Ph.D. Position in Microwave Radiometry and THz-Optics
Background:
Microwave radiometry is an important technique for remote sensing of atmospheric trace gases or earth surfaces. The Institute of Applied Physics (IAP), University of Bern, is one of the leading institutes in this field and operates various groundbased and airborne instruments. Our last developments are a series of successful 22GHz radiometers for the observation of stratospheric water vapor and a polarimetric microwave imager at 90GHz. Our institute is well equipped with state-of-the-art antenna simulation software and world-class experimental facilities for frequencies up to 850GHz, which are both used for our own projects and in collaboration with other research institutes and industry. More about our activities in microwave physics can be found on the web at http://www.iap.unibe.ch.
Task description:
Your main responsibility will be the development of an advanced 22GHz instrument for water vapor measurements in the stratosphere based on the experience of our previous designs. The new instrument is dedicated to measurement campaigns and should have a compact optics, a digital spectrometer backend and an improved calibration scheme.
In addition, there will be the opportunity to study the polarimetric signatures of different natural and urban sceneries, cloud physics and precipitation with our 90GHz imaging system, and to become involved in laboratory experiments with our submillimeter-wave vector network analyzer, e.g. for antenna measurements of a balloon-borne THz limbsounder or for the development of photonic crystals.
Requirements:
The candidate should have a strong interest in microwave instrumentation and optics, as well as a Master or Diploma degree in physics or electrical engineering.
Letters of application for this position including a full CV should be sent by email including the names and email addresses of two references to kaempfer@mw.iap.unibe.ch.
Prof. Dr. Niklaus Kaempfer
Institute of Applied Physics
University of Bern
Sidlerstr. 5
CH-3012 Bern
Switzerland