Multilayer structures with striking visual effects for art and security applications

Organisation/Company Institut Fresnel Research Field Physics » Optics Physics » Applied physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 1 Apr 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37.5 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Optical coatings provide an efficient method for the production of colored surfaces. Wide range of colors with various parameters (contrast, hue, brightness…) can be achieved by combining metallic and dielectric layers. These structured can then find a wide range of application including architecture or automotive (colored glasses), safety elements (banknotes) or art.

Over the past few years, we have developed accurate and predictable methods for the production of colorimetric structures with performances that go beyond what can be achieved with pigments available in nature (1). We have also demonstrated that these colors can be modified thanks to the use of phase change materials (2).

Within this thesis, we propose to continue these activities, concentrating the research on the following activities:

• Develop metrology for accurate characterization of colorimetric coordinates of multilayer structures.
• Develop multilayer structures with various colors controlling hue, chroma and luminance.
• Theoretically and experimentally study the effect of substrate and light properties on the visual aspect of multilayer colorimetric structures.
• Develop new multilayer structures with color switching effects.

(1) R. Shurvinton, F. Lemarchand, A. Moreau, and J. Lumeau, "High-Chroma Color Coatings Based on Ag/SiO2/Ti/SiO2 Structures", Adv. Photonics Res. ).

(2) R. Shurvinton, A. Karimbana-Kandi, P. Dominic, F. Lemarchand, A. Moreau, and J. Lumeau, "High‐Chroma, High‐Contrast Tunable Color Coatings Using Sb2S3 in a Metal‐Dielectric Stack", Adv. Photonics Res. 2022, 3, ).

Where to apply

E-mail

Requirements

Research Field Physics » Optics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The candidate will work within the thin film research team of Institut Fresnel, both on numerical simulations and experimental demonstrations that will be carried out in cleanrooms. The candidate must have a Master in Science with good knowledge in optics, programming and if possible in optical thin films.