The Light in Paris programme is an international doctoral programme in the sciences of light designed to promote interdisciplinary, international and intersectoral research projects within Université Paris-Saclay. Led by the Institute for the Sciences of Light (ISL) and coordinated by the Institut d’Optique Graduate School, it funds the salaries of 30 PhD candidates with the support of the European Union through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND actions under Horizon Europe, Université Paris-Saclay and eight industrial partners, for a total budget of €3 million. Established in 2020, ISL brings together doctoral schools in physics, chemistry, engineering, geosciences and life sciences to strengthen interdisciplinary synergies and foster international and socio-economic collaborations.
Six projects at ISMO
Dead line : monday 23 February 2026 23:59 Paris time (UTC +1)
High speed Live cell imaging from microscopy to nanoscopy thanks to event-based detection. (HighspeedSMLM)
Supervisor: Sandrine Lévêque-Fort | Employer: Abbélight | 3i dimension: intersectoral ( interdisciplinary)
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Abstract: While single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) provides high spatial resolution, the acquisition time needed to localize molecules can limit its ability to capture fast, dynamic events. Yet, biological processes, such as protein trafficking, membrane dynamics, and organelle movement, often occur on timescales exceeding the temporal resolution of SMLM, but is also still challenging for conventional diffraction limited imaging leading to blurred or inaccurate image reconstructions. Event-based cameras widely used to track displacement in industrial applications, has become compatible with fluorescence microscopy thanks to new generation of sensors. This event camera offers a continuous observation of the sample, but only return event following intensity change, for example associated to cell movement. By only monitoring changes, ultimate speed can be reached, but this also open completely new avenues to conceive the optical microscope and nanoscope.
Combined Laser And Synchrotron pHotoelectron studies to assess the rovibronic structure of cations (CLASH)
Supervisor: Séverine BOYE-PERONNE | Employer: University Paris-Saclay | 3i dimension: international
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Abstract: This project exploits state-of-the-art tunable VUV radiation sources—including a fourth-generation synchrotron and a pulsed VUV laser—combined with advanced photoelectron spectroscopic techniques to achieve real-time, in situ identification of gas-phase reactive species relevant to the interstellar medium and combustion processes. By synergistically integrating results from synchrotron-based photoelectron-photoion coincidence methods with high-resolution laser techniques (PFI-ZEKE and PFI-MATI), we will resolve molecular structures down to the rotational level, enabling unambiguous differentiation of isomers and even conformers of reactive intermediates. Coupled with state-of-the-art ab initio simulations, this approach addresses challenges in combustion, atmospheric, and interstellar chemistry, such as finding novel reaction pathways leading to PAHs in energy conversion processes, molecular clouds or circumstellar envelopes.
Light-induced Ultrafast dynamics in Metalloporphyrins: investigating Ionic and Neutral Species with Coincidence detection and X-ray probes (LUMINeSCe)
Supervisor: Gildas Goldsztejn | Employer: University Paris-Saclay | 3i dimension: international
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Abstract: This project aims to investigate the ultrafast photophysics of metalloporphyrins and metallophthalocyanines in the gas phase through femtosecond pump (UV/Vis)–probe (XUV/X-ray) spectroscopy on both neutral and ionic species. The goal is to unravel the mechanisms underlying their roles in photosynthesis and their function as photosensitizers. The approach combines the complementary expertise of the ISMO and DESY groups: ISMO recently developed a kHz-repetition laser-desorption setup for neutral molecular beams coupled to a coincidence electron–ion spectrometer, while the DESY group has extensive experience in gas-phase spectroscopy of biomolecular ions by interfacing electrospray-ionisation (ESI) tandem mass-spectrometers to advanced light sources. In particular, the element-specific probing with XUV/X-ray light will enable tracking site-resolved ultrafast dynamics. By bridging neutral and ionic molecular species, the project connects model systems to biologically relevant molecules.
Pathways to Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Interstellar Space (PAHIS)
Supervisor: Ugo JACOVELLA | Employer: University Paris-Saclay | 3i dimension: international
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Abstract: This PhD project investigates how small aromatic molecules form in the interstellar medium, key precursors to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). It focuses on the C5H7+ ion, an intermediate leading to the five-membered ring hydrocarbon C5H6, a crucial missing link in indene and related PAHs. The candidate will study ion–molecule reactions of small hydrocarbon cations using the iSELECTION setup at ISMO, combining ion mobility, mass spectrometry, kinetic measurements, and laser spectroscopy. Complementary experiments will be conducted in Prague, where reaction products can be investigated by ion mobility directly within the trap. Results will be fed into astrochemical models to evaluate their relevance in space. By linking laboratory experiments with astrochemical modeling, this interdisciplinary project bridges molecular physics, kinetics, spectroscopy, and astronomy, advancing our understanding of the formation and evolution of carbon-based molecules in the interstellar medium.
PLasmonic Ultra-fast Tunneling Optoelectronics (PLUTO)
Supervisor: Eric LE MOAL | Employer: University Paris-Saclay | 3i dimension: international (interdisciplinary)
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Abstract: Integrating plasmonics into nanodevices requires electrically driven nanosources. Tunnel junctions enable electrons to excite plasmons, creating fast, compact light sources. Despite these highly desirable features, their potential and scope is still underexploited in particular due to low efficiencies. The emission rate of plasmon sources is limited by low junction currents. Therefore we aim to study molecular-scale plasmonic tunneling junctions of the form of metal–molecule–metal junctions with tunable barriers enabling nonlinear emission effects such as non-classical emission statistics (bunching), intermittent emissions (flickering), overbias emissions, and unexplained spatial correlations between distant emission points. A molecular approach in this context is complementary to widely explored metal oxide barriers because by changing the molecular structure, we can control the tunneling barrier shape, control the tunneling mechanism, and dielectric properties of the junctions.
QUAntum chemical and experimental Spectroscopy of Astrochemical Reactive isomers (QUASAR)
Supervisor: Marie-Aline MARTIN-DRUMEL | Employer: University Paris-Saclay | 3i dimension: international (interdisciplinary)
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Abstract: The project aims to uncover reactive isomers of astrophysical relevance by combining high-resolution laboratory spectroscopy with advanced quantum chemical calculations. This work incorporates high-level quantum chemical models to guide experimental detection and spectral assignment of reactive molecular species. The PhD fellow will conduct both the quantum calculations and laboratory spectroscopic characterization of selected isomeric families expected to be abundant in space but lacking experimental data. These new spectra will then support astronomical collaborators in targeted searches within existing radio to submillimeter wave surveys. By merging experimental and theoretical molecular science, the project will deliver essential spectroscopic data to improve astrochemical models, while offering the fellow comprehensive training in quantum chemistry and gas-phase molecular spectroscopy.