Title:
Design, characterization and application of magnifying crystal optics (Bragg Magnifier) for dose-efficient X-ray imaging
Summary:
A PhD student position is available at KIT as part of the collaborative research project CODE-VITA of the Laboratory for Application of Synchrotron Radiation (LAS) at KIT, the Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) of the University Heidelberg and the Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY in Hamburg, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). CODE-VITA pursues the development and application of dose efficient 3D tomographic X-ray imaging of biological model organisms, organs, tissues and cells by using new generation synchrotron sources, exploiting their unique properties in terms of high flux-density and high coherence at high photon energies to gain high contrast for biological tissue, subcellular resolution and high sample throughput.
We offer you
• the possibility to perform research on this hot topic in X-ray imaging with applications in developmental biology for your PhD
• exciting research in an international environment including experiments at large scale facilities
Employment/Place of work:
The employment will be at the Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) of the University of Heidelberg. The place of work will be at the LAS at KIT as permanent guest within the CODE-VITA project. The dissertation will be defended at the Faculty of Physics at KIT.
Salary:
Remuneration is on the basis of the wage agreement of the civil service in TV-L E13.
References:
For further information please contact Dr. Elias Hamann email: elias.hamann@kit.edu
Methods that will be used:
Within the CODE-VITA project, your main task will be the design, specification, realization and characterization of a Bragg Magnifier setup (consisting of an arrangement of diffracting semiconductor crystals, the corresponding mechanics as well as a suitable single photon counting detector system) for dose-efficient phase contrast imaging of biological specimens up to in vivo imaging of model organisms. The work also comprises the modelling of the image formation and the development of suitable reconstruction algorithms.
The Bragg Magnifier will be tested as a potential core component for a dedicated experimental CODE-VITA station at the PETRA III storage ring at DESY, Hamburg. The technique shall be quantitatively compared with in vivo single-distance phase imaging with large propagation distances.
Cooperation partners:
Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) of the University of Heidelberg as well as the Laboratorium für Applikationen der Synchrotronstrahlung (LAS), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Personal qualifications:
The successful candidate is required to hold an MSc degree (or equivalent) in physics or materials science. Prior research experience in X ray physics, crystal optics, (dynamical) X-ray diffraction and 2D/3D X-ray imaging will be considered strong assets. We expect you to demonstrate an independent working attitude in order to develop and characterize a suitable setup using a Bragg Magnifier for dose-efficient X-ray imaging and to publish your results in internationally renowned journals. We require you to show a strong interest in experimental physics design of cutting edge instrumentation for synchrotron sources, and to a certain degree in the simulation of the image formation and reconstruction. The working language is English, which you should speak and write confidently. The applicant shall be experienced in programming and simulation (Matlab, C/C++, Python or equivalent) and data analysis.
