PhD Position Ultrafast Photoacoustic Imaging

Generate ultrasound with light, and use it to visualize properties of microscopic objects

Job description

Ultrafast photoacoustics is a process in which extremely short laser pulses heat a material, causing rapid expansion that generates high-frequency ultrasound waves. Methods have been developed to detect these ultrasound waves using light as well, enabling optical microscopy with ultrasound as a contrast agent.

In this project, you will build a microscope based on this photoacoustics concept. Working as part of a small team of researchers, you will design and develop the imaging system and combine it with the ultrafast photoacoustics system available in the group. In addition to optics and microscopy, the experiments involve femtosecond lasers, electronic synchronisation systems, and sensitive data acquisition methods such as lock-in detection.

You will then apply this novel microscope to study the mechanical properties of microscopic objects, such as semiconductor devices and biological cells. Data analysis and interpretation of the measured signals to transform them into 3D images will be another important challenge. As the propagation of sound depends on material properties such as density and stiffness, this microscope will give you a unique capability to visualize local material properties inside complex microstructures.

You will be part of the Optics for Nanoscale Metrology team, in the Optics cluster of the department of Imaging Physics at TU Delft. In this team, consisting of several PhD students, postdocs and undergraduates, the focus is on developing new concepts for 3D imaging of nanostructures using light.

Job requirements

• A masters degree in Physics or a related subject
• Strong affinity with experimental research in optics, lasers, imaging/microscopy and or time-resolved spectroscopy
• Good communication skills (verbal and written) in English are required
• Strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and a creative approach to problem solving
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team as well as individually

About TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design.

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 a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 principal investigators, and about 3,600 students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, the faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century.

Its scientists conduct fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract includes an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming performance requirements are met.