Subject : Development of the TKD method in a new configuration for orientation mapping at a nanometer scale. 

Keywords : Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction in SEM (TKD), Electron Microscopy, Orientation Imaging Microscopy, Nanomaterials.

You will join the 3TAM and TMP groups in the LEM3 (Laboratory of Microstructure studies and Mechanics of Materials) and work on a research topic selected by the laboratory of excellence DAMAS. The 3TAM group (Transformations Texture Topology and Material Anisotropy) is expert in characterizing the microstructure and the crystallographic texture of materials during thermo- mechanical treatments in relation with the mechanical properties while the TMP group is specialized on the texture control, genesis of microstructure and processes.

The TKD technique has been recently introduced as a SEM based method capable of giving orientation maps as the EBSD method but with a spatial resolution improved by up to one order of magnitude. The technique requires a specimen thin enough to be transparent to the electron beam. In the current configuration, it uses hardware and software developed for the EBSD technique.

We propose a new configuration of the TKD which allows to reach a spatial resolution and an angular resolution better than the ones of the current TKD configuration.

The objectives of your work is:

• to optimize the experimental set-up in order to get the better spatial and angular resolutions,
• to enhance the software of line detection and pattern indexation,
• to apply this method to nano-grained metallic alloys obtained by Strong Plastic Deformation (SPD)  in order to better understand the mechanisms of grain subdivision during SPD.

It should be noted that this work will be made in collaboration with Bruker Corporation and that team specialized in the TDK (J-J Fundenberger – A. Morawiec – E. Bouzy) has a strong experience in the field of orientation mapping by TEM/SEM [1,2].

[1]“Orientation precision of TEM-based orientation mapping techniques”Morawiec, A.; Bouzy, E.; Paul, H.; Fundenberger J.J. Ultramicroscopy, 136 (2014)     
[2] “Polycrystal orientation maps from TEM”Fundenberger, JJ; Morawiec, A; Bouzy, E; Lecomte J.S. Ultramicroscopy, 96 (2003) 127-137  

Requirements : Ph.D. in Materials Science or in Physics. Experimental skills and theoretical knowledge in material characterization by electron microscopy, particularly in SEM + EBSD and TEM. A good background in crystallography and metallurgy would be appreciated. Knowledge of the French language is not necessary, it is a plus. 

Deadline : August 31 2014.  The following documents must be sent by e-mail to Dr. J-J Fundenberger and Prof. E. Bouzy: Cover letter describing your research interest and why you are suitable for this position (maximum 1 page) – CV and list of publications – Names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers for two academic references.

Expected start date and duration : Earliest starting date is Sept. 1, 2014, or by agreement. Duration: one year.

Net salary : 2250 Euros

Further information : Dr J-J Fundenberger E-mail : jean-jacques.fundenberger@univ-lorraine.fr  Tél : +33 (0)3 87 31 53 27 and Prof. E. Bouzy E-mail : emmanuel.bouzy@univ-lorraine.fr    Tél : +33 (0)3 87 31 53 96
LEM3 UMR CNRS7239 – Université de Lorraine – Ile du Saulcy – 57012 METZ Cedex 01 – France.

Home page : Laboratory of excellence DAMAS (Design of Alloy Metals for low-mAss Structures) http://www.labex-damas.com/