Internship | Ultracompact Photonics Hardware for Next‑Generation Semiconductor Inspection

About this internship

Advancing semiconductor manufacturing requires inspection technologies that are not only faster, but fundamentally more intelligent. This internship explores a novel photonic approach that uses metasurface based devices combined with machine learning classification to detect and characterize wafer defects with unprecedented precision. You will contribute to the first proof of concept experiment validating this concept, helping to demonstrate how ultracompact photonic structures and smart algorithms can outperform traditional sensing methods. By enabling high resolution, non contact optical inspection at much higher speeds, this work has the potential to redefine metrology in the semiconductor industry and support the next generation of high performance chips.

What will be your role?

As an intern, you will take a central role in building and validating the first proof of concept system for using metasurface based photonic devices in high speed defect detection. You will design and assemble the experimental setup, develop the control and acquisition software, and perform the initial measurement campaigns on wafer samples. Your work will generate the first real data that demonstrates the feasibility of this concept, covering both hardware integration and software processing. This internship offers a hands on opportunity to explore how photonics and machine learning can be co designed to accelerate semiconductor metrology.

You will join a multidisciplinary team of researchers specializing in photonics, semiconductor metrology, precision optomechatronics, and high speed optical systems. This creates a rich environment in which optical design, precision engineering, and data driven sensing come together to push the boundaries of industrial inspection technologies.

What we expect from you

We are looking for a curious and self driven student who thrives in an experimental environment. You should be comfortable working independently, able to take initiative, and motivated by hands on work in the lab.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• Master’s level student in photonics, optical engineering, applied physics, or a related field.
• Knowledge of optical systems and lasers.
• Experience with data acquisition or laboratory setups.
• Programming skills (Python, MATLAB) for control and data processing.
• Interest or experience in machine learning.

What you'll get in return

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.

Contact

kevin.cognee@tno.nl