The HiLASE Centre is offering an internship for candidates interested in the experimental study of laser ablation for future space applications. The internship will focus on laser interactions with space-relevant materials, including metals, ceramics, optical materials, and mineral or regolith-like analogues, under controlled laboratory and space-like conditions. The work is relevant to laser-based space mining, in-situ resource utilization, laser momentum transfer, material sampling, surface modification, and the qualification of materials for high-power space laser systems.
As a Laser Ablation in Space Applications intern, you will participate in the preparation and execution of laboratory experiments using HiLASE laser infrastructure. You will help select and prepare candidate materials, define suitable laser exposure parameters, support experiments in air and, where feasible, under vacuum or in controlled environments, and document material responses after laser exposure. The work may include the observation of ablation thresholds, crater morphology, melting, cracking, ejecta formation, contamination effects, and differences between pulse regimes.
The intern will also contribute to data processing and interpretation, including the calculation of laser fluence and intensity, the preparation of exposure matrices, the documentation of experimental uncertainty, optical or microscopic inspection of ablated samples, and a comparison with published data. Depending on laboratory availability, the internship may involve experiments with high-energy or high-average-power laser systems, LIDT-related setups, and space-relevant sample holders or test chambers.
The expected outcome is a technical report and presentation summarizing experimental results, material behavior, and recommendations for follow-up studies. The internship will provide hands-on experience at the interface of high-power laser technology, laser-matter interaction, space engineering, and applied photonics.
Applicant Profile:This internship is ideal for students or recent graduates in physics, photonics, materials science, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or related fields. Candidates should have a strong interest in laser-matter interaction, experimental work, and space applications.
Must-Haves:Solid analytical skills; interest in experimental laser research; ability to work carefully in a laboratory environment; strong organizational and documentation habits; proficiency in English; and the ability to prepare technical notes, figures, and presentations.
Valued Skills:Any experience with optics, lasers, spectroscopy, microscopy, materials characterization, vacuum systems, thermal testing, Python/MATLAB for data analysis, CAD for simple sample holders, or laser safety procedures. Familiarity with laser ablation, LIDT, space materials, regolith simulants, or plasma/surface diagnostics is an advantage but not required.
Nice-to-Haves:Interest in space mining, asteroid/lunar materials, laser propulsion, laser momentum transfer, in-situ resource utilization, and high-power laser systems for space applications.
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