Near infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensing in the range 900 nm – 1700 nm is becoming important in a wide variety of applications. Silicon is the backbone of CMOS technology and forms the basis for the fabrication of conventional CMOS Image Sensors. However, silicon is not capable of detection beyond the visible wavelength range.

In this project, we will investigate semiconductor technologies and processes that will enable a broadband (Visible-NIR-SWIR) image sensor that can be realized in a cost-effective, and if possible, as a post-processing step on existing image sensors.   The existing semiconductor NIR/IR photodiodes involve III-V materials, which are expensive. They require specialised foundries, complex hybrid/3D integrated methods and heterogeneous processes to integrate them with conventional electronics. Research has been going on focusing on depositing germanium (Ge) and other similar materials on silicon to enhance the wavelength detection range of the image sensor. But the thermal budgets involved in such processes are often very high making it incompatible for post processing with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process flows.

We have the ultimate goal of developing ‘post-processable or CMOS compatible’ technology for realizing broadband CMOS image sensors that can also cover the NIR & SWIR spectrum. This involves the investigation of (new) materials & material interfaces,  as well as low temperature processes to achieve broadband sensitivity. The material research will not only involve semiconductors of relatively low band gap materials such as Ge, but also up-converting materials which convert IR to visible light.

The steps involve:

• A detailed literature survey on the state of the art
• Interface physics investigations using various tools such as Density Function Theory (DFT) and experimental characterization using tools such as SEM/TEM/XRD/Spectroscopy, etc.
• Design and fabrication of test vehicle (consisting of diodes, and pixels)
• Developing and implementing post processing techniques for infrared capabilities on the test vehicle
• Electrical and optical testing and characterisation of the devices that are fabricated
• Documentation, dissemination (conferences, journals) and thesis generation

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to fill a PhD position (4 years). As a PhD researcher, you will be part of the CMOS image sensors research group, Electronic Instrumentation Laboratory.

• MSc degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• Broad interest in the physics, semiconductor technology and design of image sensors
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English (see https://www.tudelft.nl/onderwijs/opleidingen/phd/admission)

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.