Physics | optics internship: imaging optical system modelling and performance analysis

Be part of progress: Join the Optical Column Department at ASML

Introduction

The Optical Column department at ASML develops the imaging systems used in YieldStar, a leading optical metrology tool for overlay measurement. These measurements help ASML’s customers improve the yield of their semiconductor manufacturing processes. To enhance product performance, the team continuously monitors key indicators and links them to design parameters. As an intern, you will contribute to this effort by analyzing and improving optical system models.

Your assignment

This internship gives you the opportunity to work with advanced imaging system models and contribute to performance analysis and design improvements. You will collaborate with experienced architects and engineers in the Optical Column department to simulate, analyze, and optimize optical modules.

• Develop simulation models for optical modules using MATLAB.
• Create tools for imaging simulation and performance prediction.
• Analyze model behavior and link it to optical design specifications.
• Formulate hypotheses for design improvements.
• Apply experimental design methods to validate your hypotheses.
• Recommend hardware or functional enhancements based on your findings.
• Present your results and maintain clear documentation of your work.

This is a master’s internship for a minimum of 6 months, 3–5 days per week (2–3 days on-site). The start date of this internship is February 2026.

Your profile

To be suitable for the internship, you:

• Are enrolled in a master’s degree in physics, optics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Have experience with MATLAB, Zemax, and/or Python.
• Understand physical optics; familiarity with RCWA is a plus.
• Are solution-oriented, analytical, and have a hands-on approach.
• Communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Other requirements you need to meet:

• You are enrolled at an educational institute for the entire duration of the internship.
• Attach your cover letter with a clear motivation why you are interested in this internship assignment in particular.
• You need to be located in the Netherlands to perform your internship. If you are currently living or studying outside of the Netherlands, your CV/motivation letter should include the willingness to relocate.
• If you are a non-EU citizen studying in the Netherlands, your university must be willing to sign the documents relevant for doing an internship (i.e., Nuffic agreement).

About ASML

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. 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.