Thomas FIX
CNRS researcher at ICube laboratory, Strasbourg, France
University of Strasbourg and CNRS
Thomas FIX is a researcher at CNRS – University of Strasbourg in the ICube laboratory, France, since 2012. He started research with a PhD on spintronics at IPCMS France. He then worked for six years in the Department of Materials Science, University of Cambridge, investigating thin film oxides as a tenured research associate. His current research field is advanced concepts and innovative materials for solar cells. He started working in this field through the Master in photovoltaics organised by Fraunhofer ISE and the University of Freiburg. Current research topics include novel oxides for photovoltaics, downconversion and downshifting for photovoltaics, and silicon clathrate thin films.
He has experience in collaborative projects at the European level, for example with the NMP NANOXIDE project from 2006 to 2009, the ERC NOVOX (Perfectly interfaced nanomaterials for next generation oxide electronics) from 2010 to 2012 and the ERASMUS+ MEDSOL from 2016 to 2019. He obtained in 2013, 2015, 2020 and 2021 the funding of exploratory projects by CNRS (CODOPER, PEROPV, CLASS, CIGALE-PV) and of the ANR (FERROPV, 2016-2019, REACTIVE 2022-2025, EXOSIL 2022-2025). His first edited book has been published in 2019 on the topic of “Advanced Micro– and nanomaterials for Photovoltaics”. He is expert for various scientific funding agencies including the European Commission and ANR. He was also the organizer of a photovoltaic symposium at E-MRS Spring 2021.
Scientific skills
- Advanced solar cell concepts
- Specialised in growth, nanopatterning and characterisation of oxide thin films for applications in electronic transport, magnetism, and optoelectronics
- Pulsed laser deposition
- Caracterisation of novel devices for electronics
Techniques frequently used: X-ray grazing angle reflectometry, XRD (symmetric and asymmetric), RHEED, SEM, TEM preparation, UV transmission, profilometry, AFM, SQUID, AGFM, VSM, ferroelectric measurements, transport measurements at low temperature with magnetic field and/or illumination, PLD, sputtering, etching, lithography, focused ion beam patterning. Synchrotron user for XMCD.
Professional experience
| 2018 | Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches : Advanced materials for electronics and optoelectronics, defended on 2 February 2018 |
| 2013 | Part-time visiting scientist at Fraunhofer ISE, Freiburg, Germany (6 months) |
| 2012- | CNRS researcher at ICube |
| 2006-2012 | Tenured Research Associate at University of Cambridge, Department of Materials Science, United Kingdom. Associate at St John’s College. |
| 2003-2006 | PhD in Physics at IPCMS, University of Strasbourg – CNRS, France |
Education
| 2011-2013 | Master of Science in Photovoltaics, Freiburg University and Fraunhofer ISE |
| 2003-2006 | PhD at Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg (IPCMS-CNRS) University of Strasbourg, France. Subject: “Thin films of Sr2FeMoO6 deposited by pulsed laser deposition for magnetic tunnel junctions” |
| 2002-2003 | MSc in Physics of Condensed Matter at University of Strasbourg (Materials, Nanostructures and Soft Matter) |
| 2000-2003 | MSc in Physical Engineering: Diplôme d’Ingénieur de l’Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Physique de Strasbourg (ENSPS, now called Télécom Physique Strasbourg) |
| 1998-2000 | Mathématiques Supérieures et Spéciales, Physics and Chemistry: intensive undergraduate studies to prepare national competitive exams for admission to French “Grandes Ecoles” |
Teaching
| 2019- | 14h lectures and 24h tutorials at ICAM Strasbourg-Europe in materials |
| 2015-2017 | 13h lectures and 24h tutorials at INSA de Strasbourg in electromagnetism |
| 2008-2010 | 100h tutorials at the University of Cambridge, in: Materials and Mineral Sciences, Part IA; Thermal and Statistical Physics, Part II; Quantum condensed matter, Part II; Electrons and photons in solids, MSc Materials Science |
| 2003-2006 | 190h experimental physics at INSA de Strasbourg (engineering) and IUT Louis-Pasteur (Université de Strasbourg). 16h tutorials in electrical engineering at INSA de Strasbourg |
Student mentoring
Mentoring of three PhD students, two MSc students, and two trainee-engineers