sur un substrat, la puce atomique. Les gradients de champ élevés obtenus en s'approchant d'un microns d'un fil, permettent de réaliser un confinement transverse suffisant pour geler les degrés de liberté transverses. Le gaz guidé le long du fil est alors décrit par la physique unidimensionnelle. Cela nous a permis de réaliser de nombreuses études sur la physique des gaz uni-dimensionnelle.
Pour étudier la dynamique à temps long, un confinement longitudinal est nécessaire. Jusqu'à présent nous réalisions ce confinement en utilisant des champs magnétiques réalisés par des fils déposés sur la puce atomique. Cependant, les potentiels réalisables par cette technique ne peuvent pas varier sur des échelles suffisamment petites et ne sont pas configurables à volonté. Pour dépasser ces limitations, nous proposons de mettre en place sur notre expérience un confinement longitudinal optique des atomes en utilisant le potentiel dipolaire généré par un laser très désaccordé.
Lors de ce stage de master 2, l'étudiant.e mettra en place le système optique pour réaliser le confinement longitudinal des atomes.
Contact
Isabelle Bouchoule
14/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
39
Nuclear mechanics and cancer cell invasion
Domaines
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Contact
Sylvie Hénon
14/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
40
Transport, extraction and thermalization of hot carriers
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Low dimension physics
Quantum Machines
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
When high energy photons are absorbed in a material, carriers are photo-generated with a large of kinetic energy above the band edge. In some well-tailored devices, it is possible to slow down carrier relaxation such that carriers form a “hot” distribution that may offer a pathway to very high efficiency of solar energy conversion. Two positions are available . The internships will have experimental and theoretical sides, and will be carried out in the framework of the ERC ULTIMATEPV.
Contact
Jean François Guillemoles
13/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
41
Experimental and numerical investigation of electromagnetic helicity in coupled dielectric scatterers.
Domaines
Condensed matter
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
How can we control the handedness of electromagnetic waves propagating through complex media? The broader project in which this internship proposal is embedded addresses this question by investigating how interactions between dielectric scatterers can preserve or modify electromagnetic helicity.
The internship will combine microwave experiments and numerical modeling. Using a set of dielectric spheres available in our laboratory, the student will first characterize their electromagnetic response and develop an experimental protocol to measure helicity. This will require reconstructing the relevant electric and magnetic field components, including their relative phases, using microwave antennas. The protocol will then be tested on isolated spheres and configurations of two or a few coupled spheres to investigate how collective interactions affect helicity conversion.
In parallel, the student will develop or use numerical models based on coupled electric and magnetic dipoles, and compare theoretical predictions with experimental measurements.
A one-month research stay with our Brazilian partner is envisaged, offering the opportunity to learn complementary theoretical and computational techniques.
This internship provides hands-on experience in experimental physics, scientific programming and electromagnetic wave physics, while contributing to the development of new experimental methods for studying wave transport in complex media.
Contact
Fabrice MORTESSAGNE
Laboratory : INPHYNI (Institut de Physique de Nice) - UMR 7010
Team : Waves in Complex Systems
Team Website
Team : Waves in Complex Systems
Team Website
13/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
42
Stochastic Modeling of Plant Root Hair Growth
Domaines
Biophysics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
This internship focuses on stochastic modeling of plant root hair growth, exploring the mechanochemical couplings between turgor pressure, cell wall rheology, and biochemical remodeling. The project aims to understand how plant cells maintain cell wall integrity under mechanical stress and stochastic secretion, producing oscillatory growth patterns. The intern will develop and analyze stochastic differential equation models, perform numerical simulations, and validate predictions against experimental data. Collaboration with INRAE (Versailles) ensures alignment with biological observations, offering a unique interdisciplinary experience at the intersection of theoretical physics and biophysics.
Contact
Antoine Fruleux
Laboratory : LPTMS - UMR 8626
Team : Disordered systems, soft matter, interface physics
Team Website
Team : Disordered systems, soft matter, interface physics
Team Website
13/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
43
Test of quantum electrodynamics in strong Coulomb fields
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Fields theory/String theory
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This internship will be centred on the preparation of a new experiment on high-accuracy x-ray spectroscopy for testing quantum electrodynamics in strong Coulomb fields of highly charged ions using crystal spectrometers and transition-edge sensor microcalorimeters.
Contact
Martino Trassinelli
13/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
44
Machine learning-assisted study of nuclear quantum effects in 2D noble gas clusters
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Low dimension physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The proposed thesis focuses on the implementation of the nested sampling method, a machine learning method issued from Bayesian statistics, for exploring complex potential energy landscapes of condensed matter systems that include nuclear quantum effects. As a benchmark test system, Lennard-Jones clusters in 2D will be considered. The theoretical findings will directly be compared to the recent experimental measurements of noble gas clusters confined in a graphene sandwich. The nuclear quantum effects are evaluated using the Feynman path integral formalism
Contact
Martino Trassinelli
13/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
45
A window to new physics through Higgs boson measurements with the CMS experiment at the LHC
Domaines
High energy physics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The goal of this project is to derive constraints on specific models of physics beyond the standard model, using Higgs boson measurements performed by the CMS experiment at the LHC
Contact
Adinda De Wit
13/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
46
Théorie quantique des champs et anomalies
Domaines
Condensed matter
High energy physics
Relativity/Astrophysics/Cosmology
Fields theory/String theory
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Contact
Jérémie Quevillon
13/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
47
Accélération de simulations numériques des fluides astrophysiques par apprentissage statistique
Domaines
Relativity/Astrophysics/Cosmology
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Les simulations numériques fluides sont centrales pour comprendre la physique des disques protoplanétaires, berceau des planètes. Un défi est de prendre en compte de manière cohérente les multiples échelles de taille en jeu pour former des planètes, ce qui nécessite des résolutions spatiales très importantes. Une solution est de résoudre les équations physiques aux grandes échelles et de corriger les erreurs dues à l'absence des petites échelles par des méthodes d'intelligence artificielle.
L'objectif du stage est de développer une approche de correction fondée uniquement sur les données d’entrainement, sans utiliser le code de résolution durant l'apprentissage. La première étape consistera à construire une base d'apprentissage à partir de simulations de référence qu'on pourra enrichir par les méthodes d'augmentation, en exploitant les symétries de l'écoulement. Pour chaque état, on calculera l'erreur du solveur physique. Le problème se ramène ainsi à une régression supervisée. Cela ouvrira vers des architectures plus récentes, tels que les réseaux de neurones récurrents.
Contact
Heloise Meheut
13/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
48
Turbulence in planet forming disks
Domaines
Relativity/Astrophysics/Cosmology
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Turbulence is playing a key role in planet forming disks. It modifies the dust drift toward the star, the grains relative velocity and therefore their possible growth, turbulence can also form dust clump that may gravitationally collapse and transport angular momentum through the disk. Understanding the properties of the turbulent state in protoplanetary disk is therefore a major effort for the understanding of planet formation.
However the complex physical context of planet formation render the study of turbulence in these disks highly non trivial. The Keplerian shear tend to remove energy from the turbulent state, whereas rotation is known to ellongate vertically the turbulent eddies. We have already studied particle dynamics in incompressible keplerian turbulence and identified new mecanisms participating to planetesimal formation.
The aim of this intership is to provide a first caracterisation of the properties of turbulence in a Keplerain flow when a weak compressibility is considered. The student will run and analyse the results of numerical simulations of forced turbulence in a Keplerian flow. The student will developp a physical understanding of process involved in the turbulent cascade of such astrophysical flows.
Contact
Heloise Meheut
13/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
49
Frustrated self-assembly with multiple particle types
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Self-organization is key to the function of living cells -- but sometimes goes wrong! In Alzheimer's and many other diseases, normally soluble proteins thus clump up into pathological fiber-like aggregates. While biologists typically explain this on the grounds of detailed molecular interactions, we have started proving that such fibers are actually expected from very general physical principles. We thus show that geometrical frustration builds up when mismatched objects self-assemble, and leads to non-trivial aggregate morphologies, including fibers.
Contact
Martin Lenz
Laboratory : LPTMS - UMR 8626
Team : Disordered systems, soft matter, interface physics
Team Website
Team : Disordered systems, soft matter, interface physics
Team Website
12/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
50
Electrical networks dynamics via a quantum analogy
Domaines
Statistical physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The goal of this project is to build on the analogy between the electrical grid linearized equations and a Schrödinger like equation, opening the way to use numerical techniques designed for quantum systems in the physics of powergrids.
As an application, we wish to study non-adiabaticity effects in the forcing of the network and control strategies.
Contact
Guillaume Roux
Laboratory : LPTMS - UMR 8626
Team : Disordered systems, soft matter, interface physics
Team Website
Team : Disordered systems, soft matter, interface physics
Team Website
12/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
51
Electric field measurements by second harmonic generation of laser light for aerospace applications (E-FISH)
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Accurate knowledge of the electric field in the vicinity of electrically polarized systems is essential for understanding and modeling the plasma phenomena that may develop in their surroundings. Conventional measurement techniques, however, often rely on probes or electrodes that can significantly disturb the local electric-field distribution. A reliable characterization therefore requires a non-intrusive measurement technique capable of probing the field without altering it. Such a technique would be of particular interest for several aerospace applications. One example is the characterization of electric fields in plasmas used for combustion stabilization in aeronautical combustors or for the development of plasma actuators. Another is the measurement of the electric field around an aircraft or other aerospace structure exposed to the atmospheric electric field, with the aim of assessing its susceptibility to lightning attachment. The project will begin with the implementation of an EFISH measurement system in the laboratory. This setup will be used to evaluate the capabilities and limitations of the current state of the art. Building on this assessment, the candidate will design and implement improvements to the system, with two main objectives: improving the spatial resolution of the electric-field measurements and extending the measurement range.
Contact
Svetlana Starikovskaia
12/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
52
Plasma Shchelkin sPiral: Initiation of DEtonation by nanosecond dischaRge (SPIDER)
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Non-linear optics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Plasma Shchelkin sPiral: Initiation of DEtonation by nanosecond dischaRge (SPIDER)
How do detonation waves arise? Can they be suppressed when they are dangerous - or harnessed when they are useful? From next-generation Pulsed and Rotating Detonation Engines to catastrophic explosions and even supernovae, detonation physics spans engineering, safety and astrophysics. The challenge is fundamental: what triggers a detonation, how does it become self-sustained, and, the most important, how can we control it? In this M2/PhD, a new approach is suggested to be explored: using pulsed nonequilibrium plasma to control the initiation and propagation of detonation waves. The PhD project is experimental and will be carried out at two sites: plasma physics and laser diagnostics in Paris, and detonation experiments in Poitiers. Particular attention will be paid to the link between plasma-induced chemical reactivity and detonation cell size, as well as to the role of the Zeldovich gradient mechanism in the transition from deflagration to detonation. Advanced laser techniques as TALIF, E-FISH, Thomson scattering will be used to control plasma parameters. Close collaboration with CERFACS will provide, on the basis of complex 2D and 3D-numerical modeling, an access to parametric study and better understanding of conditions of the experiments.
Contact
Svetlana Starikovskaia
12/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
53
Aggregation and fracture in cohesive granular rafts
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Contact
Suzie PROTIERE
Laboratory : Institut d'Alembert -
Team : Fluides Complexes et Instabilités Hydrodynamiques
Team Website
Team : Fluides Complexes et Instabilités Hydrodynamiques
Team Website
12/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
54
The Operator Product in Topological Symmetric Orbifolds
Domaines
High energy physics
Fields theory/String theory
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
We will attempt to prove that the product of a subset of operators in a supersymmetric symmetric orbifold multiplies as do the operators in a second quantized Frobenius algebra. The background will require the study of conformal field theories in two dimensions, topologically twisting, topological quantum field theory and orbifold conformal field theories.
Contact
Jan Troost
12/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
55
Advanced molecular dynamics simulations of protein - cyclic peptide complexes
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Peptides have attracted increasing attention over the past decade as a viable alternative to small molecules for developing drug molecules. For this internship, we propose to simulate the association and dissociation of protein – cyclic peptide complexes using advanced molecular dynamics simulations: the metadynamics approach using collective variables to accelerate the process of association and dissociation. The Parrinello group developed recently an improved metadynamics method, named “On-the-fly Probability Enhanced Sampling” (OPES) (Invernizzi and Parrinello, 2022), reducing the convergence times for suboptimal collective variables.
Building on that, the Gervasio group combined OPES with REMD into “OneOPES” (https://github.com/valeriorizzi/OneOPES_tutorial/) to further reduce convergence times. They applied OneOPES to predict with a high accuracy the free energy of binding of protein – ligand complexes (Karrenbrock et al., 2024).
Recently, we already adapted the OneOPES method to protein – cyclic peptide complexes with promising results. With the current internship project we would like improve our protocol to account better for the conformational flexibility of cyclic peptides. The improved protocol will be applied a set of protein – cyclic peptide complexes for which the experimental free energy of binding is already known. The goal is to explore the association and dissociation mechanisms, as well as to predict the free energy of binding.
Contact
Dirk Stratmann
12/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
56
Impact of solvent imbibition on architected structure mechanics
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
In the context of sustainable construction, there is growing interest in developing new, more environmentally-friendly composite building materials, particularly bio-based and geo-sourced materials. However, such materials are often porous and hygroscopic. Interactions with water can alter their mechanical properties, which leads to a major challenge for their use in construction. It is therefore essential to investigate and understand the underlying mechanisms of mechanical behavior of porous hygroscopic materials, while also developing innovative model materials with a controlled mechanical response.
This project aims to develop architected and functional structures for sustainable construction, made from soft materials that are saturated with solvent and responsive to physicochemical stimuli. On the one hand, this requires investigating how a soft, architected structure made from a material with a strong affinity for the surrounding solvent interacts with solvent flow. On the other hand, the influence of solvent uptake by the constituent material on the overall mechanical behavior of the structure must be investigated.
The internship work starts by building an experimental setup to investigate the mechanical response of macroscopic auxetic structures made of gelatin and immersed in a water bath.
Contact
Caroline Kopecz-Muller
12/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
57
Condensats biomoléculaires entretenus par activités enzymatiques antagonistes
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Stage sur la dynamique des condensats biomoléculaires : Ce projet explore les organites sans membrane (condensats), clés dans des fonctions cellulaires comme le métabolisme ou la réponse aux stimuli, et impliqués dans des pathologies. Leur formation, décrite comme une séparation de phases hors équilibre, présente des comportements physiques contre-intuitifs. En utilisant des peptides courts et de l’ARN polyuridine, il est possible de reconstituer in vitro des condensats proches des corps intracellulaires natifs, avec une régulation dynamique via la phosphorylation (kinase/phosphatase). Le stage consistera à étudier leur dynamique en exploitant un dispositif fluidique imprimé en 3D couplé à un microscope confocal, et à interpréter les données via des simulations numériques de séparation de phase active, révélant ainsi leurs propriétés liquides dans des conditions proches du cytoplasme.
Contact
Guillaume Tresset
12/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
58
Décrypter l’assemblage du virus de l’hépatite B par l’apprentissage automatique
Domaines
Biophysics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Stage en modélisation physique et IA pour décrypter l’assemblage du virus de l’hépatite B : Ce stage vise à élucider comment des antiviraux perturbent l’auto-assemblage du VHB, un virus touchant 300 millions de personnes. Intégré à un consortium international, vous exploiterez des données de diffusion des rayons X (synchrotron SOLEIL) pour analyser la structure nanométrique du virus. Vos missions : construire une base de données de particules via un code Monte Carlo, entraîner un algorithme (régression ou réseau de neurones récursifs) pour reconstruire des morphologies à partir d’un modèle Fokker-Planck, et tester ce modèle sur des données récentes afin d’interpréter les mécanismes régulés par les antiviraux. Profil recherché : appétence pour la modélisation physique, maîtrise de Python, et curiosité pour les applications biomédicales de l’IA.
Contact
Guillaume Tresset
12/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
59
Stochastic resetting of velocities in Heavy Ball minimisation methods
Domaines
Statistical physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
This internship aims at computing analytically the rate of convergence of the Heavy Ball method for quadratic and convex functions in the presence of stochastic resetting and possibly stochastic gradients. This analysis will show whether an optimal resetting rate may be chosen with minimal to no prior knowledge of the minimized function F. Lastly the dynamics of the Heavy Ball method with stochastic resetting will be characterised for functions F with rugged landscapes inspired by the potential energy of dense and disordered systems.
Contact
Yann-Edwin Keta
11/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
60
Photon-Correlation Spectroscopy of Quantum Cutting Perovskite Nanocrystals
Domaines
Quantum optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Quantum cutting (QC) converts one absorbed high-energy photon into two lower-energy emissive excitations. Yb-doped halide-perovskite nanocrystals are particularly promising because the semiconductor host provides strong UV-visible absorption, while Yb^3+ emits near 980 nm, within the absorption range of silicon. Absolute photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) above 100% have been reported for Yb:CsPb(Cl,Br)3 nanocrystals. However, these results remain difficult to reproduce, and the microscopic processes responsible for photon multiplication are still debated.
State of the art: PLQY measures the average number of emitted photons per absorbed photon but does not establish whether two photons originate from the same absorption event. QC should instead produce temporally correlated photon pairs from Yb emission, leading to photon bunching, a peak in the second-order correlation function g(2)(𝜏), whereas conventional one-to-one downshifting ideally produces Poissonian photon statistics. Correlation measurements therefore provide an orthogonal observable to PLQY.
Project: The student will establish and validate a near-infrared photon-correlation experiment. Hyperspectral PLQY imaging will provide spatially and spectrally resolved absolute PLQY maps. Joint interpretations will assess whether the observed Yb emission arises from photon multiplication or conventional one-to-one sensitisation.
Contact
Zhuoying CHEN
11/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
61
Towards a global model of cell size control in the rod shape bacteria E. coli
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Bacterial size is tightly controlled to ensure that the genetic material is well distributed among the two daughter cells. Many models (adder, sizer, timer) have been put forward to explain the homeostasis of bacterial cell size. However, recent experiments performed in the lab tend to challenge these models. The work, we propose, aims at collecting data in a large range of experimental conditions to build a model that would be robust to variations in culture conditions. The student will perform timelapse videomicroscopy on single cells and develop image analysis to track bacterial divisions on agar pads. In addition to varying environmental conditions, we also propose to study cell size control not only in the canonical exponential phase of the culture growth, but also at the entry in stationary phase and in the lag phase, where bacterial cell size is not at steady state.
Contact
Nicolas Desprat
10/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
62
Mutlimode control and fundamental limits in ultra-sensitive optomechanical measurement.
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Optomechanics investigates the interactions between mechanical and electromagnetic degrees of freedom. Over the past 3 decades, this approach has imposed as paradigmatic for the experimental study of fundamental processes in motion continuous measurement, and preparing non-classical motional states of macroscopic mechanical bodies. Currently, the main hurdle for pushing deep in the quantum regime essentially stems from decoherence due to an infinite cohort of optical and mechanical modes, which 'leak' noises into the optomechanical mode of interest.
The overall context of this experimental internship is to address this fundamental issue. The idea is to deploy a novel approach, based on the measurement of the full matrix capturing the optomechanically-induced interactions between all mechanical and optical modes. Using information theory, we expect to gain full control over the multimode properties of the optomechanical system, and in particular to deeply suppress off-resonant coupling contributions by, that is the main contribution to decoherence, by tuning the illumination using wavefront shaping. The project will be based on early results already obtained in our group and will be conducted in the frame of an ANR collaboration.
Contact
Pierre Verlot
10/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
63
Precision laser spectroscopy of ThO molecules for testing fundamental symmetries
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Measurements of electric dipole moment (EDM) of fundamental particles place the most stringent constrains on time-reversal violating new physics beyond Standard Model. Precision spectroscopy on cold 232ThO neutral molecules provides one of the best bounds on electron electric dipole moment. In addition, 227,229ThO neutral molecules provides excellent opportunity to search for nuclear Schiff moment. In this project, the student will be developing the laser and optics system for performing precision spectroscopy measurement on cold ThO molecules. The project will also involve development of the vacuum beamline and cryogenic system necessary to produce the ThO molecules.
Registration is mandatory on the following website: https://indico.frib.msu.edu/event/87/
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
09/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
64
Centrifuge decelerator of radioactive molecules & atoms for fundamental symmetry tests
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Precision metrology on atoms and molecules benefits tremendously when the particles are prepared in the ultracold regime. This enables control and detection of atoms or molecules at the single-quantum-state level. In this project, we are developing a unique method to decelerate radioactive atoms and molecules to a standstill by centrifugal force. A spinning magnetic guide will be used to guide neutral atomic/molecular species from the periphery to the center of the rotating frame, and an electromagnetic trap will be used to collect the decelerated particles after they exit the centrifuge decelerator. This work will open the avenue to precision spectroscopy of superheavy species like Radium or Thorium containing molecules, as well as light species like Tritium atoms.
Registration is mandatory on the following website: https://indico.frib.msu.edu/event/87/
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
09/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
65
Integrate AI-control with a laser platform for quantum sensing experiment
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Quantum metrology has become increasingly precise in probing fundamental laws of physics, especially with the recent experimental breakthroughs that transform atoms and molecules into quantum sensors. However, for decades it has remained a formidable challenge to protect such quantum sensors against environmental noise, system drift, and imperfections in the experimental control. In this project, we aim to integrate physics-informed learning and reinforcement learning into a closed-loop and autonomous control of a laser platform, which will be used in our quantum metrology experiment.
Registration is mandatory on the following website: https://indico.frib.msu.edu/event/87/
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
09/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
66
Charge Exchange Reactions with the Nuclear Shell Model
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The equation of state (EoS) of dense matter governs the structure, composition, and stability of neutron stars. Among the least understood terms of the nuclear EoS is the isovector dependence of the symmetry energy. Charge exchange reactions, which occur when a proton collides with a target nucleus, gets absorbed, and emits a neutron, are important for constraining this dependence. Within a recently developed framework, such reactions can be directly computed from microscopic many-body predictions, treating both structure and reactions on equal footing.
In this project, the student will analyze isotopic chains of both Mg and Ca. They will generate, using the microscopic shell models, all relevant spectroscopic amplitudes up to a few MeV above the proton threshold. This includes all compound, compound-minus-neutron, and compound-minus-proton amplitudes. They will extend the formalism, improving the single-particle description of the resonant parameters to proton states. They will combine the single-particle and many-body contributions within the microscopic S-matrix framework to extract cross sections and compare with experiment when available, as well as make predictions where no data exists. The latter can act as a motivation for future experiments.
Registration is mandatory on the following website: https://indico.frib.msu.edu/event/87/
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
09/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
67
Surrogate models for linear response in finite nuclei
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The collective excitation of nuclear systems close to their ground-state is very well described with the linear response theory, which is a well-established method in physics and chemistry. In particular, the quasiparticle random-phase approximation (QRPA) provides a powerful microscopic framework by building excitations on top of the mean-field vacuum; however, its high computational cost limits model calibration and uncertainty quantification studies. We have explored two complementary QRPA surrogate models and applied them to study response functions of finite nuclei. One is a reduced-order model that exploits the underlying QRPA structure, while the other utilizes the recently developed parametric matrix model algorithm to construct a map between the system's Hamiltonian and observables. Both emulators can achieve 0.1\%--1\% accuracy while offering a six to seven orders of magnitude speedup compared to state-of-the-art QRPA solvers. The QRPA emulators are well-positioned to enable Bayesian calibration and large-scale studies of computationally expensive physics models describing the properties of many-body systems.
The internship consists in learning this new technic and in applying it to the understanding of the isoscalar giant monopole resonance.
Registration is mandatory on the following website: https://indico.frib.msu.edu/event/87/
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
09/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
68
Heavy Ion Collisions from nuclear physics to astrophysics
Domaines
Nuclear physics and Nuclear astrophysics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
We are a group specializing in the dense nuclear matter theorized to compose neutron stars and created in laboratories by colliding two heavy nuclei. The project aims to understand how pressure builds under these extreme conditions, with densities beyond those found in atomic nuclei, by providing a theoretical description of data from both terrestrial experiments and various astronomical observations.
To that end, light nuclear fragments are important constituents of dense matter that require refined modeling. Potentially formed at the late stages of heavy-ion reactions or found in the crusts of neutron stars, they impact our ability to infer the correct behaviour of the pressure.
By treating clustering in a heavy-ion collision, you will have the opportunity to advance the field by applying expertise in theoretical physics, data-driven modeling, software engineering and scientific computing, while collaborating with the research communities at Subatech, France, and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, USA.
Contact
Jérôme Margueron
Laboratory : IRL-NPA - IRL2024
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
Team : International Research Laboratory for Nuclear Physics and Nuclear Astrophysics
Team Website
09/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
69
Atom-Tweezer Arrays in an Optical Microcavity for Quantum Technologies
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum optics
Quantum gases
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
This project explores a new experimental platform combining single-atom control with cavity-mediated long-range interactions. At LKB, we have recently demonstrated arrays of individually trapped atoms strongly coupled to a high-finesse optical microcavity, with single-atom-resolved detection. The experiment now opens exciting perspectives for quantum simulation of spin transport under tunable disorder and dissipation, as well as for quantum-enhanced metrology. Depending on the progress of the experiment, the internship will focus on experimental developments such as optical beam shaping or laser stabilization. The student will gain hands-on experience in optics, lasers, cold atoms and cavity QED, with the possibility of continuing toward a PhD exploring these new research directions.
Contact
Romain Long
09/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
70
Coherent and incoherent spin manipulations in a degenerate Fermi gas
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum gases
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Ultracold atoms offer a platform to explore quantum collective effects. We perform experiments with degenerate Fermi gases of strontium 87 atoms – an exotic fermionic system, with a spin-9/2 degree of freedom. This is both an opportunity to explore novel many-body effects (for example, magnetic phenomena), and a “technological” opportunity to use quantum objects with a large internal Hilbert space, as a resource for quantum simulation, computation, or sensing.
We have developed original methods to manipulate and measure the atomic spins, that rely on the narrow forbidden lines of atomic strontium. We want now to demonstrate the production of quantum correlated states, by engineering either Hamiltonian or dissipative terms acting on the atoms, and explore the way towards their use in other quantum technologies (e.g., optical clocks). The dissipative control, in particular, illustrate the groundbreaking idea that couplings to an environment, typically destroying the manifestations of quantum physics, will in specific cases actually produce and stabilize quantum states with many-body correlations.
This work will be realized on an ultracold atom platform in operating conditions. The master’s internship will consist in developing a laser system enabling independent coherent and incoherent spin manipulations. It will be an opportunity to discover the quantum gas platform as a whole, possibly as a preparatory step for longer-term integration in the team.
Contact
Martin Robert de Saint Vincent
09/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
71
Conformal field theory approach to low-dimensional statistical models
Domaines
Statistical physics
High energy physics
Fields theory/String theory
Low dimension physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
During the stage the student will learn basic notions of Renormalization group approach based on perturbed Conformal field theory.
The goal is to study the critical point of disordered and long range Potts model to unveil new way to implement conformal invariance at quantum level
Contact
Raoul Santachiara
08/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
72
Probing quantum coherence in artificial atoms with relativistic electrons
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Can a fast electron probe the quantum coherence of an artificial atom? Quantum coherence is central to quantum physics and underpins quantum information processing. Measuring it in individual systems such as quantum dots with nanometer spatial resolution would open new possibilities for exploring light–matter interactions and developing approaches to quantum-state readout.
We now seek to cross a new frontier in quantum science and technology: accessing the quantum coherence of an individual artificial atom with a relativistic electron. The central question is whether, and how, this coherence can be encoded in the electron’s state and experimentally read out.
This M2 internship, with the prospect of continuing into a PhD, will contribute to this effort within the ERC Advanced Grant FreeQCC. The project combines a state-of-the-art monochromated transmission electron microscope, a laser system, and engineered samples designed to enhance electron–light–matter interactions. During the internship, the student will help develop the optical setup, participate in experiments, and analyze the resulting data.
We seek a curious and motivated student interested in quantum physics, nano-optics, and experimental research. The project offers the opportunity to explore an emerging research frontier with implications for both fundamental physics and future quantum technologies, through a combination of advanced instrumentation, experiments, and theory.
Contact
Mathieu Kociak
07/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
73
Variational Phase-Space Methods for Quantum and Complex Dynamics
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Quantum Machines
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
This theoretical physics internship will explore new variational phase-space methods for understanding quantum and complex dynamics beyond the reach of exact numerical simulations.
The starting point is our recent work published in Physical Review X (2026), which combines multi-Gaussian representations of the Wigner distribution, variational principles and automatic differentiation. The Wigner distribution represents quantum states in phase space, capturing correlations and quantum interference. Our approach turns their dynamics into the evolution of a compact set of parameters, opening new possibilities for studying large interacting systems.
The project will investigate how these ideas can be extended and applied across a broad range of problems: open and driven quantum systems, quantum many-body dynamics, nonlinear light-matter interactions, and potentially nonlinear, stochastic and classical complex systems.
The research direction will be adapted to the student's interests, combining analytical developments with numerical simulations.
Supervisor: Prof. Cristiano Ciuti, MPQ, Université Paris Cité / CNRS.
Contact: cristiano.ciuti@u-pariscite.fr
Contact
Cristiano Ciuti
07/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
74
Magneto-Ionic Nanodevices for Neuromorphic Computing
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Scientific project: Controlling magnetic properties through voltage-driven ionic motion opens exciting opportunities for next-generation spintronic technologies, including reconfigurable multistate memories and neuromorphic hardware. By combining ionic and magnetic degrees of freedom, magneto-ionic nanodevices offer new ways to emulate the adaptive behavior of biological synapses. Our group at C2N has demonstrated large, reversible, and non-volatile voltage-induced changes in the magnetic properties of spintronic nanodevices, as well as their potential to realize bioinspired synaptic functionalities.
We are seeking a highly motivated master’s student to join our team for an experimental research project at the interface of magnetism, ionics, and neuromorphic computing. The project will investigate how magneto-ionic gating can control the dynamics of magnetic domain walls driven by current pulses in nanodevices. By exploring the interplay between ionics and spintronics, the student will develop and characterize new device functionalities for artificial synapses. The ultimate ambition is to combine an ensemble of devices to evaluate its performance for given learning tasks.
The student will benefit from our team’s complementary expertise in magneto-ionics, neuromorphic computing architectures, and nanofabrication, while gaining hands-on experience in state of the art experimental research.
Contact
Liza Herrera Diez
07/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
75
Active MetaMachines
Domaines
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
When humans learned to weave, they created an early form of mechanical metamaterial: a repeating arrangement of threads whose architecture shapes how the fabric deforms. What if the elementary units could themselves generate motion?
This idea motivates active metamachines: assemblies in which each building block is a miniature machine. Through interactions with their neighbours, these units can coordinate their dynamics, opening a route to structures that deform or move coherently without programming every individual component. Our recent experiments have demonstrated how thousands of microscopic rotary motors spontaneously develop coherent collective dynamics in planar arrays.
This experimental project will build on these results to create autonomous metamachines whose units are arranged and coupled in three dimensions. Combining 3D nanoprinting with techniques for powering colloidal matter, we will fabricate networks of interacting microscopic machines and investigate their collective dynamics. We aim to understand how their architecture controls synchronization, and whether local interactions can generate coordinated deformation or locomotion of the whole structure.
The work will combine 3D printing and microfludiic experiments with statistical data analysis to connect the motion of individual units to the dynamics of the assembly. Depending on your interests and skills, it can also include theoretical modelling and numerical simulations.
Contact
Denis Bartolo
06/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
76
Fish Schools as Active-Matter droplets
Domaines
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
When we watch a school of fish from above, we do not see thousands of individual trajectories or a complex network of interactions. We see a cohesive body whose boundary continuously ripples and deforms. These dynamics raise a simple question: could the fluctuating shapes of animal groups reveal the laws governing their collective motion?
This project aims to turn the shape fluctuations of wild fish schools into a quantitative probe of collective dynamics. Combining aerial drone observations with statistical data analysis, we will investigate how boundary deformations emerge, propagate and decay. Recordings of different species in the Caribbean, the Atlantic and Indian oceans will allow us to test whether these fluctuations follow common physical laws across contrasting environments.
To explain these observations, we will combine simulations of interacting fish with hydrodynamic theory. In particular, we will investigate whether milling schools, in which fish circulate around a common centre, can be described as droplets of active fluids. We will then test whether the parameters governing collective motion can be inferred from boundary fluctuations alone, without tracking every fish.
Your internship will focus on a specific part of this program, with the possibility of continuing into a PhD. Depending on your interests and skills, your work can combine data analysis, numerical simulations and theoretical modelling, with opportunities to contribute to field observations.
Contact
Denis Bartolo
06/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
77
Crowds as Active Matter
Domaines
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Watch a dense crowd from a balcony and you see a single body: an active material that deforms and flows as thousands of people move together. Our field measurements in Pamplona, Spain, have revealed spontaneous collective oscillations involving hundreds of people [1]. Combining these observations with theory, we have explained how such oscillations emerge. We now want to understand how this material responds when it is pushed.
How does a local push travel through a crowd? Under what conditions can it trigger a crowd surge? When does the crowd recover, and when does it fracture, leaving lasting breaks in its network of neighbours? Answering these questions requires connecting the crowd’s structure and motion to its mechanical response.
The project will combine quantitative analysis of existing data with new field measurements at the San Fermín festival in Pamplona. Planned measurements will track both the dynamics of the crowds and of their. boundaries. Through a combination fo data lysis and modelling, we aim to identify the continuum laws governing how dense crowds transmit disturbances and fracture.
Depending on your interests and skills, your PhD internship will focus on quantitative data analysis, theoretical modelling or numerical simulations, with opportunities to contribute to field observations.
[1] Emergence of collective oscillations in massive human crowds
F. Gu, B. Guiselin, N. Bain, I. Zuriguel, and D. Bartolo, Nature 638 112 (2025)
Contact
Denis Bartolo
06/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
78
Statistical physics of life-like chemical systems
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
How can life-like properties emerge from simple physico-chemical processes? We have shown that, in a chemical reaction network with many stable states, diffusion and noise cause these states to spread, diversify and compete for space. They can therefore undergo evolution by natural selection and adapt to changing environments. The internship will use statistical physics to explore whether this mechanism can give rise to other hallmarks of life, such as computation, cell-like organization or morphogenesis.
Contact
Olivier Rivoire
06/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
79
Probing the cosmic dawn with a quantum correlator
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum Machines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The constant pace of discoveries of new radio sources in the Universe calls for new receivers
which would be faster, more sensitive and less subject to parasitic signals. An outstanding
problem which could benefit from new detection schemes is, for example, the accurate measurement of the 21-cm, strongly red-shifted, cosmological signal, in the low 100 MHz range. Many pioneering experiments have been carried out, such as EDGES, REACH, NENUFAR or SARAS, but the cosmological signal has been elusive so far.
The main idea to be developed in this project is to use quantum technologies, and in particular multicavity setups with granular aluminum Josephson circuits in order to develop a quantum correlator which could unlock very feeble cosmological signals connected to deep questions about the early universe or fast bursts entailing ununderstood astrophysical processes. We have recently shown that we could have a clear advantage of a cavity quantum electrodynamics setup over a classical receiver chain for the very low redshifted 21-cm signal from benchmark constellations such as the Cygnus or Cassiopea. We would like to test the same ideas on a quantum correlator first on pulsars or galactic masers as a benchmark before going to the very high redshifted signals.
Contact
Takis Kontos
06/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
80
Multiscale computational investigation of PAR-seeded condensates in DNA damage response
Domaines
Biophysics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
We propose in this M2 project to setup a multiscale simulation methodology to obtain a molecular understanding of the formation and properties of PAR-triggered condensates. The project will focus on the interaction between PAR and the FUS protein. Starting from coarse grain simulations of PAR-FUS condensates, our goal will be to setup and validate a protocol for all-atom MD simulations of these systems that will allow us to reveal the molecular level structure of these condensates and illuminate the factors modulating their properties. We will pay specific attention to 1) the choice of refined force fields (including benchmark of machine-learning potentials) to characterize PAR-FUS interactions in dilute solutions; 2) the setup of an adequate enhanced strategy techniques to sample such disordered systems ; 3) validation against experimental data obtained by our collaborators.
Contact
Elise Duboué-Dijon
06/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
81
Information flow and polymer physics of gene activity
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
This project tackles the fundamental challenge of bridging the diverse temporal and spatial scales of biological development. From the nanoscale molecular interactions that occur in seconds to the formation of millimeter-to-meter-scale tissues over days, nature's complexity is staggering. This project seeks to unveil how information flows from molecular transcription factors to orchestrate tissue formation. This project employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining experimental techniques (quantitative microscopy) with theoretical modeling (polymer and statistical physics). It aims to decode the mechanisms governing the interplay between cellular regulation and tissue development. This research has broad implications for biophysics, developmental biology, and regenerative medicine.
Contact
Thomas Gregor
06/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
82
Spectroscopy of nanoconfined polar liquids
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Water confined at the nanometric scale exhibits unexpected behavior, as demonstrated by recent advances in nanofluidics. One striking example is the so-called dielectric anomaly: under strong confinement, the dielectric permittivity of water decreases by a factor of 40 compared with its bulk value. This phenomenon has important implications for biological processes occurring at the nanoscale, as well as for energy-storage applications such as supercapacitors.
Yet, the physical mechanism responsible for the dielectric anomaly is still the subject of ongoing debate in the literature. A major obstacle is the scarcity of experimental data on the subject, currently limited to water. The aim of this project is to develop a dielectric spectroscopy platform capable of probing not only the static response but also the dynamics of polar liquids under extreme confinement. This will be achieved by fabricating nanochannels within stacks of 2D materials, such as graphite or hBN, which offer exceptionally flat surfaces and allow the channel thickness to be controlled with sub-nanometer precision). By combining the lab’s expertise on the spectroscopy of polar liquids with recent advances in nanofluidics, we aim to access experimental regimes that were previously out of reach and to elucidate the role of dipolar correlations in the dielectric response of liquids under confinement.
This internship may lead to a PhD (funded by ANR JCJC).
Contact
Marceau Henot
06/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
83
Automated Computational Tools in High Energy Physics
Domaines
High energy physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
High-Energy Physics explores the fundamental laws of the Universe through global experiments such as the LHC at CERN. Confronting experimental data with theoretical predictions lies at the heart of this research, but the calculations required to study New Physics models are complex and computationally demanding. Developing automated codes capable of generating these predictions directly from the Lagrangian of various models is therefore a major challenge to accelerate and systematize the study of scenarios beyond the Standard Model.
The proposed internship will allow the candidate to:
- Become familiar with these existing codes (such as MARTY and HyperIso) and their functionalities,
- Contribute to their development and automation, making the calculations more robust and accessible,
- Explore, through concrete applications, different New Physics models and their phenomenological predictions.
This project will provide practical experience with computational tools used in theoretical particle physics, as well as an introduction to the systematic study of New Physics effects, combining theory, phenomenology, and scientific programming.
Contact
Nazila Mahmoudi
05/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
84
Search for New Physics and Study of Rare B-Meson Decays
Domaines
High energy physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Despite its spectacular successes, the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics has well-known limitations. Understanding what lies beyond the SM is one of the major challenges of contemporary fundamental physics.
In recent years, flavour physics and in particular the study of rare B-meson decays, has revealed deviations from the predictions of the SM. These “flavour anomalies” have attracted strong interest, as they could represent the first indirect signs of New Physics.
The internship project aims to explore these deviations in two steps:
- Perform precise calculations within the Standard Model for the relevant decays,
- Carry out a study of a theoretical New Physics scenario capable of modifying these processes and potentially accounting for the observed deviations.
Depending on the candidate’s interests, the project may also include a more involved programming component to complement the analytical approach.
This project will allow the intern to gain experience with analytical and numerical tools used in particle physics, to develop skills in theoretical calculations while maintaining a link with phenomenological aspects, and to take part in a research topic at the forefront of current investigations.
Contact
Nazila Mahmoudi
05/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
85
Quantum simulation with a hybrid Rydberg atom platform
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The long lifetimes and strong dipole-dipole interactions of circular Rydberg atoms make them particularly appealing for the realization of quantum simulations. A recently-developed hybrid platform, that combines them with ancillary atoms excited to standard Rydberg levels, has enabled their local non-destructive measurement and manipulation, and the simulation of spin-exchange interactions over unprecedented timescales. The intern will participate in the development of a novel cryogenic version of the platform, where we will fully benefit from the long lifetimes of circular states. We will use the new setup to demonstrate quantum simulations in a subsequent doctoral work.
Contact
Clément Sayrin
05/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
86
Time-braiding of anyons in graphene
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The objective of this project is to implement time-braiding experiments probing anyonic statistics in graphene. This experimental project, aimed at understanding the most fundamental properties of 2D quantum matter in presence of strong electronic interactions, will be carried in the Mesoscopic Physics team of LPENS, and involve highly advanced experimental techniques (sample fabrication, low noise measurements, cryogenics).
Contact
François Parmentier
05/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
87
Tensor-network methods for tight-binding models on complex lattices
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Tight-binding Hamiltonians are simple yet versatile models of quantum matter. On complex geometries such as fractals or quasiperiodic lattices, they show rich physics: fractals challenge the usual bulk-boundary picture of topological phases, while quasiperiodic models host unconventional localization. Tensor networks, well established for quantum many-body systems, can also represent tight-binding Hamiltonians. Combined with kernel polynomial methods, they give spectral functions at a cost logarithmic in system size, reaching billions of sites. We recently extended this approach to a broad class of hierarchical lattices, including fractal and quasiperiodic ones.
This internship will extend these methods to more complex models, along one of two directions depending on the student's interests:
1) Topological states on fractal lattices: implementing topological models, including magnetic-flux operators, and studying localization and edge properties on different fractals.
2) Quasiperiodic models in one and two dimensions: generalizing the Fibonacci-chain approach to two-dimensional substitution tilings to study their unconventional localization, and exploring categorical symmetries to represent the substitution rules.
Both directions combine physical and methodological aspects.
Contact
Loic Herviou
05/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
88
Quasi-1D Fermi gases
Domaines
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
This activities of the group focus on the study of strongly correlated fermions in low-dimension. We explore how the interplay between strong confinement and strong interactions allowed by Feshbach resonances gives rise to Effective field theories generalized known paradigms in low dimension.
Contact
Frédéric Chevy
05/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
89
Effect of viscoelasticity on mucus plug formation in the pulmonary airways.
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The respiratory system relies on mucus to trap and clear inhaled impurities, but diseases like cystic fibrosis or COPD can disrupt its rheological properties, leading to mucus plug formation and airway obstruction. In cylindrical airways, this process is driven by the Rayleigh-Plateau instability, where liquid bulges grow and coalesce, potentially damaging epithelial cells due to elevated wall shear stress. Numerical studies highlight the role of viscoelasticity in post-coalescence instability, introducing a secondary stress peak. This internship will experimentally investigate plug formation using artificial mucus in a cylindrical glass channel, employing high-speed imaging to correlate plug morphology with wall stress, aiming to understand its impact on epithelial cell damage.
Contact
Charlotte De Blois
05/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
90
Holographic conformal defects
Domaines
Fields theory/String theory
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The holographic AdS-CFT correspondence relates certain strongly-interacting conformal field theories to supergravity in AdS. Furthermore, conformal defects, interfaces and boundaries are dual to certain more complicated supergravity solutions of the type $AdS \times S \times S$ warped over a Riemann surface. We have recently understood the branes whose backreaction gives rise to such solutions, and the purpose of this stage is to use these branes to construct new solutions holographically dual to conformal defects and boundaries.
Contact
Iosif Bena
05/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
91
Probing the Fermi surface in a lattice with metastable helium atoms
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The helium lattice team exploits the properties of helium species to probe lattice gases atom-by-atom [1]. The apparatus, initially operated with the bosonic species helium-4 [2], led to study the Bogoliubov pairing through atom correlations [3,4], and to probe the superfluid-Mott transition through full counting statistics [5,6]. The detection method also applies to the fermionic species helium-3. Therefore, we have recently upgraded the apparatus to add helium-3 and produce a degenerate Fermi gas. In a near future, we will load the fermionic gas into lattices to perform studies of lattice fermions.
The Master 2 internship will aim at characterizing the Fermi surface of non-interacting lattice fermions, leading to a PhD thesis centered on interacting lattice fermions (e.g. Fermi-Hubbard physics) and momentum correlations. The intern will join on-going efforts of the experimental team to achieve (i) loading helium-3 gas into the optical lattices, (ii) acquiring the experimental data, varying experimental parameters such as temperature or lattice filling, and (iii) analyzing the single-atom-resolved distributions to characterize the Fermi surface.
[1] Phys. Rev. A 97, 061609 (2018); Phys. Rev. X Quantum 5, 040324 (2024).
[2] Phys. Rev. Lett. 126, 045301 (2021).
[3] Nature Physics 17, 1364 (2021).
[4] Nature Physics 21, 57-62 (2025).
[5] Nature 655, 1148 (2026).
[6] arXiv:2609.03433 (2026).
Contact
David CLEMENT
05/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
92
AI-guided exploration of mineral interfaces for CO₂ sequestration
Domaines
Physics of liquids
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
CO₂ sequestration in Mg- and Ca-rich minerals is a promising route for long-term carbon storage, but the atomistic mechanisms controlling sequestration at mineral–water interfaces remain poorly understood. This M2 project will use AI-accelerated molecular simulation to investigate the interfacial physics governing CO₂ sequestration and identify surface properties that enhance its efficiency. PROPOSITION_stageM2_DIADEM Pezz…
Starting from an existing machine-learning model of the forsterite–H₂O–CO₂ interface, the student will combine MACE foundation potentials, targeted ab initio calculations, active learning, reactive molecular dynamics and free-energy calculations. The project will explore how surface structure, hydroxylation and acidity modify the free-energy landscape and key microscopic processes involved in CO₂ sequestration, including CO₂ speciation, surface protonation, cation dissolution and ion-pair formation. The objective is to extract physically meaningful descriptors linking interfacial structure and dynamics to sequestration efficiency, and ultimately provide design rules for optimized mineral surfaces. The project is funded by the DIADEM Academy.
Contact
Marco Saitta
04/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
93
Rare-Earth based quantum memory
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The internship project takes place at the ENS Lyon Physics Laboratory. It offers the chance to build a random-access quantum memory, a device that stores several quantum states and releases any one of them on demand, a key ingredient for parallel quantum processing. Electron spin ensembles store microwave states about 100 times longer than superconducting qubits but are limited to below 10% efficiency, a challenge the project tackles using ytterbium ions in CaWO₄, which keep state-of-the-art coherence at high concentration and operate at zero magnetic field. The milestones are to test a new deposition technique that boosts spin–resonator coupling, then demonstrate storage of classical and quantum microwave fields at an efficiency close to 100%.
Contact
Audrey Bienfait
Laboratory : laboratoire de physique, ENS de Lyon - umr 5672
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
02/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
94
Bose-Einstein Condensates with tunable interactions
Domaines
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental Contact
Thomas Bourdel
02/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
95
Locomotion induced by asymmetric friction: From cells to robots
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Friction asymmetry characterized by different friction coefficients in opposite directions, is a critical feature of movement for many organisms such as snakes whose skin is covered by oriented micro-scales. It has been proposed to be central also in the motion of cells on substrates conditioned by polar extracellular matrix and we have indeed shown that artificial substrates breaking the left-right symmetry were highly efficient in directing the transport of cells at high density close to confluence. The collective effect is much stronger than the superimposition of individual behaviors. If the principle of motion in asymmetric environments is relatively well understood, this amplification of the effect at high surface density remains elusive.
To better understand this situation, we are developing a simpler system inspired by these biology experiments and consisting in active macroscopic particles (“robots”) on a vibrating ratchet-like surface. Practically, ratchet substrates can be fabricated by a variety of techniques including high resolution 3D printing or laser cutting. In this artificial system, the physical parameters can be well controlled: speed, elasticity, weight…of the particles; elasticity, geometry … of the surface. By playing on this limited number of parameters, we aim at reproducing the flocking-like behavior of cells with artificial particles in a beautiful example of bioinspired robots’ swarm.
Contact
Pascal Silberzan
02/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
96
Direct measurement of cell-cell friction
Domaines
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Directed collective cell migration is central to morphogenesis, wound healing, and cancer progression. Although the microscopic anisotropy of the microenvironment (mostly extracellular matrix) has been shown to guide this migration in vivo, its quantitative impact on cell collective motion remains unexplored. In a previous work, we have shown that subcellular microgrooves elicit a polar mode of collective migration in bidirectional “lanes”, whose widths reach hundreds of micrometers. This directed form of flocking is explained by a hydrodynamic theory of active polar fluids and corresponding numerical simulations.
Interestingly, the velocity does not vary within a given lane and the boundary between two antiparallel lanes is smaller than a cell size, meaning that the shear experienced by the cells at these boundaries is very large.
In the present project, we propose to take advantage of this mode of migration to directly measure the friction between cells of the same type. We will first monitor the velocities of the cells in this laning phenomenon as the lanes reconfigure, and use dedicated microfabricated setups for better control and force measurement. Eventually, such experiments may allow measuring friction between different cell types, or between a monolayer and a wall bearing various moieties (adhesive, non-adhesive …).
Contact
Pascal Silberzan
02/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
97
Kinetically locked-in cell migration on micro-patterned substrates
Domaines
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Emerging collective behaviors observed in biological tissues are largely controlled by the structure of the underlying extracellular matrix (ECM). Notably, cells can deposit aligned fibrous ECM which then acts as a guiding cue for neighboring cells, providing an effective “memory” of the cell trajectories in cell populations and contributing to large correlation lengths in confluent monolayers.
Aligned ECM on a surface can be mimicked by synthetic subcellular micro-patterns such as grooves. On the other hand, the spontaneous direction of collective migration can be controlled by the release of a well-defined barrier. In the absence of grooves, the direction of migration is perpendicular to the initial barrier. When the substrate is patterned with microlines making an angle with direction, the collective behavior of the monolayer is then either dominated by the initial barrier direction, by the grooves’ direction, or may result from a compromise. In the same line, other geometries such as a regular array of obstacles defining an “easy axis” at an angle with the migration direction define an energy landscape in which collectively migrating cells may be kinetically locked-in, the corrugation of this energy landscape being tuned by the depth of the micropattern.
These experiments will be interpreted with our colleagues from the theory group of the laboratory, shedding light on the behavior of cell populations in complex environments.
Contact
Pascal Silberzan
02/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
98
Bilayering of cell sheets at conflicting orientation cues
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Emerging collective behaviors in biological tissues are largely controlled by the structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Notably, cells can deposit aligned ECM fibers guiding neighboring cells and leading to the formation of large domains of common cell orientation. In these active cell sheets, multilayers form at conflicts of orientation such as defects. At an early stage, bilayering corresponds to a 2D-to-3D transition that is critical in several biological processes in embryogenesis or cancer development but whose physical mechanism is still unclear.
We have recently shown that aligned ECM on a surface can be mimicked by synthetic micro-patterned grooves. We then make mosaic surfaces with juxtaposed domains of uniform orientation recapitulating in a controlled way defect-like conflicts of orientation. The angle between the two orientations is one of our control parameters. Culturing a cell monolayer on such substrates can result in “crisscross” bilayers where the two layers are perpendicularly oriented. By monitoring quantitatively the formation of these bilayers in space and time, the fields of orientation or velocity can be quantitatively compared to the predictions of active matter theories developed in parallel by our collaborators in the laboratory. Other geometries can provide complementary information contributing to unravel the mechanism of formation of bilayers from a 2D monolayer as a first step in our understanding of the formation of 3D tissues.
Contact
Pascal Silberzan
02/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
99
Exploring the physics of correlated metallic kagome networks
Domaines
Condensed matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Strong electronic correlations give rise to exotic forms of electronic orderings, such as high temperature superconductivity or colossal magnetoresistance. In recent years, the question arose of how they could also influence topological properties, where exotic fermions, such as Dirac or Weyl fermions have been discovered. We propose the study of systems containing kagome planes of transition metals (Fe, Co, Rh…), which intrinsically bring together strong correlations, for example associated with magnetic correlations, and topologically non-trivial band structures. We propose to synthesize and characterize in the laboratory compounds from these families and apply to them various perturbations (doping, strain…) to modify their properties. We will then perform angle resolved photoemission experiments to study its electronic band structure and check for the presence of topological and/or correlated properties.
Contact
Véronique Brouet
02/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
100
Small-scale chaos and the Vlasov limit of N-body dynamics
Domaines
Statistical physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
This internship focuses on the role of small-scale chaos in the convergence of the Klimontovich
equation towards the Vlasov one. See attached PDF for the full proposal.
Contact
Jean-Baptiste Fouvry
01/10/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
101
Towards an error-detected spin quantum memory protocol
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum Machines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Contact
James O'Sullivan
01/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
102
Hybrid and non-Gaussian optical quantum state engineering
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The use of light in quantum information processing and networks has historically been split between two communities. On one side is the continuous-variable (CV) approach, which treats optical fields as waves. On the other side is the discrete-variable (DV) approach, harnessing the properties of individual photons. By considering a hybrid approach bridging the two, one could envision quantum architectures where the two encodings can be for instance interchanged fittingly to the task at hand.
In this hybrid quantum optics context, the LKB team demonstrated the first engineering of hybrid entanglement of light, i.e. entanglement between particle- and wave-like optical qubits. This novel resource enabled then to demonstrate the remote state preparation of cat-state qubits and recently the teleportation between different encodings, realizing thereby a first quantum-bit encoding converter.
The research of the group is now focusing into two directions. The first one aims at harnessing further the unique benefits of the hybrid optical approach for quantum connections, to develop optical quantum connections versatile enough to connect different physical quantum platforms and faithfully carry a broad range of quantum states. The second direction builds on the high-fidelity non-gaussian resources available on the experimental setup and aims at the realization of complex optical non-gaussian states that can find applications in bosonic error correcting codes.
Contact
Alban Urvoy
01/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
103
Waveguide-QED - combining cold atoms and nanophotonics (2 internships)
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Controlling light-matter interaction at the single-quantum level is a long-standing goal in optical physics, with applications to quantum optics and quantum information science. However, single photons usually do not interact with each other and the interaction needs to be mediated by an atomic system. Enhancing this coupling has been the driving force for a large community over the past two decades.
In contrast to the cavity-QED approach where the interaction is enhanced by a cavity around the atoms, strong transverse confinement in single-pass nanoscale waveguides recently triggered various investigations for coupling guided light and cold atoms. Specifically, a subwavelength waveguide can provide a large evanescent field that can interact with atoms trapped in the vicinity. An atom close to the surface can absorb a fraction of the guided light as the effective mode area is comparable with the atom cross-section. This emerging field known as waveguide-QED promises unique applications to quantum networks, quantum non-linear optics and quantum simulation. Recently, the LKB team pushed the field for the first time into the quantum regime by creating an entangled state of an array of atoms coupled to such a waveguide. Two experiments are dedicated to this waveguide-QED effort and internships/PhD projects are proposed on both of them.
Contact
Alban Urvoy
01/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
104
Perturbative QCD & Quarkonia: radiative corrections
Domaines
High energy physics
Fields theory/String theory
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
See for internship proposal attached PDF.
Contact
Melih OZCELIK
01/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
105
Chiral Majorana modes in graphene and TMD multilayers
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
In this internship, motivated by recent experiments on graphene and TMD multilayers, we will theoretically investigate 2D multilayers that could host chiral Majorana modes. We will also study the creation of Majorana wave packets and their time-dependent propagation and manipulation.
Contact
Dganit MEIDAN
01/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
106
Steering quantum states through measurements and feedback
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum Machines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The objective of this research project is to investigate the interplay between partial postselection and conditional feedback in monitored many-body quantum systems. To explore these effects, we will consider a many-body system of non-interacting electrons undergoing entangling unitary evolution interrupted by disentangling quantum measurements. We will study how the resulting dynamics are modified by local particle injection and depletion, as well as by local and non-local feedback protocols and adaptive partial postselection.
Contact
Dganit MEIDAN
01/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
107
Aerosol Production During the Breakup of Soap Films
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The goal of this internship project is to characterize the influence of geometry on bubble rupture dynamics and the distribution of ejected droplets. The work will focus in particular on characterizing ejection mechanisms.
Contact
Emmanuelle Rio
Laboratory : Laboratoire de Physique des Solides -
Team : MMOI : Matière molle aux interfaces
Team Website
Team : MMOI : Matière molle aux interfaces
Team Website
01/10/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
108
Investigating strong electronic correlations effects in epitaxial single atomic layers
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This M2 internship is intended to be pursued as a PhD work. We aim here to study simple model 2D materials that present Mott physics using local spectroscopy probe such as low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy. This means that our 2D materials undergo strong electronic correlations that prevent them from being good metals. Instead an insulating state occurs called a Mott insulator, that usually orders antiferromagnetically at low temperature. Exciting new phases can be achieved upon doping these materials, as discovered in high-temperature cuprate superconductors. There are two main aspects of the long term project. First the role of the coupling of the 2D material to its supporting substrate is usually overlooked. This is what we plan to study during the internship with the material 1/3 monolayer of Pb/Ge(111) for which we obtained nice preliminary results. The second long term objective of this project is to dope the Sn/Si(111) phase, that we have shown recently to be a 2D Mott insulator (https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.26304), in order to induce and identify new unconventionnal superconducting phases.
Contact
Christophe Brun
30/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
109
Time resolved scanning tunnelling microscopy
Domaines
Condensed matter
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Quantum matter, such as high temperature superconductivity, is generally emergent, meaning that the physics cannot be understood by the sum of the individual components. The crucial additional ingredient is the interactions between the atoms (or lattice), electrons and spins. To directly study these interactions, we are currently developing a time-resolved scanning tunnelling microscope. This instrument will provide direct access to the surface atoms and the local electronic structure, while at the same time enabling read-out and/or excitation at GHz frequencies (i.e. nanosecond timescales).
During this internship, you will be the first to test and use this new instrument. Initially, measurements will be performed at room temperature to make sure that the microscope works correctly. Then, exploration at low temperature and high frequency will follow, with the aim of uncovering previously inaccessible information about the workings of quantum matter.
Contact
Freek Massee
30/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
110
Strong light-matter interactions with intra-cavity Rydberg superatoms
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Optical photons are excellent carriers of quantum information, but their lack of mutual interactions is a major roadblock for quantum technologies. Our setup enables such interactions by transiently injecting the photons into an intra-cavity cold atomic gas and converting them into strongly interacting Rydberg polaritons. The Rydberg-blockaded cloud then acts as an effective two-level superatom with an enhanced coupling to light. We can coherently manipulate its state, efficiently detect it, and observe state-dependent pi phase flips on the light reflected from the cavity as required for many quantum engineering tasks. We obtained the first fully deterministically-generated free-propagating states of light with negative Wigner functions. We also developed a deep theoretical understanding of the rich physics and the abilities of the superatoms, validated by experimental results.
This platform opens many perspectives for developing deterministic multi-photon gates, performing quantum measurements impossible with current techniques, generating non-classical free-propagating resource states, and studying strongly correlated quantum fluids of light.
Contact
Sébastien Garcia
30/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
111
Magnetic resonance of single biomolecules with quantum superconducting circuits
Domaines
Biophysics
Quantum Machines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Superconducting qubits, developed for quantum computing, can also serve as sensitive detectors for probing the magnetic properties of individual molecules. The Quantronics group has demonstrated the detection of individual electron spins in crystals by counting the microwave photons they emit with a transmon qubit [1], as well as the coherent control of neighbouring nuclear spins [2]. This internship will contribute to our ongoing work on molecular spins in frozen solution, with the aim of performing magnetic resonance spectroscopy on individual spin-labelled biomolecules.
Electron spin resonance (ESR) provides information about the local electronic and magnetic environment of molecules. In structural biology, interactions between spin labels can also be used to measure distances within proteins. Conventional experiments average over many molecules, obscuring their individual properties and limiting spectroscopic resolution. Measuring molecules individually could overcome this ensemble broadening and reveal local environments and spin couplings that are otherwise unresolved, opening access to more detailed structural information.
Contact
Emmanuel Flurin
30/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
112
Mechanochemical cell-state transitions during embryonic organoids morphogenesis
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Embryonic organoids are self-organizing stem-cell systems that reproduce key features of early development, including symmetry breaking, differentiation, collective cell motion and tissue elongation, and can progressively generate structures resembling early organ-like domains. Their morphogenesis results from a strong coupling between cell fate and mechanics: stem cells continuously integrate biochemical and physical information from their local microenvironment and, in response, choose whether to remain undifferentiated or differentiate toward distinct cell types. These fate decisions in turn modify cell adhesion, contractility, motility and tissue organization.
The aim of this internship is to bridge several physical scales: from single-cell properties and cell-cell interactions, to collective dynamics and a continuum description of the tissue. We will combine quantitative live imaging, image and data analysis, mechanical perturbations and biophysical modelling to understand how local mechanical properties, cell-state decisions and interactions between neighbouring cells generate non-trivial tissue-scale behaviours such as flows, spreading, polarization and elongation. The objective is to identify the physical mechanisms that connect cell-scale decisions to the global morphogenesis of embryonic organoids.
Contact
Sham Tlili
Laboratory : Marseille Developmental Biology Institute - UMR 7288
Team : Physical approaches to cell dynamics and tissue morphogenesis
Team Website
Team : Physical approaches to cell dynamics and tissue morphogenesis
Team Website
29/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
113
Active-matter physics of human placental morphogenesis: coupling cell-state transitions, collective migration and tissue mechanics
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-linear optics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Placental development is a remarkable morphogenetic process in which fetal trophoblast cells build a functional organ inside the maternal uterus through collective migration, differentiation and invasion. It emerges from a dynamic coupling between fetal and maternal tissues, yet its quantitative biophysics remains comparatively unexplored.
At its core lies a three-state problem: trophoblast progenitors can remain proliferative cytotrophoblasts (CTB), differentiate into multinucleated secretory syncytiotrophoblasts (STB), or become migratory, invasive extravillous trophoblasts (EVT). We will ask how this fate choice is controlled not only by the external environment, but also by the microenvironment generated by the trophoblast tissue itself: does the local fraction and spatial organization of CTB, STB and EVT bias the fate of neighbouring cells?
We will then place trophoblast organoids in controlled microengineered environments where tissue expansion is mechanically more or less permissive, from free-edge collective migration to 3D gel invasion, where resistance to motion and confinement generate increasing mechanical stresses and pressure. Quantitative live imaging in 2D and 3D will map cell identity, trajectories, flows, density and rearrangements, allowing us to test how tissue composition, neighbour interactions and mechanical resistance jointly control differentiation, migration and invasion.
Contact
Sham Tlili
Laboratory : Marseille Developmental Biology Institute - UMR 7288
Team : Physical approaches to cell dynamics and tissue morphogenesis
Team Website
Team : Physical approaches to cell dynamics and tissue morphogenesis
Team Website
29/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
114
Multiscale characterization of photovoltaic materials
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
In the past years, photovoltaics (PV) became one of the cheapest sources of energy. 97% of commercial solar cells are made of silicon, and their lab-scale record efficiencies of 28.2 % are now close to the theoretical limit (29.4 %). Yet, expectations of both the society and the PV industry are still high, and most of the research efforts are now dedicated to pushing forward the efficiency. Combining silicon and new materials in tandem devices is the most-regarded solution for next-generation photovoltaics. Current options are polycrystalline semiconductors like perovskites and inorganic Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 or CdTe thin films, but they are still limited by both efficiency and/or stability issues that are hardly explained by current models. Further developments require a better understanding of the properties of low-cost thin-film materials.
The goal of this project is twofold. From the one side combining CathodoLuminescence (CL) and PhotoLuminescence (PL) techniques will provide a multi-scale (from <10 nm to cm) analysis tool for elementary processes and properties of bulk materials and surfaces. On the other side, we aim at pushing our analysis a step further by calibrating our tool in absolute terms, i.e. extracting the number of CL photons emitted by the sample. Another long-term objective is to use advanced computational methods for correlative data analysis, and simulation to build a realistic model of thin-film solar cells using the measured quantities.
Contact
Amaury Delamarre
29/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
115
Light-trapping for next-generation single-junction and tandem solar cells
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Photovoltaics (PV) are a cornerstone of the global energy transition. Today, silicon-based solar cells dominate the market (97%), achieving average conversion efficiencies of 23% typically using 150 µm-thick wafers. The next generation of solar cells could achieve a seemingly paradoxical goal: higher efficiency with less material. Ultrathin solar cells (10x thinner than conventional ones) offer a transformative solution for material savings and reduced carbon footprint, lightweight and flexible applications.
However, their performance has been limited by insufficient light-trapping to compensate for the reduced material volume. Our team has already achieved a major milestone: in 2019, we demonstrated a 19.9%-efficient ultrathin solar cell with only 200 nm of GaAs, using a nanostructured back mirror that leverages multi-resonant absorption (Nature Energy, 2019). We’ve also published a comprehensive review on ultrathin cells (Nature Energy, 2020) and derived theoretical upper bounds for light trapping (PRX Energy, 2026), opening new perspectives for ultrathin solar cells.
This internship builds on these results to develop solutions for light-trapping in ultrathin solar cells. It will combine clean-room work and optical simulation, and it will explore the potential of correlated-disorder nanostructures for light-trapping using low-cost, self-assembly processes, aiming at their integration in single-junction silicon solar cells and tandems.
Contact
Amaury Delamarre
29/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
116
Method development for graphene assisted transferrable III-V thin films
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
III-V epitaxy is normally performed on mono-crystalline substrates a few hundred micrometers thick, while the active thin-film device itself is usually only a few micrometers. During the fabrication process, the substrate is either etched or retained in the structure without serving any functional purpose. In this project, we aim to detach the thin film from the substrate. This will yield semiconducting membranes that are altogether flexible, lightweight, integrable, and high-performance (both optically and electronically). These membranes have applications in numerous fields, including silicon photonics, flexible devices, and high-efficiency solar cells. Furthermore, this approach offers the opportunity to recycle the mono-crystalline substrates, which are both expensive and made from critical materials, thereby reducing material consumption 100-fold.
Our strategy is to deposit a graphene layer onto the substrate before performing the epitaxy (see figure in attached pdf). We have demonstrated that graphene enables the fabrication of high-quality mono-crystalline material while allowing its exfoliation. The general purpose of the internship is to develop this method, which requires both exploring the fundamental physical phenomena occurring at the graphene surface during material synthesis and defining practical methodologies and quality assessment protocols for each process step. Without restrictions, we aim to fabricate ultrathin solar cells.
Contact
Amaury Delamarre
29/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
117
A cell-based model for tissue electrohydraulic properties
Domaines
Condensed matter
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
In addition to generating forces and reacting to mechanical cues, cells and tissues are capable of actively transporting fluids and of creating electric currents. The goal of this internship will be to explore these properties using a cell-based approach. This numerical model, based on the vertex model and pump-and-leak model, will be designed include explicitly fluid transport. See pdf for details.
Contact
Charlie Duclut
29/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
118
A new source at 578 nm for clock interrogation and shelving of Yb atoms
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Quantum gases
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The internship will take place in the ytterbium lattice clocks team at LTE, Observatoire de Paris. Two topics are proposed in parallel: the design and the construction of a 578 nm source based on non-linear optics, and the demonstration of an atomic drain technique aiming at shelving atoms in metastable states so as to decouple the dynamics of a magneto-optical trap from the capture in a deep optical lattice.
Contact
Rodolphe Le Targat
28/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
119
Bio-inspired superconducting sensors for sub-THz technologies
Domaines
Condensed matter
Physics of living systems
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The overall objective is to develop an ultrasensitive, on-chip sub-THz spectrometer that mimics the cochlea’s remarkable ability to decompose complex audio signals. This will be achieved by combining graded metamaterial designs with the nonlinear dynamics of superconductors.
The internship will consist in setting up a 100GHz measurement apparatus and simulating, then fabricating a first prototype to verify the properties of the rainbow trapping in the linear case.
Do not hesitate to contact us, if you are interested !
Contact
Alexis Jouan
28/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
120
Local THz photons for coherent light-matter interaction
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The goal of this project is to build a quantum spectrometer in the meV range that opens the road for the study of quantum coherences in low dimensional systems. It lies at the frontier between microwave and optics will enrich two fields of research and give access to mesoscopic phenomena such as magnonic excitations.
Feel free to contact me if you are interested!
Contact
Alexis Jouan
28/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
121
Dynamique loin de l'équilibre dans des fluides quantiques à deux composantes
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Non-linear optics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Contact
Pierre-Élie Larré
28/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
122
Pump-Probe Spectroscopy of Charge Carrier Transport in Nanocrystal Optoelectronics
Domaines
Condensed matter
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Scientific project: The aim of this experimental project is to use a pump-probe optical microscopy method1 to spatiotemporally study microscopic charge transport in nanocrystal-based optoelectronics systems. Controlling nanoscale charge carrier transport is fundamental to energy conversion applications from solar cells to LEDs. While advanced spectroscopic methods grant an understanding of excited-state dynamics in isolated materials, many fundamental questions about the microscopic nature of transport in optoelectronics devices remain underexplored. To address this area, one needs a probe of local charge transport with ultrafast and nanosecond time resolution and sub-micron spatial resolution in a material in realistic device conditions. Our approach is to do ultrafast microscopy and fabricate nanocrystal-based optoelectronics. These studies will reveal microscopic structure–property relationships that connect nanoscale carrier dynamics to macro-scale energy conversion. We study fundamental questions, but under applied material conditions.
During the timeframe of the master’s internship, the student will take on one of several possible projects regarding charge transport in colloidal nanocrystal assemblies, and trying to connect this to electical measurements. The project likely involves optical spectroscopy, some instrumentation, Python simulations, some clean room, and basic chemistry lab prep. The goal is that the student continues on to do a PhD.
Contact
James Utterback
28/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
123
Study of Active Chiral Processes in Acto-Myosin Bundles
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Within every mammalian cell, the actin cytoskeleton forms networks composed of multiple filaments that support numerous fundamental cellular functions, such as cell division, motility, and intracellular transport. Myosin molecular motors use ATP hydrolysis to exert power strokes onto actin filaments. This phenomenon is up-scaled and applied to large assembly of filaments in actin networks inside cells, and leads to active chiral phenomenons. These are at the base of many large scale processes, such as the asymmetric development of multi-cellular organisms. Identifying the coupling between physico-chemical and geometrical parameters in acto-myosin networks to better understand active chiral processes is thus one of the most fundamental problem in biology.
To investigate this we focus our effort on the study of the emergence of rotational chirality in polar actin bundles. We propose bottom-up approaches to decipher individual molecular events and how they synergize to drive collective activity at the meso-scale. We will combine original experimental design to study motor-filament interactions using minimal reconstitution systems, with purified proteins. We will use a combination of fluorescence microscopy, microfluidics, and magnetic tweezers, which allows us to precisely control biochemical conditions and apply physiologically relevant forces in order to quantify the interactions between the filaments and various regulatory proteins.
Contact
Cécile Leduc
28/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
124
Magnetorotational instability in an accretion disk
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The aim of the project is to investigate the physical mechanisms and processes governing instabilities in an accretion disc orbiting a massive central object, which may give rise to turbulence. Because pure hydrodynamic models fail to explain astrophysical data, additional phenomena should be considered in order to explain how turbulence drives the transport of angular momentum. A primary candidate is the magnetorotational instability (MRI), which is triggered by the interaction of the accretion disk’s motion with a background magnetic field. The proposed work will combine numerical simulations within an idealized framework known as the ‘Taylor-Couette configuration’ with magnetohydrodynamic theory. The results will enable a comparison with the forthcoming DRESDYN-MRI experiment using liquid sodium, currently under construction at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR, Germany), which aims to detect and study different types of MRI in the laboratory.
Contact
Caroline Nore
28/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
125
Real-time imaging of 3D vectorial topologies in liquid crystal
Domaines
Condensed matter
Soft matter
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Understanding how topological structures emerge, evolve, and can be transferred
between physical systems is a central question in modern physics.In our group, we have developed an expertise to optically write & erase topological structures in liquid crystals, in a directional manner with respect to various degrees of freedom of light (polarization, phase, amplitude). In this regard, understanding the morphogenesis process remains a challenge that we propose to address by developing a novel optical imaging technique. This capability will enable the investigation of the dynamics and topology of liquid crystal textures and defects, as well as phase transitions and nucleation processes, in fundamentally new ways.
Contact
Delphine Coursault
28/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
126
Can biodiversity be seen from space? Multiscale complexity in remote-sensing images to predict ecosystem trends.
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
A biodiverse landscape may not simply be greener or more heterogeneous. It may possess a distinctive organisation across scales: habitat mosaics, edges, corridors, characteristic patch sizes, lacunarity and long-range correlations. Aerial and satellite images preserve much of this geometry, yet standard ecological products often compress it into pixel classes or a few averages. The challenge is to determine whether multiscale observables carry robust ecological information and, as a possible extension, whether they reveal spatial reorganisation before visible degradation.
Contact
Michael Benzaquen
27/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
127
{Mapping atmospheric convection from paragliding trajectories
Domaines
Statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Can thousands of recreational flights become an observatory of atmospheric convection? This internship will use large-scale paragliding trajectories to investigate the structure and dynamics of thermal updrafts. Combining atmospheric physics, trajectory analysis and statistical inference, we will explore what nearby pilots can reveal collectively about an invisible, evolving flow, while accounting for the selective way they explore it.
Contact
Michael Benzaquen
27/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
128
Erosion by dissolution: hydrodynamics and pattern formation
Domaines
Soft matter
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Erosion by dissolution plays a significant role in area covered by a soluble mineral like in Karst regions and is the cause of the formation of remarkable patterns (limestone pavements, scallops, dissolution channels, dissolution pinnacles, limestone forests…) with characteristic length scales. We propose in this internship, by the mean of controlled laboratory experiments, to study the morphogenesis of dissolution patterns. The soluble media and the hydrodynamic flows will be tuned to downscale the characteristic size and time of the involved processes from geological values to “laboratory” values. Thanks to quantitative measurements of the flow and of the topography of eroded surfaces, we will identify the driving elementary physical mechanisms and thus develop mathematical models and numerical simulations, with the aim to explain complex geological systems and to predict the long term evolution of landscapes.
In this internship, the student will develop in the group, one or several model experiments, reproducing dissolution erosion phenomena. To decrease the timescales, fast dissolving materials like salt and plaster will be used. Hydrodynamic properties of the flows will be characterized and the 3D shape evolution of eroded surfaces will be recorded.
Contact
Michael Berhanu
25/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
129
2D materials architectures for advanced tuning of thermal properties
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The internship explores heat and charge transport in nanostructured graphene to improve thermoelectric conversion and explore thermal rectification. Using geometrically modified graphene with periodic nano-holes or nanocostriction, it aims to control phonon and electron mean free paths, enabling asymmetric heat conduction and enhanced Seebeck effect. The student will fabricate devices (graphene transfer, e-beam lithography, etching), measure electrical and thermal properties (Seebeck coefficient, electrical and thermal conductivity, rectification), and analyze results through finite element simulations. The project offers practical training in 2D materials and advances understanding of geometry-driven thermal and thermoelectric control.
Contact
Maria Luisa Della Rocca
25/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
130
Anisotropic Mechanics of Active Tissues
Domaines
Condensed matter
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This project aims to study the role of activity and anisotropy in the mechanics of cellular monolayers. Activity is found in systems which are out-of-equilibrium. They consume energy at the microscopic level, such as ATP hydrolysis in cells, which allows them to generate active stresses, such as contractile forces in the acto-myosin network in cells. Anisotropy is found in systems which have elongated particles, or cells, leading to different properties along the X or Y direction. Traditional mechanical characterization of biological tissues considers them as passive and isotropic materials. This project will close this gap using a novel in vitro system: the microstretcher.
Contact
Claire Dessalles
25/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
131
Covalent 2D organic nanostructures by optically controlled cross-linking of molecular self-assemblies
Domaines
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The aim of the project is to establish a proof of principle of light-induced nanoscale chemistry at the optical wavelength scale, combining optics and scanning probe techniques such as scanning tunneling microscopy.
Contact
Mylène Sauty
25/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
132
Polarity dynamics in cell migration and coupling to cellular footprint
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Cell migration is driven by the asymmetric activity of its cytoskeleton, which is controlled by several interconnected intracellular phenomena: RhoGTPases activity, organelle positioning, cell-substrate adhesion... We also discovered recently that epithelial cells deposit a footprint on their way, which in turn feedbacks on cell polarity to act as an external self-attracting cue. Some of the relationships between those phenomena, cytoskeletal properties and associated cell displacement have been described. However, there is no comprehensive overview of the specific properties that emerge from this complex dynamical network, in particular its responsiveness to external stimuli. The goal of this project is twofold: (1) extract the dynamical relationships between those various intracellular processes from microscopy videos of migrating cells and (2) understand how those dynamics integrate the signals from cellular footprint.
Contact
Joseph D'Alessandro
25/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
133
Molecular membrane fabrication for quantum technologies
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The central objective of this internship is to establish a reproducible route for fabricating europium
molecular membranes and, crucially, to determine whether their exceptional optical properties are
preserved after exfoliation and transfer. The student will optimize the mechanical exfoliation
conditions to increase the yield of thin, large-area flakes; develop deterministic dry-transfer protocols
onto photonic substrates such as SiC, SiO2/Si and glass; characterize membrane thickness,
morphology and crystalline quality using optical interference microscopy, atomic force microscopy
and Raman spectroscopy; and investigate their luminescence and optical homogeneous linewidths at
cryogenic temperatures using spectral hole burning. Comparison with bulk crystals will allow the
influence of exfoliation, reduced thickness and substrate coupling on the optical coherence of the
molecular material to be established.
Contact
Diana SERRANO
25/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
134
Active Flow Networks
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Context. How do biological organisms know how to transport matter and information exactly where they are needed? Many, like the slime mold rely on active flow networks. These systems are governed by the principles of active matter, in which the medium is set in motion locally. Remarkably, these local flows self-organize into transport that reaches the right place at the right time. While these highly effective transport networks are widely observed across nature, the physical mechanisms that allow them to self-organize and direct flows remain poorly understood. In this internship, we will design and study a novel artificial system to recreate these active flow networks and uncover the physical rules governing them.
This internship will experimentally recreate active flow in channel networks and model how such flow leads to self-organized functional transport. The student will work together with PhD students and postdocs and use experimental facilities to characterize the flow rate and pressure gradient produced by active pumps. Working with Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pumping, the student will gain practical experience using our microcontroller-based (Arduino) setup to map how flow and pressure gradients adapt to varying channel configurations. The results will open the way to innovative solutions for adaptive cooling and water management technologies in networks that can easily be disassembled and reused. The internship can be followed by a PhD grant.
Contact
Martin Brandenbourger
25/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
135
Design Viscoelasticity
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Context: Every interaction with our environment—from the shoes we wear to the helmets that
protect us from impact—is shaped by how materials respond to applied forces. Although
additive manufacturing has transformed the way we engineer mechanical properties, these
advances often remain limited to static, academic models (Fig.1). Bridging the gap to real-world
use requires designing materials with time-dependent behaviour, capable of complex
vibrations and high-velocity impacts of a dynamic world.
The project: The internship will study a periodic elastomeric metamaterial [1] comprising 3D-printed,
submillimetric channels filled with viscous liquid (Fig. 1). The student will characterize
how the presence of fluid within the structure controls the relaxation time of the material (Fig.
1). The project will build on these results and characterize experimentally how the architecture
of the tube (the distribution and size of the fluidic channels) and the viscosity of the fluid
control the relaxation dynamics from few milliseconds to seconds. We will then study the
mechanics of such a hybrid material under imposed deformation using tensile test machines
and impact tests.
Contact
Martin Brandenbourger
25/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
136
Collective motion based on deep reinforcement learning
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
When a system of many individuals is under stress, whether seeking resources or avoiding
threats, its survival depends on its ability to collectively move towards a specific objective.
Examples include large systems like human populations migrating in response to climate
change, or microscopic systems like viruses navigating through the body to infect host cells.
These complex events are often difficult to study directly due to their infrequency,
experimental complexity, or the many scales involved. A large scientific community is
currently working on solutions to better model and predict these collective motions [1]. At
IRPHE, researchers use deep reinforcement learning to allow the agent to infer the underlying
structure of its environment. Through simulated trial and error, the agent learns an optimal
strategy to adapt its trajectory and reach its target despite extremely limited visibility.
This internship aims at implementing this approach on physical robots in order to evaluate
these behaviors under real-world conditions. The candidate will learn to program the robotic
platform (Fig. 1) and conduct a series of experiments to evaluate its performance. The student
will join an ongoing project involving PhD students and PIs and combining experimental,
numerical and theoretical approaches. The internship could progress into a PhD aiming at
developing a complete understanding of collective motion in complex flows, pending
successful grant approval from the doctoral school.
Contact
Martin Brandenbourger
25/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
137
Single-Photon Detection and Correlation Measurements in Ultracold Atoms
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The Exotic Quantum Matter (EQM) Group is looking for a highly motivated Master 2 student to characterize a single-photon detection system that will subsequently be integrated into the experimental platform. The EQM group operates a quantum simulator based on ultracold potassium atoms to study strongly interacting quantum matter and light–matter interactions.
The EQM team has already demonstrated strong photon–photon interactions through classical measurements of optical intensity and phase. The next step is to investigate these interactions at the level of individual photons, where quantum correlations become directly accessible.
The internship will establish a two-channel single-photon detection system based on two single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) and a high-resolution photon arrival-time tagger. The system will be used to measure the second-order photon correlation function g²(τ).
Contact
Tom Bienaimé
25/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
138
Modélisation de l’effet d’une irradiation sur des cellules hypoxiques
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
La radiothérapie fait partie des traitements classiques contre le cancer. Mais des cellules radiorésistantes se développent, notamment dans les zones hypoxiques des tumeurs. L'objectif de ce stage est de développer de nouveaux modèles mathématiques permettant de caractériser la réponse à l'irradiation des tissus, en tenant compte notamment de l'état d'oxygénation des tissus.
Ce projet associe un aspect expérimental (culture de cellules, utilisation d’un vidéomicroscope de façon à pouvoir suivre les cellules individuellement pendant quatre jours, les cellules seront mises sous différents degrés d’hypoxie, puis irradiées avec différentes doses), un aspect d’analyse d’images et un aspect modélisation (un modèle discret stochastique des effets de l’irradiation de type agents-centré sera ensuite développé, de façon à tester des scenarii, expliquer et reproduire les données obtenues, dans les différentes conditions d’hypoxie et de doses d’irradiation).
Contact
Mathilde Badoual
24/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
139
Self-organized patterning in mammalian stem-cell aggregates
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
This project aims to uncover the biophysical principles that enable mammalian embryonic stem cells to self-organize into three-dimensional structures resembling developing embryos. How do cells acquire their identities and positional information, and how does precise and reproducible spatial organization emerge from their collective behavior? Combining quantitative microscopy, image analysis, mathematical modeling, and machine learning, the project will investigate the emergence of positional and correlative information during stem-cell differentiation and the flow of information through genetic networks. By linking theory and experiments, we aim to identify general principles of developmental self-organization and compare information processing across different biological systems, including mammalian stem-cell aggregates and Drosophila embryos.
Contact
Thomas Gregor
24/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
140
Gravimètre à atomes froids aéroporté
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Le stage proposé consistera à participer au premier essai aéroporté d'un gravimètre quantique de seconde génération, plus compacts, plus précis et permettant non seulement de mesurer l’amplitude du champ de gravité, mais également d’en déterminer l’orientation . Dans un premier temps, le stagiaire mettra en place une procédure de calibration des capteurs auxiliaires nécessaires au fonctionnement du gravimètre. Dans un deuxième temps, il participera à une campagne de mesures en vol aux îles Féroé. Enfin, il contribuera au traitement et à l’analyse des données acquises pendant les vols. Ce stage permettra au stagiaire d’acquérir des compétences à l’interface de plusieurs domaines : physique quantique, métrologie de haute précision, instrumentation et traitement de données. Le stage pourra se poursuivre par une thèse portant sur la suite du développement de ce gravimètre quantique, avec pour objectif la réalisation de mesures vectorielles du champ de gravité.
Contact
Sylvain Schwartz
24/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
141
Métrologie quantique avec des atomes de Rydberg dans des pinces optiques
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Ce stage s'inscrit dans un projet visant à explorer une nouvelle génération de capteurs de champs électromagnétiques avec des atomes froids de Rydberg. L'idée est de combiner la grande sensibilité des atomes de Rydberg au très bon degré de contrôle et de cohérence qu'il est possible d'atteindre avec des atomes froids contrôlés dans des pinces optiques. Cela ouvre la voie à de nouvelles applications dans des domaines variés comme : l’imagerie THz, la détection électromagnétique, la calibration des déplacements lumineux dans les horloges atomiques et des expériences de métrologie quantique où l'intrication entre atomes est mise à profit pour améliorer la sensibilité des mesures.
Notre dispositif expérimental a permis la démonstration de méthodes innovantes pour la mesure d’un champ micro-onde avec des atomes froids de Rydberg [Phys. Rev. Applied 22, 044039 ; arXiv:2608.07260]. L'objectif de ce stage est d’explorer de nouvelles techniques de mesure des champs électromagnétiques avec des atomes froids de Rydberg dans des pinces optiques.
Intégré au sein de l'unité DPHY/SLM de l'ONERA, qui est un acteur mondialement reconnu des capteurs à base d'atomes froids, vous serez également amené(e) à interagir avec le département électromagnétisme et radar de l'ONERA ainsi qu'avec nos partenaires académiques et industriels
Contact
Sylvain Schwartz
24/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
142
Fluid and electrical transport in confined saline solutions
Domaines
Condensed matter
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The objective of this internship is to understand how the electrical conductivity of confining surfaces controls the flow properties of a nanoconfined saline solution. To this end, the project will utilize semiconducting surfaces, which will allow for the experimental exploration of a situation that lies between insulating and conducting surfaces.
The internship will consist of several complementary stages:
• fabrication of surfaces by sputtering;
• characterization of their topography using atomic force microscopy (AFM);
• conducting dSFA experiments to measure hydrodynamic forces in confined solutions;
• analysis and modeling of the results to identify the role of surface conductivity.
All necessary experimental techniques are available and mastered in the laboratory. The internship will thus allow the candidate to gain training in a range of cutting-edge experimental techniques at the interface between fluid mechanics, condensed matter physics, and interface physics.
This project is part of a research theme currently being developed at the laboratory and may be continued as a doctoral thesis, funded under the ANR JCJC ElectroMecano project. Continuing the project will, in particular, allow us to take a deeper look with the combination of mechanical and electrical measurements within the dSFA, in order to develop a unified understanding of fluid, ionic, and electronic transport under confinement.
Contact
Romain Lhermerout
24/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
143
Mechanical regulation of actin/vimentin crosstalk in vitro
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Context of the project
Cell mechanics is mostly governed by the cytoskeleton which is composed of three types of interconnected filaments: actin, microtubules and intermediate filaments. Among them, actin forms dynamic networks that can remodel rapidly in response to its environmental cues, but are not mechanically resistant to deformation. Conversely, vimentin intermediate filaments form stable networks that are highly extensible and resistant to rupture. Despite these very different properties, actin and vimentin are involved in many common cellular functions such as cell migration or mechano-sensitivity, and work in coordination to perform them. However, very few studies have focused on the interaction between actin and vimentin at the molecular level to understand the mechanisms involved in this coordination.
Objectives
The goal of the internship is to reconstitute in vitro certain aspects of the vimentin/actin crosstalk and understand how it is modulated under external stresses. Using original microfluidic approaches developed by the team, we will study the impact of vimentin filament tension on the recruitment of vimentin/actin crosslinkers and how this could impact the morphology of vimentin/actin composite networks.
Contact
Cécile Leduc
23/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
144
Looking for potential variations of the proton-to-electron mass ratio and other tests of fundamental physics via precision measurements with molecules
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This internship will focus on measuring mid-infrared molecular transitions of methanol (CH3OH), ammonia (NH3), and other molecules known for their enhanced sensitivity to changes in µ. The work will involve achieving subDoppler spectroscopic resolution to reach target laboratory frequency accuracies of ~100 Hz needed for comparisons with astronomical observations. This activity is part of the ANR Ultiµos project, a collaborative effort which seeks to refine current constraints on the possible variation of µ which involves leading research institutions, including Laboratoire Kastler Brossel (LKB, L. Hilico) and MONARIS (C. Janssen) at Sorbonne Université. The three partners of the Ultiµos consortium will collaborate to conduct measurements in different spectral windows, to identify transitions as targets for future Earth/space comparison campaigns, which could further tighten constraints on
variations of µ. Other collaborators, such as Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Onsala Space Observatory, will provide theoretical and observational/astronomical support to complement the experimental efforts.
Contact
Raphaël Hahn
23/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
145
High-Sensitivity Microwave Spectroscopy for Precision Measurements and Tests of Fundamental Physics
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The master student will join the effort at LPL to develop a new-generation compact and versatile microwave (MW) spectrometer operating over the 2–20 GHz range. This instrument is conceived both as a high-sensitivity detector of internal quantum states in polyatomic molecules and as a precision tool for molecular frequency metrology. The spectrometer will enable cross-checks between MW rotational frequencies and mid-infrared (MIR) rovibrational data planned to be measured at the 100 Hz level in the frame of the ANR Ultiµos project. These comparisons are directly motivated by the search for potential variations of the proton-to-electron mass ratio µ, a fundamental constant whose stability can be tested by confronting laboratory data with MW astronomical spectra of molecules such as methanol and ammonia. These species possess transitions with strong sensitivity coefficients to µ, making them powerful probes of possible temporal or spatial variations of fundamental constants. In Ultiµos, spectroscopy with ultrastable MIR quantum cascade lasers provide ultra-precise MIR frequencies with relative uncertainties of 10 ¹². By using combination–difference schemes, these MIR data yield effective MW intervals that can be directly confronted with our SI-traceable MW measurements. Such dual determinations, based on entirely different experimental chains and affected by distinct systematic effects, are ideal for robust cross-validation of frequency values and uncertainty budgets.
Contact
Raphaël Hahn
23/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
146
Precision Measurements and tests of fundamental physics with cold molecules
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Compared to atoms, molecular systems, owing to their numerous degrees of freedom, offer promising perspectives for improving tests of fundamental physics and precision measurements in general. Molecules are increasingly being used internationally for instance to test fundamental symmetries1, to measure fundamental constants2 or their
variation in time3, to search for dark matter4, ... Many of these experiments can be cast as measurements of resonance frequencies of molecular transitions highlighting the importance of frequency metrology. They also require advanced manipulation techniques already standard for atoms: individual states addressing, high detection rates, long coherence times, cooling of internal and external degrees of freedom.
The master student will participate in the development of a new-generation molecular clock specifically designed for precision vibrational spectroscopy of cold molecules in the gas phase. The proposed technology is at the forefront of cold molecule research and frequency metrology, and opens possibilities for using polyatomic molecules to perform
tests of fundamental physics and explore the limits of the standard model. The apparatus will be used in the first place for measuring the electroweak-interactions-induced tiny energy difference between enantiomers of a chiral molecule, a signature of parity (left-right symmetry) violation, and a sensitive probe of dark matter.
Contact
Raphaël Hahn
23/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
147
Physique statistique expérimentale : Energétique stochastique à 2 dimensions et plus
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Low dimension physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
La thermodynamique stochastique étudie les échanges d'énergie à l'échelle de kBT (kB constante de Boltzmann, T température). Nos expériences permettent des mesures d’une précision inégalée dans ce domaine un système modèle à 2 degrés de liberté uniquement: position et vitesse. Les axes d’explorations sont prometteurs : nous pouvons donner vie à des expériences de pensée telle qu’un démon de Maxwell pour exploiter les fluctuations thermiques ; explorer l’énergie minimale pour manipuler l’information dans des opérations logiques ; étudier des cycles moteurs (type Carnot) avec un gaz mono-particule. De nombreuses questions ouvertes sur le lien entre information et échanges d’énergie sous-tendent notre approche expérimentale, et donnent lieu à des collaborations avec les experts internationaux du domaine : questions théoriques, optimisation par IA, ouverture vers les fluctuations quantiques, lien avec la biophysique. Nos expériences offrent toute une palette pour permettre à une doctorante ou un doctorant d’exprimer sa créativité, d'une coloration très expérimentale (optimisation du micro-mécanisme, rétroaction en temps réel) à fondamentale (modélisation analytique poussée), en passant par le traitement du signal (implémentation temps réel de protocoles via des réseaux de neurones artificiels). Des bases de physique statistique et une grande curiosité sont ainsi les seuls prérequis attendus !
Contact
Ludovic Bellon
Laboratory : laboratoire de physique, ENS de Lyon - umr 5672
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
23/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
148
Experimental statistical physics: stochastic energetics beyond 1 dimension
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Low dimension physics
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Stochastic thermodynamics studies energy exchanges at the scale of k_B T (where k_B is the Boltzmann constant and T the temperature). Our experiments enable unprecedentedly precise measurements in this field using a model system with two degrees of freedom: position and velocity. The research directions are highly promising: we can bring thought experiments such as a Maxwell’s demon to life to harness thermal fluctuations; explore the minimal energy required to process information in logical operations; and study engine cycles (such as the Carnot cycle) using a single-particle gas.
Numerous open questions about the relationship between information and energy exchange drive our experimental approach and lead to collaborations with international experts in the field, involving theoretical investigations, AI-based optimization, exploration of quantum fluctuations, and connections to biophysics.
Our experiments offer a wide range of opportunities for a PhD candidate to express creativity, from highly experimental work (micro-mechanical optimization, real-time feedback control) to fundamental studies (advanced analytical modeling), as well as signal processing (real-time implementation of protocols via artificial neural networks). A solid foundation in statistical physics and strong scientific curiosity are the only prerequisites!
Contact
Ludovic Bellon
Laboratory : laboratoire de physique, ENS de Lyon - umr 5672
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
23/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
149
Data-driven modeling of gamma activity in mouse visual cortex
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The goal of the internship is to explore mechanisms of cortical gamma oscillations using computational modeling, to account for recent data on the spatial and temporal characteristics of gamma oscillations in mouse visual cortex. During the internship, we will employ rate models that may suffice to capture the interplay between thalamic inputs and locally coupled excitatory and inhibitory populations, as well as recurrent networks of spiking (e.g. leaky integrate and fire) neurons that may be necessary to capture spike-gamma event synchrony. Model predictions will be cross-checked using publicly available datasets of mouse V1 activity and intracellular recordings of V1 excitatory and inhibitory neurons.
Contact
Jonas Ranft
23/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
150
Confinement of Plasmonic Liquid Crystals in Emulsion Droplets
Domaines
Soft matter
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Plasmonic nanoparticles can self-assemble into liquid-crystalline phases with collective optical properties that differ strongly from those of isolated particles. This project will investigate the confinement of these new phases within emulsion droplets to create microscale, reconfigurable plasmonic materials. The study will focus on gold and silver nanorods forming nematic and smectic phases in confined geometries. It is expected that the curvature of the droplet interface impose specific orientations and generate defects or frustrated configurations. The project will (1) establish robust protocols for producing water in oil droplets containing plasmonic liquid crystals, (2) study the structure and measure the optical properties. Beyond fundamental research, we test this approach as a scalable route for "plasmonic pixels" with tunable vibrant colors.
Contact
Cyrille Hamon
23/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
151
Modeling ultrafast exciton transport in bio-inspired organic light-harvesting nanoparticles
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Energy transport is a key process at play in natural photosynthesis. Although pivotal to biology, this mechanism is still incompletely understood, but drives the interests of both fundamental and applied science. This internship aims at increasing the understanding of artificial photosynthesis by performing a theoretical modeling of EE transport in organic, bio-inspired light harvesting (LH) systems. The model design and parametrization will be guided by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy experiments performed in IPCMS. The goal will be to compute quantitatively and to simulate (i) the fluorescence anisotropy decay, which reveals the time scale for the ultrafast individual EE hopping events and (ii) the slower EE diffusion mechanism with a diffusion constant D that is extracted from the fluorescence quenching. This will be a first step towards a better understanding of EE transport, which is necessary to stimulate the emergence of innovative biomimetic photosynthetic materials. The candidate will join the IPCMS and work with J. Léonard performing the EE transport experiments and R. Avriller & B. Bacq-Labreuil working on the theory and simulation of EE transport. The candidate will benefit from a stimulating scientific environment in close connection between theory and experiments.
Contact
Rémi Avriller
22/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
152
Morphogenesis of the sea urchin skeleton microstructure: modeling actin self-organization
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Among all 3D structures, saddle-shaped geometries and minimal surfaces have intrigued scientists for centuries, because they can spontaneously self-assemble driven by the minimization of thermodynamic quantities such as the interfacial energy. Echinoderms, like sea urchins and sea stars, build a calcite skeleton whose microstructure is an outstanding biogenic example of saddle-shape geometry. This 3D structure, called stereom, is a porous meshwork made of calcite, whose peculiar curvature signature is conserved across different species and body parts. Several studies have addressed the morphogenesis of the stereom showing that it forms via biomineralization through a rich dynamics of branching and bridging episodes. Yet, a global, mechanistic comprehension of what controls preferential mineral deposition is still lacking.
Recently, we have found that the stereom may inherit its specific geometry from a precursor made of actin-fibers that self-organize under tension close to the growing boundary. However, precursors are confined in a pore-size layer closed to the growing boundary and cannot explain the coherence of the overall network. Our hypothesis is that the stereom local geometry is not only an emergent property but also a driving cue for skeletonizing cells and that this interaction is mediated by the cytoskeleton. The internship aims to build a model, coupling the stereom geometry and the self-organization of actin fibers using a continuous approach.
Contact
Giulio Facchini
Laboratory : MSC - UMR7057
Team : Morphogenèse et Dynamique des Systèmes Auto-Organisés
Team Website
Team : Morphogenèse et Dynamique des Systèmes Auto-Organisés
Team Website
22/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
153
Morphogenesis of the sea urchin skeleton microstructure: the role of the cytoskeleton - Experiments
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Among all 3D structures, saddle-shaped geometries and minimal surfaces have intrigued scientists for centuries, because they can spontaneously self-assemble driven by the minimization of thermodynamic quantities such as the interfacial energy. Echinoderms, like sea urchins and sea stars, build a calcite skeleton whose microstructure is an outstanding biogenic example of saddle-shape geometry. This 3D structure, called stereom, is a porous meshwork made of calcite, whose peculiar curvature signature is conserved across different species and body parts. Several studies have addressed the morphogenesis of the stereom showing that it forms via biomineralization through a rich dynamics of branching and bridging episodes. Yet, a global, mechanistic comprehension of what controls preferential mineral deposition is still lacking.
Recently, we have found that the stereom may inherit its specific geometry from a precursor made of actin-fibers that self-organize under tension close to the growing boundary. To confirm this hypothesis, the student will characterize how the stereom evolution is affected in the presence of drugs targeting the contractility and the polymerization of actin fibers. Next, we will also develop a new protocol to observe and characterize the cytoskeleton dynamics in vivo. The internship will be the opportunity to learn experimental techniques like immunochemistry and confocal microscopy, and to develop a numerical workflow for image analysis.
Contact
Giulio Facchini
Laboratory : MSC - UMR7057
Team : Morphogenèse et Dynamique des Systèmes Auto-Organisés
Team Website
Team : Morphogenèse et Dynamique des Systèmes Auto-Organisés
Team Website
22/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
154
Swimming cells under light
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Photosynthetic micro-organisms contribute for half of dioxygen production, consume carbon dioxide, and are promising regarding biofuel production. Our lab aims to develop a quantitative approach describing the energetic state of these micro-organisms exploring their environment, a crucial aspect to better understand their motility behaviour. To tackle this problem, we use the motile micro-algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a model unicellular organism, per-forming photosynthesis (light-to-chemical energy conversion) and phototaxis (cell reorientation along the light direction). Two projects are available.
Contact
Antoine Allard
22/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
155
Effective surface tension in miscible fluid flows
Domaines
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
When two miscible liquids meet, transient composition gradients across their boundary generate an effective interfacial tension. This gives rise to complex interfacial flow dynamics governed by tightly coupled mass and momentum transport: a fundamental problem with broad implications in microfluidics, active mixing, and soft matter physics. In this project, the student will investigate these interfacial flows through a combination of precision experiments and physical modelling. You will design and prototype custom millifluidic channels (using3D printing and microfabrication, no prior knowledge about it required) and perform micro-PIV measurements on a state-of-the-art inverted fluorescence microscope to map local velocity fields at the interface. Depending on the candidates background, the experimental work can be complemented by analytical scaling laws and calculations or numerical simulations.
Contact
Théo Lenavetier
22/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
156
Mimicking the ocean in the lab: the ultimate experiment
Domaines
Statistical physics
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The M2 internship and the following PhD thesis will consist in assembling and running a new experimental setup aiming at reaching the internal wave turbulence regime in a stratified and rotating fluid in order to test theoretical predictions that could offer new approaches for simulating ocean dynamics at small scales. The setup will consist in a rotating hexagonal water tank, 4 m high and 4 m large, filled with 40 000 L of salt stratified water installed on the 13 m diameter rotating Coriolis platform in LEGI laboratory in Grenoble. The PhD student's "base camp", where the analysis of the data collected during the campaigns will be carried out, will be the FAST laboratory in Orsay. However, the possibility of also conducting this part of the project in Grenoble can be discussed.
Contact
Pierre-Philippe Cortet
22/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
157
Exploring non-Abelian geometric phases with mobile spins
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
This project aims to perform direct measurements of non-Abelian geometric phases experienced by individual spins moving in materials with strong spin-orbit interaction. We will develop an experiment where single holes are displaced along closed loops inside 2D arrays of quantum dots in germanium at zero magnetic field. By studying the evolution of their spin states depending on the trajectory followed, we will evidence the non-Abelian geometric phases, study their properties and investigate their potential for quantum information processing.
Contact
Corentin Déprez
22/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
158
Understanding Confined Glass Transition using Levitodynamics
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Metrology
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
According to Anderson, the most profound and interesting problem in condensed matter physics is the glass transition. Indeed, glassy materials are ubiquitous in nature, and discussions of the glass transition involve many areas of physics. Despite intense interest in the dynamic slowing down that accompanies glass formation, a complete microscopic theory does not yet exist. Recently, the supposed existence of a length scale ξ for cooperative rearrangement has generated considerable interest in an alternative approach: the study of confined glasses. The correlation length scales emerging in these systems appear to be much larger than molecular sizes, which intrigues the community. We propose to address the problem of confined glass transition on a silica nanoparticle isolated from its environment using optical trapping in vacuum.
The proposed method involves significantly modifying/improving an experimental system [1,2,3] whose basis has already been developed at LOMA for other fields of application. The originality of our new device is that it will enable independent determination of the size, refractive indices (real and imaginary) and temperature of a glass former nanoparticle optically trapped at a wavelength of 1064 nm [4,5]. The addition of an extra CO2 laser will enable us to finely control the temperature of the nanoparticle whose position is resolved in 3D using ultra fast interferometric detection [1,5].
Contact
Yacine AMAROUCHENE
21/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
159
Toward 2D electron gases with strong spin-orbit coupling in crystalline metal- semiconductor heterostructures
Domaines
Condensed matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The aim of this intership project and the following PhD thesis is to develop a strategy to preserve the strong Rashba effect in 2D heavy metallic layers on semiconducting surfaces and make use of these systems for spintronic applications. We will grow a dielectric capping material on the desired heavy metal in ultra-high vacuum environement, study the band structure of the heterostructures by ARPES and perform charge-spin conversion measurements by magneto-transport techniques.
Contact
Sergio Vlaic
21/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
160
The statistical physics of visual preference: What makes an image appealing?
Domaines
Statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Why do some images feel visually compelling while others appear dull, chaotic or artificial? This internship will investigate whether aesthetic preference can be related to measurable statistical properties of images. Building on our previous work on structural complexity, multiscale relevance, and quantitative color harmony, we will combine large human-preference datasets with interpretable descriptors of image organisation to identify which visual structures are consistently associated with appeal.
Contact
Michael Benzaquen
21/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
161
Cooperation in hybrid human-AI populations: Can artificial agents reshape collective behaviour?
Domaines
Statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
As artificial agents become participants in social and economic interactions, even a small fraction of them may alter collective behaviour. This internship will investigate how cooperation emerges in populations containing both humans and artificial agents. Using empirical data from social-dilemma experiments together with simple statistical-physics and evolutionary-game models, we will ask when artificial agents stabilise cooperation, when they disrupt it, and which mechanisms control the transition between these regimes.
Contact
Michael Benzaquen
21/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
162
Strong Chiral Light-Matter Interactions in a Fabry-Perot Cavity
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Chirality plays a central role in chemistry and biology, where molecules of opposite handedness can exhibit strikingly different biological and pharmacological activities despite having identical chemical compositions. Identifying and controlling molecular enantiomers is therefore of major importance. Light provides a natural probe of molecular handedness: chiral molecules interact differently with left- and right-circularly polarized light, giving rise to optical activity and circular dichroism, the foundations of chiroptical spectroscopy. Cavity quantum electrodynamics goes one step further by using confined electromagnetic fields to modify matter itself. Chiral cavities, engineered to interact differently with opposite molecular handedness, could enhance weak chiroptical signals and open new routes toward enantioselective synthesis, a major challenge in the pharmaceutical industry. This internship aims to develop a microscopic quantum model of chiral molecular ensembles strongly coupled to a Fabry-Perot cavity with engineered chiral mirrors. The goal is to understand and optimize chiral light-matter interactions toward ultrasensitive chiroptical spectroscopy and cavity-controlled enantioselective chemistry.
Contact
Rémi Avriller
21/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
163
Quantum simulation of anyons
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Quantum gases
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
We propose an internship to implement quantum simulation scenarios with ultra-cold dipolar excitons, confined in nanoscopic electrostatic lattices. This semiconductor platform has shown a high level of performance. It relies on electron-hole pairs that are optically injected in a double quantum well, where gate electrodes imprint electrostatic lattices confining excitons. Here, a route is introduced to realize anyonic excitations in the lattice. Anyons are strikingly marked by a fractional quantum statistics. They are theoretically accessible to dynamically varying lattices of dipolar excitons. following so-called Floquet engineering.
Contact
Francois Dubin
21/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
164
Modeling the action of seasons on frozen soils
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The goal of the internship is to study experimentally a model of a periglacial soil undergoing freezing/thawing cycles. The system will consist in a wet granular material in which a moving freezing front will be imposed. During the internship, different strategies for visualizing the micromechanical processes taking place in the system during the displacement of the front will be developed and the obtained measurements will be analyzed and modeled.
Contact
Axelle Amon
18/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
165
Cat qubits based on dc-biased Josephson junctions
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum Machines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Cat qubits protect quantum information in hardware. Two coherent states of a microwave resonator are held in place by a dissipation that removes photons only in pairs, which suppresses bit flips exponentially with the cat size. This dissipation is usually activated by a microwave pump, which also turns on parasitic terms. We instead bias a Josephson junction with a dc voltage, so that Cooper pairs tunnel at a frequency selecting the useful process while every unwanted term averages to zero. We have just demonstrated this mechanism in Lyon with Alice & Bob. The internship consists in measuring the next circuit and turning this dissipation into a qubit, first a two-component cat imaged by Wigner tomography, then a four-component cat calling for a high-impedance memory.
Contact
Benjamin Huard
Laboratory : laboratoire de physique, ENS de Lyon - umr 5672
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
18/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
166
A superconducting qubit with built-in protection against errors
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum Machines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Quantum processors correct their errors in software, at a cost of roughly a thousand physical qubits per useful logical one. A protected qubit works differently. Its two logical states are placed so far apart in phase space that no local noise can connect them. Errors are suppressed by the geometry of the circuit rather than corrected after the fact. We identified a new circuit that should solve the current roadblocks of previous attempts at making such a device. During the internship, you will measure and characterize the first version of that circuit.
Moreover, we recently experimentally demonstrated that it is possible to remove any charge offset drift in superconducting circuits, which would greatly improve the coherence time of our qubit. You will also contribute to the development of a new fabrication recipe that stabilizes the charge offset deterministically.
Contact
Benjamin Huard
Laboratory : laboratoire de physique, ENS de Lyon - umr 5672
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
18/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
167
Nonequilibrium thermodynamics of defects in active matter
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Active matter is the class of nonequilibrium systems where every constituent extracts energy from its environment to produce an autonomous sustained dynamics. Recently, some active models have focused on the collective dynamics of repulsive particles with oscillating shape. It has been shown that shape oscillation promotes deformation waves, in line with experiments for dense biological tissues, yielding a rich family of dynamical patterns which are reminiscent of instabilities observed in reaction-diffusion systems. The internship will study the thermodynamics of defects in pulsating active matter. The project will use some recent methods of stochastic thermodynamics to derive and examine the fluctuating hydrodynamics that describes the collective dynamics of defects. Overall, this study will largely build on the crosstalk between numerical and analytical methods of modern nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. In particular, the project will combine particle-based models and hydrodynamic theories.
Contact
Etienne Fodor
Laboratory : Department of Physics and Materials Science, University of Luxembourg -
Team : Physics of Active Matter
Team Website
Team : Physics of Active Matter
Team Website
18/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
168
Neural mechanisms for working memory
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Context: Neuronal networks generate large-scale activity patterns that support cognitive function. However, understanding how the anatomical and physiological properties of the network shape network activity and function is still a major challenge. Working memory is defined as the ability to temporarily store and manipulate behaviourally relevant information. The objective of our project is to elucidate how synaptic properties give rise to population activity patterns in working memory, which could reveal fundamental principles linking synaptic physiology and network computation. The project relies on a hybrid approach combining neuronal recordings and theoretical modelling.
M2 project: The intern will work on the construction of predictive neuronal network models constrained by available experimental evidence both from the existing scientific literature and from the dataset collected by the project experimental partner. He/she will work exclusively at the interface between models and large-scale data analysis, without participating in animal handling. Depending on the student’s interests, the project can emphasize modelling or data analysis.
Contact
Arthur Leblois
18/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
169
Probing Short-Time Brownian Motion in 3D with Optical Traps
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Push our optical trap toward a full 3D view of Brownian motion. Having proven we can track x(t) and y(t) under white light, cross-calibrated with our ultra-fast photodiode x(t) channel, join us to add a fast y(t) channel and a brand-new z(t) axis, the first steps toward a PhD probing particles near walls.
Contact
Julien BURGIN
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
170
Fractionalisation and anyons in integer quantum Hall circuits
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Nouveaux états électroniques de la matière corrélée
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
In reduced dimensionality, particles coined “anyons” can evade the familiar division between fermions and bosons with a fractional exchange phase between 0 and pi, with applications to topological quantum computation. Early on, quasiparticles of the Fractional Quantum Hall regime were identified as anyon candidates, and their fractional statistics was experimentally established in a few pioneer experiments in the early 2020s. It has been suggested that their existence extends way beyond this restrictive framework, and that they emerge for instance in bidimensional ballistic electron systems with strong Coulomb interactions, resulting in electron charge and statistics fractionalization.
The goal of this internship is to follow this novel approach with quantum circuit tools, combining quantum point contacts, single electron physics at high charging energies and ballistic edge channels of the Integer quantum Hall regime. The student will learn a variety of techniques mastered in the team (ultrasensitive conductance and quantum shot noise measurements, quantum thermal transport, electron interferometry), in order to reveal the anyonic nature of the system’s excitations, and characterize their quantum coherence.
Contact
Olivier Maillet
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
171
Infrared electroluminescence from colloidal quantum dots
Domaines
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Colloidal Quantum Dots (CQDs) are size-tunable semiconductors. They received the Nobel Prize in 2023 after being integrated into displays thanks to their spectrally narrow luminescence. While visible CQDs are now commercially available, their infrared counterparts have not yet released their full potential, whereas the short-wave infrared range lacks efficient non-coherent sources. The project aims to explore the design of light-emitting diodes operating in the 1 to 5 µm range. The infrared light-emitting layer is sandwiched between charge injection layers that selectively inject electrons and holes. In the visible range, the quantum efficiency can be as high as 20%, but it quickly drops as longer wavelengths are targeted (1% at 1.3 µm and 0.1% at 2 µm) due to the lengthening of the radiative lifetime and inefficient shielding, which makes non-radiative processes dominant. Thus, new concepts need to be introduced to circumvent this drop in efficiency. The project will explore new concepts related to charge injection based on energy transfer and cascade effects as strategies to generate electrical gain. A second aspect of the project will relate to the design and fabrication of photonic structures to achieve better light outcoupling.
Contact
Emmanuel Lhuillier
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
172
Nanocrystal-based infrared camera
Domaines
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Design of an infrared camera from colloidal quantum dots
Contact
Emmanuel Lhuillier
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
173
Toward the origin of ionic memory
Domaines
Condensed matter
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Biology processes information with ions flowing through nanochannels. Artificial nanofluidic devices made from 2D materials such as graphene now show ionic memory, which recent optical observations attribute to voltage-induced deformation of the channels. The physics behind this deformation remains poorly understood. In this internship, the student will fabricate model devices, submerged 2D flakes on substrates, and measure how the electrostatic pressure competes with interlayer adhesion, using coupled optical and electrokinetic measurements. Tuning the substrate roughness will then allow control of adhesion. The goal is a quantitative model identifying the key parameters for designing ionic memories.
Contact
Theo Emmerich
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
174
Imaging carrier transport in cross-sectional III-nitride LEDs
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) made of nitride materials are universally used for energy-efficient lighting. However, such LEDs suffer from drastic drops in efficiency at high current densities and high emission wavelengths (green to red), whose causes are still debated due to their complexity. Understanding them requires to access carrier behavior inside the active region of the LED itself, taking into account microscopic structuration and heterogeneities. Most approaches in the literature focus on spatially averaged measurements, missing out the core of the problem.
This project proposes to develop a novel approach to directly image carrier behavior (injection, recombination et escape) in the active region of an in operando LED. The aim is to perform a pump-probe electrical and optical excitation on a cleaved device observed in cross-section in a low energy electron microscope. This approach includes several challenging steps, among them the cleavage of an operating device for an observation in cross-section and the development of a mixed electrical and optical excitation of the LED under the microscope. Numerical modelling will be developed to support experimental findings.
Contact
Mylène Sauty
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
175
Acousto-optic interaction for non-linear integrated mid-infrared photonics
Domaines
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The goal of this internship is to develop and characterize nonlinear acousto-optic devices operating in the mid-infrared (wavelength of 3-8µm), leveraging broadband transparency and piezoelectricity of III-V semiconductor heterostructures. These devices will perform phase modulation, but also potentially on-chip optical routing, a pre-requisite for magnetic field-free optical isolation.
The internship will be mostly experimental, involving the use and development of two existing setups. The first one is a mid-IR integrated photonic bench allowing to characterize the operation of the devices (see above, right). The second one is a heterodyne interferometer, that allows to image the SAW-related vibration (amplitude and phase) of the sample surface to characterize the acoustic properties of the devices (see above, left).
Contact
Mathieu Jeannin
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
176
Élaboration et caractérisation de grains cohésifs pour l'étude de milieux granulaires à polydispersité évolutive
Domaines
Condensed matter
Soft matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Les milieux granulaires sont omniprésents dans notre environnement, qu’il soit industriel (dans les secteurs agroalimentaire, du génie civil ou pharmaceutique, par exemple) ou naturel, comme lors de glissements de terrain ou d’avalanches.
Lorsque les grains présentent des interactions cohésives, ils peuvent s’agréger en amas maintenus par des liaisons susceptibles de se rompre sous l’effet de sollicitations mécaniques. Sous cisaillement, la rupture progressive de ces liaisons intergranulaires entraîne une évolution de la microstructure, caractérisée notamment par une fragmentation des amas et une dispersion croissante de leur taille. Cette fragmentation peut à son tour favoriser l’apparition de phénomènes de ségrégation, modifiant les propriétés d’écoulement à l’échelle macroscopique. Il s’établit ainsi un couplage entre l’évolution de la microstructure et le comportement rhéologique du matériau. Malgré son importance dans de nombreuses applications, les mécanismes gouvernant ce couplage entre microstructure, rupture des liaisons et comportement rhéologique demeurent encore largement incompris.
Ce stage constitue la première étape d'un projet de recherche plus large, qui a vocation à se poursuivre par une thèse de doctorat au laboratoire MAST-GPEM (Université Gustave Eiffel, Nantes). Il permettra au/à la stagiaire de développer les bases scientifiques pour aborder ce sujet dans la durée.
Contact
Patrick Richard
Laboratory : Granulats et Procédés d'Elaboration des Matériaux -
Team : Granulats et Procédés d'Elaboration des Matériaux
Team Website
Team : Granulats et Procédés d'Elaboration des Matériaux
Team Website
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
177
Mode-locked mid-IR fiber laser combs enabled by semiconductor saturable non-linear mirrors
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Description
See pdf file for all the details
Extremely brief summary:
The goal of the internship is to develop and optimize mid-IR nonlinear mirrors, supported by recent results from the host team, that target comb operation of fiber lasers at lambda=3.5 and 4.6 um, and explore the mode locking regime. Our collaborators at CORIA/CNRS laboratory have developed these novel sources, and our SESAMs will enable their mode-locking operation
Contact
Raffaele Colombelli
17/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
178
Electrical and biochemical control of hair-cell mechanosensitivity in the inner ear
Domaines
Biophysics
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Sound mechanoreception by the inner ear’s hair cells begins with the deflection of their hair bundle—a cohesive tuft of protruding stereocilia that serves as the hair cell’s mechanosensory antenna. Hair-bundle deflections modulate mechanical tension in elastic elements that pull on mechanosensitive ion channels and, in turn, modulate the influx of cations into the hair cell—the transduction current. Remarkably, a dynamic interplay between channel gating and an active feedback mechanism gives rise to active hair-bundle movements—reverse transduction, including spontaneous hair-bundle oscillations. This proposal aims at studying how external and internal control parameters modulate the mechanical and electrical correlates of transduction-channel gating to specify active and passive mechanosensitivity of the hair cell.
Contact
Pascal Martin
16/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
179
Ground-state cooling of multiple nanoparticles in optical levitation
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Quantum optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Optical levitation is a subfield of optomechanics, in which a nanoparticle is trapped in a vacuum at the focal spot of a microscope objective. Because levitated systems outperform other mechanical resonators, they offer the tantalizing prospect of investigating quantum mechanics at the mesoscale. To display quantum properties, the nanoparticle must be cooled down close to its ground state, which is typically achieved through the monitoring of its displacements and a modulation of the laser’s intensity. Currently, the most exciting endeavor in the field lays in performing levitation with many-body systems. Many-body levitation would offer the opportunity to observe effects for the first time, like the mesoscopic entanglement of nanoparticles. Sadly, conventional cooling techniques, cannot be multiplexed and fail badly to cool several elements in parallel.
Throughout this internship, the candidate will experimentally implement a new cooling technique intended to achieve the first-ever cooling of a many-body system composed of multiple nanoparticles in levitation. Compared to former strategies, here, a spatial light modulator is used to spatially shape the wavefront of the laser beam. Such a modulation enables to exert simultaneously adapted optical forces on all the nanoparticles in order to reduce their individual vibrational motions, which ultimately leads to the cooling of the many-body system. A funding is available to continue this internship through a PhD.
Contact
Nicolas Bachelard
15/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
180
Quantum informational resources in quantum optics and superselection rules: the role of detection.
Domaines
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Metrology
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Quantum information protocols are well defined mathematically, and there exist different benchmarks for establishing the necessary resources for potential quantum advantage, as for instance the discrete Wigner function negativies or "magic". At the same time, physical systems, and in particular, bosonic systems - as the quantum electromagnetic field - can be used to encode quantum information or, alternatively speaking, simulate quantum informational protocols. Nevertheless, for such systems, the "magical" resources enabling quantum advantage over classical simulations - i.e., enabling the efficient simulation of quantum protocols - are subjected to physical constraints, as symmetries and conservation laws. While abstract qubits have no particular symmetry, photons are bosons, symmetric identical particles.
During this internship, we will address the interplay between physical and informational resources to determine how detection may be seen as a non-classical resource in quantum optics based quantum information protocols. This will be done by constructing a original framework where the phase reference of quantum optical states is explicitly treated as a resource. In general, this resource is implicit and disregarded, obscuring the assessment of the resource tradeoff of bosonic quantum information protocols. We will analyze, in particular, the role of detection in BosonSampling protocols and in homodyne detection, that is usually considered as resourceless.
Contact
Perola Milman
15/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
181
The mechanics of osmotic pressure
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The aim of this project is to elucidate the mechanical nature of osmotic pressure. To this end, we will
experimentally measure the deformations of a soft semi-permeable membrane under an osmotic flux.
Based on preliminary results, we will engineer hydrogel semi-permeable membranes seeded with nanotracers
in microfluidic chips, and quantify material displacements with confocal imaging techniques.
Beyond bringing fundamental insight into soft membranes, we expect this project will have far-reaching
implications in the fields of biophysics and polymer physics.
Contact
Nicolas Bain
15/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
182
Tipping thresholds and bistability of Antarctic continental shelf regimes
Domaines
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
The goal of the project is to investigate mechanisms and physical processes governing oceanic properties on the Antarctic continental shelf and to assess their relevance for potential bifurcations of ice-shelf cavities. Understanding this problem is crucial for reducing uncertainties in long-term climate projections, especially regarding sea-level rise. The proposed work will combine numerical simulations in an idealized setup and geophysical fluid dynamics theory.
Contact
Corentin Herbert
Laboratory : laboratoire de physique, ENS de Lyon - umr 5672
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
Team : ENS de Lyon, Physique
Team Website
14/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
183
Build a 3D-printed holographic microscope for tracking particles in soft matter
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Holographic microscopy uses interference patterns to recover the three-dimensional positions
of many particles from a single image, making it a powerful tool for studying transport in soft and
heterogeneous materials. The NanoX-funded MEMTIM project will use this technique to determine
howdeformationhistorycreatesanisotropyandmechanicalmemoryinmucus. Thisinternshipwilldeliver
the new microscope required for these measurements.
Contact
Wylie Ahmed
14/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
184
Ultra-fast mid-IR modulators for applications to frequency combs
Domaines
Condensed matter
Low dimension physics
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
See pdf file for all the details
Extreme brief summary:
The goal of the internship is to develop electrically reconfigurable meta-surfaces whose optical properties, in reflection/ absorption, can be addressed electrically on ultra-fast timescales. In particular, we target ultra-fast amplitude modulators for the mid-infrared spectral range.
These developments are crucial for applications such as laser phase stabilization, spectroscopy, frequency comb generation, mode-locking, optical communications.
Contact
Raffaele Colombelli
14/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
185
Shaping the polarization of light for tip-enhanced photoluminescence
Domaines
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
The goal of the internship is to develop an optical spectroscopy technique that is spatially resolved at the nanoscale, which is known as tip-enhanced photoluminescence (TEPL). This technique employs a laser beam focused onto the apex of a plasmonic metal tip (gold or silver) within an atomic force microscope (AFM) or scanning tunneling microscope (STM). To maximize the field enhancement effect at the tip apex, the focused beam must be radially polarized. To achieve this specific polarization, the intern will use a liquid-crystal polarization converter. The intern will then couple this beam to the plasmonic tip of an AFM or STM microscope, contribute to developing the software interface for controlling the optical detectors, and conduct TEPL experiments on semiconductor nanomaterial samples.
Contact
Eric Le Moal
14/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
186
Are there leaders in active systems?
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
You will aim at developing computational techniques to infer the presence of leaders in active systems. The stage will be based in SPEC/CEA (University of Paris-Saclay) and LPTMC (Jussieu).
Contact
Cesare Nardini
14/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
187
Oceanic Vortex Generation at a Sea-Ice Edge in a Rotating Tank
Domaines
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The objective of this internship is to investigate experimentally the generation and evolution of oceanic vortices at a sea-ice edge using a rotating-tank laboratory setup.
Contact
Charly De Marez
Laboratory : Laboratoire d'Océanographie Physique et Spatiale - 6523
Team : Ocean Scale Interactions
Team Website
Team : Ocean Scale Interactions
Team Website
14/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
188
Wet active systems: from anomalous diffusion to self-organization
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
You will develop theories for wet active systems, in order to understand how fluid flows affect their collective phenomenology. The focus will be on understanding their generic and universal properties, i.e. qualitative and quantitative properties independent of system details. The internship is planned as a well-defined entry point in the problem; it can naturally be continued for a PhD.
The stage will be developed between SPEC/CEA (Univ. Paris-Saclay) and LPTMC (Jussieu).
Contact
Cesare Nardini
14/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
189
PhD-thesis: Nonlinear dynamics in complex fiber networks
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
We are looking for a PhD-student to investigate the properties of complex fiber networks and the dynamics of network lasers within the framework of an ANR project. The project is mainly experimental but will be accompanied by numerical simulations.
Contact
Stefan Bittner
13/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
190
Dynamics of a DFB-laser with optical injection into a residual mode
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Non-linear optics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Distributed-feedback (DFB) lasers are semiconductor lasers with a single lasing mode thanks to a cavity design that suppress all other modes (called residual modes) by reducing their quality factors. Optical injection into a laser can lead to injection locking (i.e., synchronization), but also to unstable and ultra-fast chaotic dynamics. While optical injection into the main lasing mode of a DFB-laser has been extensively studied, injection into a residual mode remains unexplored. The objective is to study the dynamics caused by injection into a residual mode and to explore the possibility to create chaotic dynamics with increased bandwidth in view of applications like chaos cryptography. A systematic experimental investigation of the laser dynamics will be complemented by the development of a theoretical model and numerical simulations.
Contact
Stefan Bittner
13/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
191
Chaotic graphs in silicon photonics
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Non-relativistic quantum field theory, quantum optics, complex quantum systems
Quantum information theory and quantum technologies
Quantum optics
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The objective of the internship and the thesis is to investigate the combined effect of nonlinearities and complex interferences in these optical graphs, particularly regarding the formation and dynamics of soliton states. In a second time, we will inject non-classical light (squeezed light or entangled photons) to test if entanglement is sensitive to chaos.
Contact
Mélanie Lebental
11/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
192
A Light Higgs Boson in Light of Ultraviolet-Infrared Mixing
Domaines
High energy physics
Fields theory/String theory
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Theory and phenomenology in particle physics beyond the Standard Model; Electroweak symmetry breaking; Higgs mechanism; Hierarchy problem. See PDF file.
Contact
Florian NORTIER
11/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
193
Streaming at the water surface induced by complex surface wave field
Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
This internship aims to investigate experimentally and/or theoretically the fascinating complex flow patterns induced by random surface wave fields at the water surface. Preliminary results suggest that there exists strong connexion between the flow features (vortices/rivers) and the wave field features (zeros and maximum of oscillation), that are still to be explored and understood. Possibility to apply for PhD on the same topic.
Contact
Benjamin Apffel
11/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
194
Quantum plasmonic metamaterial time crystals
Domaines
Condensed matter
Quantum optics
Topological materials, Quantum Transport, Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Non-linear optics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Photonic time crystals -optical systems that are strongly and periodically modulated in time- have recently emerged as a novel paradigm for controlling light–matter interactions through temporal modulation, analogous to how conventional spatial photonic crystals manipulate light through spatial structuring. Building on our recent demonstration of a photonic time crystal using a plasmonic metamaterial operating at Terahertz frequencies, this internship aims to lay the groundwork for realizing a quantum plasmonic metamaterial time crystal, that is a photonic time crystal that can operate in the few-photon regime. This will require developing a Terahertz spectroscopy setup with extended frequency coverage as well as the design and characterization of advanced plasmonic metamaterials.
Contact
Yannis LAPLACE
Laboratory : Laboratoire des solides irradiés - UMR 7642
Team : New electronic states - TeraX-lab
Team Website
Team : New electronic states - TeraX-lab
Team Website
11/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
195
Controlling the polarization of light with chiral plasmonic nanostructures
Domaines
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
In this project we will (1) locally and electrically excite chiral plasmonic nanoparticles and (2) to use them to enhance the chiral properties of a new class of two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors called transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), which are key for a new branch of physics and technology called valleytronics
Contact
Elizabeth Boer-Duchemin
10/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
196
Transverse spreading of 2D localized microwaves in the presence of absorption
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
Various mechanisms underlie metal-insulator transitions in condensed matter. One of these mechanisms is Anderson localization, which is caused by quantum interference induced by disorder. As a consequence, the Drude diffusion of an electron through the sample has to be corrected, and when the interferences become large enough, conduction may cease, leading to an insulating phase. Because the origin of this phenomenon lies in interference, it has been suggested 40 years ago by Anderson himself that it should be easily observed using "classical" waves as light or sound. A signature of localization lies in the transmission transverse profile: in the diffusion regime, a Gaussian beam spreads in time whereas in the localization regime it saturates. This transverse profile beam spreading should be independent of transmission.
The intern will perform an experimental test of the independence of the claim that the transverse profile spreading in the presence of Anderson localization does not depend on absorption.
Contact
Geoffroy Aubry
10/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
197
Critical scaling of the bandgap appearance in 2D disordered photonic materials
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Low dimension physics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Théorique, numérique Description
Historically, photonic crystals and the concept of photonic bandgap were introduced in the seminal works of Yablonovitch and John in the 1980s. Even if natural examples exists (for instance in the blue iridescent wings of the Morpho butterfly), the first experimental realizations were done in the microwave regime by drilling holes in epoxy resin, and over the last 15 years, significant progresses in the micro and nano fabrication have been achieved enabling the availability of 3D materials with gaps or pseudo-gaps in the near-infrared. Nevertheless, despite a considerable amount of work reporting the measurement of photonic band gaps in different regimes (optical, infrared or microwave), an explanation of when to expect or not to expect a band gap is still lacking. Furthermore, even when a bandgap does exist, it is unclear exactly at which frequency it will occur and how wide it will be.
Using bandgap computation to compute the bandgap frequency and width fluctuations in two-dimensional hyperuniform dielectric materials, we propose to explore the idea of a possible continuous phase transition in the appearance of the bandgap using finite size scaling.
Contact
Geoffroy Aubry
10/09/2026
/
Thesis :
Funding :
198
How activity shapes transport and mechanics in crowded cellular matter
Domaines
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The interior of a cell is a striking example of an active soft material: it is dense, heterogeneous, viscoelastic, and continuously driven far from equilibrium by internal energy-consuming processes. From a physics perspective, this activity can fluidize an otherwise glassy material and strongly enhance tracer motion. Yet we still lack a quantitative description of how energy injection and packing control fluctuations, transport, and mechanical response. The ANR-funded project, ActiveCyt, addresses this problem by combining controlled experiments with statistical-physics modeling.
Contact
Wylie Ahmed
10/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
199
Fabrication and magneto-optical characterization of a gadolinium doped silica optical fiber
Domaines
Quantum optics/Atomic physics/Laser
Condensed matter
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental Description
Light transport is in general reciprocal, and therefore the statement "if I see you, you see me" is in general true. The magneto optical Faraday effect is one way to break reciprocity, and it is used in optical isolators for instance. In our group, we are interested in more fundamental questions raised by the presence or not of reciprocity and its consequences on multiple scattering, and we work in particular with optical fibers as the propagation medium. The Faraday effect, and thus reciprocity breaking, is proportional to the external applied magnetic field and to the length of the Faraday active medium. The proportionality constant—called the Verdet constant—is for most materials quite low, meaning that reciprocity can only be substantially broken over very large distances for the magnetic fields achievable in the lab. We would therefore like to fabricate an optical fiber with a large Verdet constant.
Silica optical fibers doped with a small concentration of Gadolinium seem to be good candidates, as the Verdet constant of Gd-doped fibers was reported to be 2 orders of magnitude larger than standard telecom optical fibers, with reasonably low losses. For this work, we propose to fabricate Gd-doped optical fibers, and then characterize then both optically and magneto-optically.
Contact
Geoffroy Aubry
10/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
200
Nanoparticle diffusion in a cytoplasmic extract
Domaines
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of living systems
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The interior of a cell is dense and crowded with polydisperse molecules, and subjected to biochemical activity that fluidizes it. Crowding and activity endow the intracellular milieu with specific properties. In particular, using single-particle tracking of genetically-encoded nanoparticles, we found that particle diffusion is not Brownian in vivo. Many reasons can explain this non-Brownian diffusion, such as particle interactions, the type of biochemical noise, or local heterogeneities due to the ultrastructure of the cytoplasm. The purpose of this internship is to study and model, using in vitro systems, how nanoparticles can diffuse in a cytoplasmic extract, as a controllable surrogate for a real cell.
Contact
Morgan Delarue
10/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
201
Unconventional liquid-like physics in frustrated metamaterials
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Physics of liquids
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Description
The project centers on a macroscopic 2D metamaterial we recently developed: arrays of interacting magnets. This platform is uniquely suited for exploring and engineering frustration effects and related liquid-like physics, as it allows precise control over each individual meta-spin while enabling full spatial resolution of the overall spin configuration and real-time tracking of its evolution. With this capability, we aim to uncover unconventional emergent phenomena, reminiscent of effects encountered in different research fields—such as phase separation effects, typically studied in combinatorial mathematics, or charge separation, transport, and recombination, which are central to condensed-matter physics.
Contact
Johann Coraux
10/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :
202
Brownian motion in complex environments
Domaines
Condensed matter
Statistical physics
Biophysics
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Nonequilibrium statistical physics
Physics of living systems
Non-equilibrium Statistical Physics
Kinetic theory ; Diffusion ; Long-range interacting systems
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics
Nanophysics, nanophotonics, 2D materials and van der Waals heterostructures,, surface physicss, new electronic states of matter
Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique Contact
Thomas Salez
09/09/2026
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Thesis :
Funding :