PhD Smart XUV Optics

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).

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PhD position: Magnetic manipulation of molecules in living cells

PhD position: Magnetic manipulation of molecules in living cells

Research
The aim in this project is to develop an innovative biophysical approach based on the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) that will allow us to exert forces on, and actively manipulate, individual receptor proteins on the surface of living cells using smart external magnetic fields. It is anticipated that active manipulation of these receptor proteins will provide a very powerful tool that will give new insights into biophysical processes in cells. Exploring the physics of this new technology is the primary objective. To demonstrate the power of this biophysical method, it will be applied to address key issues in cell signaling. By controlling the aggregation of membrane-associated receptor molecules, the state of immune system T cells can be actively switched from an ‘inactive’ to an ‘active state’, thereby mimicking a process that is crucial in cell signaling.

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