Science

INTERNSHIP Ref. : LSS_01

Neutron imaging provides unique opportunity for studying technologically and biologically relevant materials as a complementary modality to other techniques. The increased interest in neutron imaging relies on their strong penetration into metallic materials, their sensitivity to light elements, and the possibility of manipulating contrast via isotope substitution. Among the imaging approaches, propagation-based phase-contrast imaging recently showed a promising extension to conventional absorption-transmission imaging. This method, well established with synchrotron X-ray radiation, relies on a (partially) coherent beam and carefully controlled experimental conditions to convert phase variations of the incoming wavefront into quantitative measurements.

In this project, the focus will be on advancing the development and application of neutron propagation-based phase contrast imaging. A particular emphasis will be placed on exploiting intense broad-spectrum cold neutron source, which provides a higher integral flux compared to monochromatic radiation and thus opens the door to potential in-situ investigations of material processes. Phase effects, arising from spatial variations in the refractive index of the sample, enhance edge definition when in near field regime and improve the visibility of weakly attenuating structures. These capabilities are especially valuable for the non-destructive investigation of complex materials, where absorption contrast alone is insufficient, as well as for advancing the resolution and detectability of fine structural features. This work will also lay the foundation for the practical implementation of high-resolution phase-contrast tomography, enabling 3D characterization based on cold neutron imaging.

Activities of the trainee

This work will focus on:

1. Experimental design and implementation of neutron imaging under varying collimation ratios, in order to investigate how it affect image contrast.
2. Quantitative analysis of the trade-off between optimized phase contrast and integration time, with a focus on weakly absorbing materials.
3. Development and implementation of phase retrieval approaches, enabling the reconstruction of projected phase maps from propagation-based measurements.
4. Preparation for tomographic applications, extending 2D phase-contrast imaging towards full 3D characterization.

Level required

4, 5 year university studies in Physics; Material Science; Materials Engineering

Language skill

As an international research centre, we are particularly keen to ensure that we also attract applicants from outside France. You must be able to communicate in English or in French.

Notes

This post is an internship with a maximum duration of 5months

Please send your application directly to the supervisor:

Bratislav Lukic,

email : lukicb@ill.fr

INTERNSHIP Ref. : LSS_02

High-resolution cold neutron imaging and specifically 3D tomography, is a powerful analysis technique that provides unique insights into structure and interaction of materials, complementing the more widely spread photon- or electron-based imaging techniques. However, image quality is often limited by convoluted noise originating from various sources along the detection chain. These are related to overall lower flux in neutron imaging, limited source size, imaging detector performance as well as considerable background scattering. Reducing noise is essential for enhancing resolution and enabling reliable quantitative analysis as well as reducing the current time needed for such measurements to be taken.

Traditional de-noising methods, although effective, can suppress important structural details – adding on additional blur to the already low-contrast data. With the advent of convolutional neural networks (CNN), de-noising can be achieved with improved results. Particular focus has been on learning noise characteristics directly from data where one promising strategy is the Noise2Noise framework (and its derivatives). The N2N models are trained on pairs of noisy images without requiring clean dataset — an approach which can prove to be well-suited to neutron imaging, where clean references are difficult or too costly to obtain. However, CNNs are also known to eventually introduce erroneous artifacts if not well employed and characterized within the bounds of physical of image formation.

The objective of this research internship is to develop and implement advanced CNN de-noising models tailored particularly for high-resolution neutron imaging, with a focus on Noise2Noise (and its variants) learning strategy.

Activities of the trainee

The aims of this research project are:

1. Implementing and adapting the Noise2Noise method to high-resolution neutron radiography datasets. Ideally, developing phyisics-informed constraint strategies.
2. Benchmarking the eprformance of CNN-based denoising against conventional image-processing approaches, with attention to edge of contrast and (micro)structure.
3. Applying trained models to experimental data from phase-contrast, absoprtion contrast tomographic datasets to improve data quality.

Ideal candidate should have a background in physics, engineering, or a related field; with strong interest in image processing. Knowledge of image processing and familiarity with Fourier methods or signal analysis. Experience with Python and relevant libraries for image processing and machine learning is very welcome.

Level required

4, 5 year university studies in Physics; Computer Engieering; Signal processing; Electrical Engineering;

Language skill

As an international research centre, we are particularly keen to ensure that we also attract applicants from outside France. You must be able to communicate in English or in French.

Notes

This post is an internship with a maximum duration of 5months

Please send your application directly to the supervisor:

Bratislav Lukic,

email :

lukicb@ill.fr

INTERNSHIP Ref. : NPP_01

PF1B is a cold neutron beamline operated by the ILL which regularly welcomes nuclear and particle physics experiments. One of them, called BRAND, is now in its second phase and will enter data taking at the beginning of 2026, enabling a sensitive search for possible scalar or tensor inter-actions beyond the Standard Model. The aim with BRAND-2 is to obtain a first value on 11 corr-lation coefficients in neutron β-decay with a precision of ± 0.02., including five that have never been measured before involving transverse electron polarization, namely H, L, S, U, V.

Activities of the trainee

The trainee will be integrated in the PF1B team, as well as in the experimental crew from the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland, during the experimental campaign. Foreseen activities are the following, and can be adjusted depending on the trainee’s interest:

• First preliminary polarization measurement of the cold neutron beam of PF1B. This includes the installation of the polarization measurement setup in the experimental area, data taking, and data analysis in Python or in C, resulting in the extraction of a first polarization value.
• Participation in the data taking phase of BRAND-2 at PF1B, as well as in the final polarization measurements of the cold neutron beam, during first and second reactor cycles.
• Estimation and characterization of the γ and neutron background in the vicinity of the decay chamber and the detection system. This includes the installation of scintillators and neutron detectors near the experiment, data taking, and data analysis in Python or in C, resulting in the estimation of the background in both detection systems and the design of adequate shielding if needed.
• Characterization of the uniformity of the neutron spin guiding field generated by a set of external rectangular coils disposed around the experiment. This includes the manipulation of the coil systems, installation of fluxgates to characterize the magnetic field, data taking, and data analysis, resulting in a field map showing the uniformity of the field and pointing out potential inhomogeneity or stray fields.

A certain ease with Python, C, or any equivalent programming language, such as basic knowledge in electromagnetism, radiation-matter interaction, particle detection... is expected. The starting date should ideally be in the February/March/April 2026 period.

Level required

3, +4, +5 year university studies in Physics, Engineering

Language skill

As an international research centre, we are particularly keen to ensure that we also attract applicants from outside France. You must be able to communicate in English or in French.

Notes

This post is an internship with a maximum duration of 6months

Please send your application directly to the supervisor:

Clement Desalme,

email: Desalme@ill.fr

INTERNSHIP Ref. : LSS_03

To facilitate data planning and analysis, a scientific software tool called Pepsi is currently available via the command line, as well as through an outdated web interface accessible at pepsi.app.ill.fr

Activities of the trainee

We are looking for a motivated student to:

1. Develop a modern web interface to control the application via command-line interaction.
2. Design a desktop (standalone) client offering a similar user interface, compatible with Linux systems.
3. The objective is to make the application more accessible and user-friendly, both through a web browser and within our data analysis infrastructure.

Level required

5 year university studies in Computing

Language skill

As an international research centre, we are particularly keen to ensure that we also attract applicants from outside France. You must be able to communicate in English or in French.

Notes

This post is an internship with a maximum duration of 5months

Please send your application directly to the supervisor:

Anne Martel,

email : martel@ill.fr

INTERNSHIP Ref. : NPP_02

SuperSUN is an ultra-cold neutron source. It uses phonon transfer between superfluid helium and a cold neutron beam to convert the neutrons into ultra-cold neutrons. The inverse process (where the medium transfers energy to the ultra-cold neutrons) is suppressed by the temperature of the superfluid helium. This temperature dependence is what we aim to characterize through direct measurements and simulations.

Activities of the trainee

The activities associated with the internship are:

1. Installation of the ultra-cold neutron measurement system
2. Collection of experimental data
3. Data analysis
4. FEM and Monte Carlo simulations

Level required

+3, +4, +5 year university studies in Physics, Engineering

Language skill

As an international research centre, we are particularly keen to ensure that we also attract applicants from outside France. You must be able to communicate in English or in French.

Notes

This post is an internship with a maximum duration of 6months

Please send your application directly to the supervisor:

Estelle Chanel,

email : chanel@ill.fr

INTERNSHIP Ref. : DIFF_02

Context and objectivs

A sample changer system has been developed on the D4 instrument to enable the automatic exchange of up to eight samples during neutron diffraction experiments carried out under vacuum and at room temperature. The device operates with two independent motors controlling the rotation of the sample drum and the movement of the pushing arm that places each sample at the beam centre.

Initial tests have shown promising results, although some mechanical limitations were observed when positioning the samples precisely at the beam centre. The aim of this internship is to finalise the mechanical and control developments required to achieve a fully reliable operation of the system.

Expected Outcomes

The expected outcome of this internship is a fully functional and tested sample changer ready for regular use during room-temperature neutron diffraction experiments on D4. The student will gain hands-on experience in motion control, vacuum systems, instrumentation integration, and experimental methods used in neutron scattering.

Activities of the trainee

Work Plan

The trainee will take part in the following tasks:

• Mechanical assembly of the motors and validation of their operation under vacuum conditions.

• Implementation of a sensor system to continuously monitor the position of each sample.

• Calibration of encoders for both the rotation of the sample drum and the position of the pushing arm.

• Integration and testing of the control software, ensuring safe and reliable motor operation.

In the initial phase, all tests will be conducted outside the neutron beam. Once the system has been validated, and depending on the beam-time availability on D4, tests under real neutron beam conditions will be performed.

Level required

+3, +4 year university studies in Physics, Engineering

Language skill

As an international research centre, we are particularly keen to ensure that we also attract applicants from outside France. You must be able to communicate in English or in French.

Notes

This post is an internship with a maximum duration of 3months

Please send your application directly to the supervisor:

Gabriel Julio Cuello,

email :

cuello@ill.fr

INTERNSHIP Ref. : DIFF_03

Data treatment for total scattering experiments on the D4 diffractometer is currently performed using Python-based routines, either as standalone scripts or as Jupyter notebooks. For this purpose, a dedicated Python module exists: ToScaNA (Total Scattering Neutron Analysis). This module reads raw data produced by the acquisition system, generates diffraction patterns, structure factors, and finally atomic pair correlation functions.

The raw data are stored in NeXus format (a subset of the HDF5 format). However, some information is currently missing or inconsistent when compared with the previous ASCII format.

This project combines aspects of data management, software development, and neutron scattering analysis, offering the student an opportunity to gain experience in both scientific computing and experimental physics workflows.

Activities of the trainee

• Identifying the information that must be recorded in the raw data files.
• Comparing the existing NeXus and ASCII formats and proposing an improved, consistent NeXus structure.
• Implementing Python routines to read the NeXus files, generate diffraction patterns, and extract experimental metadata for a set of raw files.
• Developing a simple graphical user interface (GUI) to visualise experimental variables as a function of run number and to facilitate diffraction pattern generation.

Level required

3, +4, +5 year university studies in Physics, Chemistry, Computing Science

Language skill

As an international research centre, we are particularly keen to ensure that we also attract applicants from outside France. You must be able to communicate in English or in French.

Notes

This post is an internship with a maximum duration of 3months

Please send your application directly to the supervisor:

Gabriel Julio Cuello,

email :

cuello@ill.fr

INTERNSHIP Ref. : DIFF_04

Position: Technician / Engineer – Induction Heating System Setup

Project Overview

We are seeking a qualified technician or engineer to assist with the setup, configuration, and commissioning of an induction heating system for in-situ high-temperature residual stress experiments at the SALSA instrument.

The goal is to provide SALSA users with a reliable and flexible heating setup for studying residual stress at elevated temperatures under a protective argon atmosphere (Ar). The system will be used for diffraction measurements and must be adaptable for two different sample geometries — rectangular and cylindrical.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Inspect and verify induction heater components and power supply requirements.
• Assemble and connect the induction heater, coil, cooling system, and power control unit.
• Configure and calibrate system controls for precise temperature management.
• Perform functional and safety tests, ensuring compliance with relevant electrical and laboratory safety standards.
• Adapt and align the inductor/sample assembly for compatibility with diffraction measurements at SALSA.
• Provide documentation, including calibration data and a brief commissioning report upon completion.

Qualifications

• Background in electrical or mechanical engineering (or equivalent technical experience).
• Experience with induction heating systems or high-frequency electrical equipment.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, cooling systems, and safety procedures.
• Ability to work independently, troubleshoot effectively, and deliver reliable results within deadlines.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

Activities of the trainee

• Inspect and verify induction heater components and power supply requirements.
• Assemble and connect the induction heater, coil, cooling system, and power control unit.
• Configure and calibrate system controls for precise temperature management.
• Perform functional and safety tests, ensuring compliance with relevant electrical and laboratory safety standards.
• Adapt and align the inductor/sample assembly for compatibility with diffraction measurements at SALSA.
• Provide documentation, including calibration data and a brief commissioning report upon completion.

Level required

+2, +3 year university studies in Physics, Engineering

Language skill

As an international research centre, we are particularly keen to ensure that we also attract applicants from outside France. You must be able to communicate in English or in French.

Notes

This post is an internship with a maximum duration of 4months. Start Date:  February 2026

Please send your application directly to the supervisor:

Ines Puente Orench, email : puenteorench@ill.fr

INTERNSHIP Ref. : THEORY_01

Fluid lipid bilayers are the building blocks of biological membranes. The local dynamics of lipid molecules in membrane bilayers have recently been described using the dynamical Matryoshka model (dMm), which employs a nested hierarchical convolution of motional processes derived from quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) experiments. However, the current dMm framework is no longer applicable to more complex lipid arrangements forming non-bilayer phases. Such lipid phases are observed in functional thylakoid membranes and the inner mitochondrial membranes that display highly dynamic lipid polymorphisms: the lamellar (bilayer) phase, the non-bilayer lipid phases such as inverted hexagonal (HII) or isotropic phases (I) [1, 2].

The main objectives of the internship are to extend the current Matryoshka model to describe local dynamics of lipid molecules in non-bilayer lipid phases, namely, in inverted hexagonal (HII) or isotropic phases (I).

Activities of the trainee

1. Inventory review of local motions of lipid molecules in non-bilayer lipid phases;
2. Theoretical calculations of the incoherent neutron structure function (ISF) for non-bilayer lipid phases;
3. Use the derived ISF to experimental QENS data on DOPC:DOPE mixtures, mimicking membrane polymorphism.

Level required

4 year university studies in Physics & Biophysics

Language skill

As an international research centre, we are particularly keen to ensure that we also attract applicants from outside France. You must be able to communicate in English or in French.

Notes

This post is an internship with a maximum duration of 3 à 5months

Please send your application directly to the supervisor:

Dominique Bicout,

email : bicout@ill.fr