PhD Position Ultrafast Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging and Sensing

At TU Delft, you will develop new imaging technology with ultrafast extreme ultraviolet light sources.

Job description

Microscopy with extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation is a powerful approach for materials science and semiconductor metrology. A specific challenge in building such an EUV microscope is that optical components are not readily available at such short wavelengths. We therefore develop 'lensless' imaging methods, such as ptychography, in which we reconstruct object images from measured diffraction data. We produce coherent EUV radiation using a process called high-harmonic generation (HHG), which is an extremely nonlinear optical process in a gas, driven by an ultrafast laser.

In this project, you will use lensless imaging methods, both for imaging nanostructures, and to study the HHG process itself. In imaging nanostructures, we will focus on imaging reflective structures that contain multiple materials, with the aim to retrieve 3D structural information and local elemental composition.

One powerful property of ptychography is that it can be used to retrieve images of nanoscale objects and the illuminating light field itself. We can therefore use it to characterize the wavefront of extreme ultraviolet beams, and in that way study the HHG process under various conditions, such as when using structured laser fields. Through such imaging experiments, we can study the influence of strong-field effects and ultrafast nonlinear propagation dynamics in HHG.

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, we focus 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, ultrafast lasers, strong-field light-matter interaction and/or coherent diffractive imaging.
• 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.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Conditions of employment

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.

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.