Physics internship: optical fiber disturbance analysis

Be part of progress

Introduction

Next generation lithography nodes require increasingly accurate projection of Integrated Circuit (IC) design layers onto wafers with improved throughput. Within the Stage Position Measurement (SPM) group of ASML, we develop and realize breakthrough technologies in the field of optical position metrology for stages and actuated imaging systems. As an intern in our group, you will be tackling challenges in position information transfer in optical fibers with support of the experts.

Your Assignment

The main challenge in ASML systems is to reach down to picometer resolution in measuring the position of stages/mirrors. At this precision level, every detail plays an important role. The aim of the project is to investigate the impact of the optical fibers that are used for transferring position information and provide possible solutions. The main tasks include:

• Build an optical setup that enables investigating fiber impact in interferometric position measurement systems
• Test different fiber connector types
• Test fibers with different core sizes
• Apply external disturbance (vibration/heat) to the fibers during measurements to quantify the impact of the disturbance
• Determine the fiber core diameter and connection type that results in best position measurement accuracy

This is a Bachelor internship for 5-6 to 12 months, minimum 4 days per week (3 days onsite). This internship is not suitable for a thesis. The start date is March 2026.

Your profile

To be a fit for this assignment, you:

• Are busy with your bachelor's in Physics, Optics, Mechanical / Electrical Engineering or a related field
• Have an understanding of optical systems, especially fiber optics
• Have some experience with setting up and conducting lab experiments
• Are able to analyze experimental data using tools like MATLAB, Python, or similar
• Are familiar with signal processing, sensors, and possibly thermal/vibration control systems
• Have good communication skills in English (verbal and written)

Other requirements you need to meet:

• You are enrolled at an educational institute for the entire duration of the internship
• You are located in the Netherlands to perform your internship. In case you are currently living/studying outside of the Netherlands, your CV/motivation letter includes the willingness to relocate
• If you are a non-EU citizen, studying in the Netherlands, your university is willing to sign the documents relevant for doing an internship (i.e., Nuffic agreement)

This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the United States Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. § 730, et seq.). Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access such controlled technology prior to beginning work. Business demands may require ASML to proceed with candidates who are immediately eligible to access controlled technology.

ASML is a leading supplier of lithography equipment, used by the world’s top chipmakers to print microchips that are increasingly powerful, fast and energy efficient. Working at ASML is inspiring, no matter what field you're in. That’s because we push the boundaries of technology: if it’s moving the world forward, chances are, we’re behind it. In fact, we’re probably a part of the electronic device you’re using right now. We’re a global team of more than 32,000 people from 122 different nationalities and counting. Headquartered in Europe’s top tech hub, the Brainport Eindhoven region in the Netherlands, our operations are spread across Europe, Asia and the US.