PhD student: Laser-induced damage

The Institute of Physics (IoP ) of the University of Amsterdam and the Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL) have an opening for a fully funded PhD position.

Materials exposed to light inevitably suffer from optical damage when the light fluence keeps increasing. When using lasers as light sources, damage can take different forms, ranging from a reasonably gentle separation of layers of different materials (delamination), to violent and explosive removal of material, crater formation and even the creation of a plasma. We study these processes on time scales ranging from femtoseconds to seconds. We are seeking a PhD candidate who is interested in interdisciplinary research into the mechanisms behind light-induced damage in materials used in nanolithography.

What are you going to do

In this project, a collaboration between the Light-Matter Interaction group and the Materials & Surface Science for EUVL group, you will study the fundamental physics behind light-induced damage within the context of optical metrology in nanolithography. You will learn to work with high power (tunable) femtosecond laser systems, and acquire a deep understanding of light-matter interaction at high optical fluences, and of the light-induced changes in material properties. You will learn techniques to fabricate nanolayers and nanostructures using nanolithography, and to study pristine and damaged structures with techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning-electron microscopy (SEM), atomic-force microscopy (AFM) and others. Part of your project is to use your experimental results and the knowledge gained into (numerical) models that may help predict and mitigate optical damage.

What do you have to offer

You have:

• MSc-degree in Chemical Physics or Physics
• Preferably, experience with (femtosecond) lasers and optics.
• Good communication skills (in English)
• Willingness to collaborate with others are an advantage.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,443 to € 3,122 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.