PhD Position Amplitude & Phase Control in Optical Metrology

What about shaping the future of optical metrology?

PhD Position Amplitude & Phase Control in Optical Metrology

Job description

Optical metrology plays a critical role in semiconductor manufacturing by enabling non-contact, high-precision measurement of nanoscale features on chips, ensuring that critical dimensions and overlay accuracy meet the tolerances required for functional devices. As transistor geometries continue to shrink, the performance of optical metrology tools is continuously challenged by stricter requirements and increasingly complex geometries.

In this project, you will work on the ideation, modeling, and experimental validation of novel techniques to address some of these challenges. You will join a research group with long-standing expertise in coherent optical scatterometry, a method for measuring the shape of nanostructures by analyzing coherently scattered light from a target of interest. Within the project, you will investigate how to achieve full control over the amplitude and phase of the input probe, what additional constraints on the field can be derived from first principles, and how these constraints can improve the technique's performance, particularly when embedded in modern machine learning models. The ultimate goal is to retrieve shapes, overlay errors, and other geometrical parameters of the target using methods ranging from local and global optimizers to priors and neural networks developed by partners in the project.

Job requirements

You have a passion for science, are a continuous learner, and possess good theoretical foundations, with a willingness to work on both theoretical models and experimental setups. You know how to code, or are willing to learn. You are a team player who enjoys working with others, shares knowledge openly, and brings a constructive mindset. You feel rewarded when an idea lands ona. new metrology tool. Finally, you act with integrity and intellectual honesty.

The outstanding candidate is not someone who already perfectly masters all the required skills, but someone who has the potential to grow and acquire those skills and able to deploy them during the course of the project. She or he has a demonstrable interest in optics and electromagnetic scattering, signal processing, and mathematics, as well as a wise use of machine learning methods. The candidate should hold an MSc degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or the equivalent. The PhD position is firmly embedded in a physics environment but involves strong interaction with partners in applied physics, applied mathematics, and high-tech industry. Good communication skills in English are a prerequisite.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

At TU Delft, you will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Applied Sciences

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. 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, 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.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

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.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible. The Coming to Delft Service offers information to help you prepare your relocation and organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands and expand your social network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Please note:

• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed.