The Faculty of Science and Technology (700 faculty members, 1100 students) offers a range of bachelor and master courses (NanoTechnology, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering and Technical Medicine). The faculty’s research is organized in three of the university’s interdisciplinary research institutes: MESA+, MIRA, and IMPACT. These institutes increase the vitality of research by enabling collaboration between programs and disciplines, by providing shared facilities, and by attracting funding for joint projects. They also provide a conduit to industrial and other external partners.
Ph.D. (f/m) Smart XUV Optics
The Laser Physics and Nonlinear Optics group is looking for a highly motivated student to carry out an exciting new research program. In this research program, which is part of the Smart Optical Systems program of the Dutch Technology Foundation STW, we will develop an entirely new class of self-correcting EUV optics. A normal EUV mirror is constructed by depositing alternating layers to create a refractive index contrast that can efficiently reflect light. At extreme ultraviolet wavelengths, these mirrors are susceptible to environmental changes that significantly affect the mirror’s performance. To correct this situation, we intend to replace one of the materials in the mirror with an active material that will allow us to vary the layer spacing dynamically in response to environmental fluctuations. The candidate will be involved in every step of the research, including the development of novel piezoelectric and pyroelectric materials, wavefront-sensing technology for the EUV, and smart algorithms for sensing and maintaining performance at a systemic level.
The prospective candidate will be embedded in an enthusiastic academic environment with world-class fabrication and testing capabilities. The candidate will work closely with leading industrial and research groups. The student will be based at the University of Twente (NL). However, the student is also expected to spend substantial amounts of time at the FOM institute for plasma physics Rijnhuizen (NL), Carl Zeiss (D), and DESY/FLASH (D).
You will design and manufacture reflecting optics, build optical instruments to characterize and control wavefront aberration, and develop hardware and software to control and monitor the mirror. You will collaborate closely with the researcher developing the novel materials required to build the smart optic. Knowledge of deposition processes, in particular pulsed laser deposition, would be a significant advantage.
What we expect
The ideal candidate has a MSc. in physics, has experience with optics and/or deposition techniques, in particular pulsed laser deposition. An affinity with computer modeling would also be advantageous. The candidate should be goal-oriented and ready to take responsibility for his/her part of the project. He/She is expected to be able to formulate relevant scientific questions and to undertake appropriate (research) actions towards the realization of functional sub-assemblies and integration into a complete device. The chosen candidate will be an enthusiastic person with good communicative skills, especially in written and spoken English. He or she must be open-minded and flexible in order to thrive in a cultural rich environment and capable of working independently as well as in a team.
What we offer
We offer you a PhD position for 4 years. Your starting salary will be € 2042, – gross per month in the first year and up to € 2612, – gross per month in the last year. In addition, the collaborative nature of this project will provide the candidate with ample opportunity to interact with many leading scientists working in a wide variety of fields.
Information and application
For more information please contact dr. Chris Lee (+31-53-4893968, c.j.lee@utwente.nl). Applications should include an application/motivation letter, a detailed CV (resume), a publication list, contact details of at least 2 referees, and an academic transcript of the B.Sc. and M.Sc. education. A TOEFL or IELTS score is generally requested to verify sufficient mastering of the English language. Vacancy number 09/170.
