Join us for an internship!

In today’s digital world, secure communications are essential to protect sensitive information. At the heart of modern security lies cryptography, a set of techniques used to hide and protect data. One of its main challenges is obtaining secure and integrated True Random Number Generators (TRNG), used, for example, to generate encryption keys.

Joint efforts by researchers at TIMA (CNRS) and CEA-Leti have recently demonstrated a novel approach to address this challenge: inducing chaotic behavior in microscopic mechanical resonators (MEMS). Chaos is deterministic but noise-like, making it a potential source of randomness while remaining controllable. But many questions remain open: how can this principle be integrated into optical communications using optomechanical MEMS? How can the chaotic regime be reliably induced and controlled? How does this system compare with current solutions? Help us find out!

The goal of this internship is to explore the potential of optomechanical systems operating in chaotic regimes for cryptographic applications. You will join a team of researchers and engineers from CEA-Leti and TIMA to characterize and model optomechanical systems already available, and investigate their behavior in chaotic regimes. Once the main mechanisms are understood, the objective will be to demonstrate and characterize the system for a TRNG application. This work will provide the foundations for a subsequent PhD project investigating how chaotic dynamics can be exploited for new approaches to cryptography.

Job description:

You will join a team of researchers and engineers from CEA-Leti and TIMA to characterize and model existing optomechanical systems and investigate their behaviour in chaotic regimes. The goal of this internship is to explore the potential of optomechanical systems operating in chaotic regimes for cryptographic applications. Once the main mechanisms are understood, the objective will be to demonstrate and characterize the system for a true random number generation (TRNG) application. This work will provide the foundations for a PhD project investigating how chaotic dynamics can be exploited to develop new approaches to cryptography. Depending on your university requirements, the scope of the internship can be discussed.

As an intern at CEA, you will have the opportunity to work in a world-renowned research environment. Our teams are made up of passionate and dedicated experts, providing an environment conducive to learning and collaboration. You will have access to state-of-the-art equipment and leading research resources to carry out your work.

To go further

MEMS, chaos and optomechanics.

Our scientific publications. 

Internship supervisors:

- Marc Sansa, CEA-Leti: expert in sensors and optomechanics.

- Martial Defoort, TIMA-CNRS: expert in M/NEMS and chaos. 

- Guillaume Jourdan: senior expert in M/NEMS and sensors. 

What are we looking for?

You are currently pursuing a Master’s degree / final year of an engineering degree in applied physics, micro- and nanotechnologies, or a related field.

You are passionate about scientific and technological research and are recognised for your rigour and analytical skills.

You have knowledge of applied physics and/or microtechnologies, as well as an interest in modelling and experimental work.

Join us and develop your skills while acquiring new ones!

Still hesitating? Here is what we offer:

• The opportunity to work within a world-renowned organisation in the field of scientific research,
• A unique environment dedicated to ambitious projects addressing major societal challenges,
• A cutting-edge innovation experience with strong potential for industrial development,
• Exceptional experimental resources and high-quality supervision,
• Real career opportunities following your internship,
• A position at the heart of the Grenoble metropolitan area, easily accessible by sustainable transport options promoted by CEA,
• 85% reimbursement of public transport costs,
• A recognised work-life balance,
• An on-site company restaurant,
• A diversity and inclusion policy.

In accordance with CEA’s commitments to the inclusion of people with disabilities, this position is open to all applicants. CEA offers adjustments and/or organisational arrangements to support the inclusion of employees with disabilities.