Development and study of silicon carbide (SiC) detectors for measuring radiation and neutrons in tokamaks

A multidisciplinary research unit with over 300 staff members working at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and microelectronics, IM2NP has a broad range of expertise that enables it to link many fundamental aspects to applications in the fields of advanced materials, integrated electronics, and nanoscience.

Nuclear fusion is a promising carbon-free energy source that can provide powerful energy in a controlled manner. Tokamak-type machines, such as ITER, which is currently under construction in Cadarache, are designed to confine fusion plasma using powerful magnetic fields. However, the plasma reaction generates neutrons, intense heat flows that interact with the tungsten walls of the tokamak. A small proportion of W is thus released from the walls and radiates, causing a decrease in temperature and thereby reducing plasma performance.

It is therefore crucial to control the tungsten concentration in order to optimize plasma performance. To do this, it is necessary to develop innovative, robust, and high-performance multi-particle (photons, neutrons, gamma rays) detection systems capable of operating in the extreme environment of tokamaks (high temperatures, intense radiation, magnetic fields).

In addition to nuclear fusion, the democratization of new SMR facilities will require the scientific community to detect fast neutrons and gamma rays, and this research work could be transposed to this activity.

For this internship, which will lead to a PhD, the successful candidate will initially be responsible for the design, manufacture, and optimization of silicon carbide (SiC) particle detectors. SiC is a semiconductor material with excellent resistance to radiation and high temperatures, making it particularly suitable for the extreme conditions found in fusion reactors.

These detectors will then be tested in the IM2NP laboratory to determine their performance (sensitivity, resolution, efficiency) and will be independently subjected to gamma, neutron, and photon radiation, then tested on a tokamak in the CEA in Cadarache to validate the in situ measurements.

Finally, if the research continues as a thesis, the stability of these detectors following exposure to different types of radiation will be studied. This will involve the use of electron microscopy and spectroscopy techniques to study the impact of radiation on the structure and chemical composition of the different layers that make up the SiC detectors.

The information gathered by these different types of detectors will provide a better understanding of the physical processes at work in the plasma and their impact on the walls.

We are seeking a Master’s student or an engieneer student with a background in physics and a strong interest in topics related to semiconductors and particle physics. The student must be willing to learn the various techniques required for the project (electron microscopy, spectroscopy, Monte Carlo simulations, etc.).

The successful candidate must be fluent in English.

An interest in pursuing a PhD would be a valued asset.