2 Post-doc research positions “Plasma interaction with thin film materials for extreme UV”

2 Post-doc research positions “Plasma interaction with thin film materials for extreme UV”

Published Deadline Location
26 Sep 25 Oct Enschede

Job description

We are looking for two motivated and skilled post-doctoral researchers to carry out advanced physics research on understanding the interaction of hydrogen based plasma with thin films used for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) optics applications.

The main aim of the first project is to develop understanding how uptake and diffusion of hydrogen can be monitored in-situ, under realistic test conditions. This project will involve collaboration with the Technical University Delft to study hydrogen uptake in materials with in-situ neutron scattering.

The second project focuses on hydrogen plasmas that contain small amounts of reactive molecules as water or nitrogen. Our aim is to understand in detail how processes as ballistic impact, reaction probabilities and ion penetration depend on type and energy of ions in the plasma, as well as on the composition of the thin film sample.

Both projects are part of a larger research project on the physics of plasma-surface interactions, currently running in the XUV Optics Group at Twente (www.utwente.nl/xuv). We develop forefront fundamental research, relevant to high tech applications in collaboration with our industrial partners (Zeiss, ASML, Malvern Panalytical and VDL). The research will take place in a state-of-the-art thin film laboratory within the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology at the University of Twente, which will allow you ample opportunities to collaborate and interact with various academic and industrial partners.

Your goal is to improve the understanding how plasma, radicals and ions interact with thin film coatings for EUV optics, with the ultimate aim to predict and improve the lifetime of such coatings.

Project 1:
  • Design and prepare thin film model systems for measuring hydrogen uptake in EUV materials, using facilities in the XUV Optics group.
  • Measure uptake of hydrogen in these thin films using a newly developed measurement cell for in-situ neutron scattering during exposure to hydrogen radicals and/or plasma.
  • Compare the obtained results with other techniques for measuring hydrogen uptake and diffusion of hydrogen in thin films.

Project 2:
  • Design and execute experiments to expose thin film systems to plasma conditions relevant for understanding potential damage mechanisms under EUV exposure, using existing plasma exposure tools in the XUV group.
  • Investigate changes in film composition and structure by using in-vacuo X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ex-situ electron microscopy.
  • Perform reference experiments with other materials and/or exposure conditions to consolidate our understanding of physical mechanisms leading to modification of film stacks by plasma exposure.

Specifications

University of Twente (UT)

Requirements

  • You have a PhD degree in physics, physical chemistry or materials science, or expect to obtain your PhD degree soon.
  • You have affinity with interaction of plasma or ion beams with surfaces, physical vapour deposition (PVD) of thin films, physics and chemistry of solid surfaces and/or surface or thin film analysis.
  • You are an excellent team player in an enthusiastic group of scientists and engineers working on a common theme.
  • You are creative, like to push boundaries, and are highly motivated to address a major science challenge in thin film physics.
  • You are fluent in English and able to collaborate intensively with industrial and academic parties in regular meetings and work visits.

Conditions of employment

  • You will be appointed on a fulltime position for 1.5 or 2 years with possible extension.
  • The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in a stimulating scientific environment.
  • The post-doc salary is between € 4.020 and € 5.278 gross per month depending on experience and qualifications.
  • The offer further involves: a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%, a solid pension scheme, a minimum of 29-day holidays, and numerous professional and personal development programs.

Department

The University of Twente stands for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands. We have a strong focus on personal development and give scope for carrying out pioneering research. The Faculty of Science & Technology works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.

The XUV Optics group is embedded in the MESA+ Institute (www.mesaplus.utwente.nl), which is one of the largest nanotechnology research institutes in the world, delivering competitive and successful high-quality research. The institute employs 500 people of which 275 are PhD’s or PostDocs. With its unique NanoLab facilities the institute holds 1250 m2 of cleanroom space and state-of-the-art research equipment.

The University of Twente is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity. We do not discriminate on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

Additional information

Information and Application

Your reaction should include:
  • an application/motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation for this particular project,
  • a detailed CV, containing your publications list, contact details of referees and an academic transcript of B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. education.

An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection procedure. For detailed information, you can contact Dr. ir. Marko Sturm (j.m.sturm@utwente.nl), +31 53 489 1185. Please apply via the “Apply Now” button below.

Specifications

  • Postdoc
  • Natural sciences
  • max. 40 hours per week
  • €4020—€5278 per month
  • Doctorate
  • 1924

Employer

University of Twente (UT)

Learn more about this employer

Location

Drienerlolaan 5, 7522NB, Enschede

View on Google Maps

Interesting for you

X

Apply for this job

Apply for this job

This application process is managed by the employer (University of Twente (UT)). Please contact the employer for questions regarding your application.

Thank you for applying

Please contact the employer for questions regarding your application.

Tip: save this job as favorite in your AcademicTransfer account. This gives you an immediate overview and makes it easy to find the job later on. No account yet? Create it now and take advantage of other useful functionalities too!

Application procedure

Application procedure

Make sure to apply no later than 25 Oct 2024 23:59 (Europe/Amsterdam).