We are looking for a PhD-candidate to strengthen our highly motivated and multidisciplinary research team, who will work on the monitoring and sensing of the fundamental physical phenomena occurring during laser-material interaction, in order to optimize laser-based material processing techniques for sustainable manufacturing.

The Background
Metal additive manufacturing at large scale, such as laser cladding, is a well-established technique to reduce the cost of repairing or regenerating the damaged industrial components in energy, transport, waste, construction and manufacturing industries to name few. In order to meet the increasing demand of greater accuracy and precision, while decreasing environmental footprint, development of highly sensitive optical methods for metrology and inspection is crucial for non-contact process characterization and unraveling the associated physical aspects. A combination of integrated metrology and real-time process monitoring, along with advanced data analysis methods could provide a step change in studying the laser-metal deposition techniques, detecting process non-conformance and anomalies, optimizing manufacturing processes and resolving commercialization challenges in production applications.

For examples of our work done in this line of research, please check:

• Bremer, S. J. L., et. al. (2023). Laser intensity profile as a means to steer microstructure of deposited tracks in Directed Energy Deposition. Materials and Design, 227, [111725].
• Ya, W. , et. al. (2015). Spectroscopic monitoring of metallic bonding in laser metal deposition. Journal of Materials Processing Technology, 220, 276-284.
• Pohl, R. , et. al. (2014). High-resolution imaging of ejection dynamics in laser-induced forward transfer. In Proceedings of SPIE - the international society for optical engineering; Vol. 8967. SPIE.

Your Challenge
Measurement techniques to measure critical quantities during laser-based Direct Energy Deposition (DED) e.g., temperature, clad geometry, pressure, stress and flow rates are often trivial at low temperatures and/or during post-processing steps, however, in-situ, real-time insights into the melt-pool are either not possible, or cannot be performed easily at high temperatures. You will as a PhD candidate:

• Develop specialized measurement systems based on spatial, optical and spectral characterization for laser cladding setup with co-axial and/or off-axis powder injection,
• Design, construct and realize optomechanical systems in the laboratory,
• Establish a more accurate, real-time (multi-) sensor-based monitoring approach to characterize melt pool spatio-temporally as well as spectro-thermally,
• Develop algorithms for sensor fusion using Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning concepts to optimize strategies and real-time feedback.
• Collaborate closely with researchers in other groups at the University of Twente.

State-of- the-art laser facilities are available at the Chair of Laser Processing. We foster an environment of collaborative innovation and intellectual curiosity while continually challenging ourselves to expand the boundaries of our creativity.

If you are someone with a background in experimental optics involving high power lasers, preferably in imaging and spectroscopy, driven by curiosity, creativity, and dedication, we invite you to apply for this opportunity.

• You have a Master’s degree, preferably with distinction (or international equivalent) in Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline;
• Experience in (real-time) imaging and/or real-time spectroscopy is required.
• Knowledge of fundamental aspects of laser-material processing, as well as applied knowledge in laser based material processing techniques are preferred.
• Good knowledge/demonstrated awareness of sensor fusion and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning/Deep Learning concepts is an advantage.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment and undertake experimental research.
• Excellent analysis skills and an analytical mind- set, as well as excellent communication skills, including written.
• English language proficiency. If you have not graduated in a country where English is the first language, then you will need to demonstrate your English proficiency by having passed IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum overall score for IELTS is at least 6.5 with no component being below 5.5.
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
Unleash your potential in cutting-edge research!

• We offer a four-year fulltime PhD position.
• We provide a stimulating, modern research environment with world-class research facilities. And we provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating research environment to accelerate your further professional and personal growth.
• A starting salary of € 2.770,- gross per month in the first year and increasing to € 3.539,- gross per month in the fourth year.
• An annual holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, and an annual year-end bonus 8,3 %.
• A solid pension scheme.
• Minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of fulltime employment.
• The University of Twente is situated on a green and lively campus with lots of facilities for sports and other activities.
• You will have a training program as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.

THE CHAIR OF LASER PROCESSING

At the Chair of Laser Processing we study the fundamental physical phenomena occurring during laser-material interaction, in order to optimize laser-material processing for laser-based manufacturing. Based on the knowledge gained, we develop means and methods for monitoring/sensing and control of laser-material processing. Our research results (projects and publications) provide key enabling technologies for numerous new applications and innovative laser-based manufacturing. We are a group consisting of curiosity driven senior and junior scientists, which are well embedded within the department of Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces & Systems (MS3). Additional information can be obtained from the website Laser Processing Department