Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a method to synthesize ultrathin and conformal films with an excellent control of thickness and material properties. The method relies on alternate pulsing of two or more precursor vapors into a vacuum chamber. The subsequent saturative and self-limiting chemisorption reactions of these vapors on the substrate surface lead to the deposition of one (sub)monolayer of film per deposition cycle.ALD is now an established technology used in the semiconductor industry, especially due to its potential to sustain the continuous decrease of device dimensions. Yet, many more new application domains can benefit from the unique characteristics provided by ALD. In the PMP group at TU/e (www.phys.tue.nl/pmp/) we focus on the development of new reliable (nano)fabrication techniques to explore these new applications. The current project will focus on the synthesis of ALD materials for energy applications.The project involves the development of new innovative processes using energy-enhanced (in particular photo-assisted and plasma-assisted) ALD. Focus will be on the role of energy-enhancing pulses in the deposition of functional layers, the study of the underlying surface reactions, the characterization of the materials, as well as their implementation in device structures and the characterization of these devices. The PhD student will have access to state-of-the-art ALD and other processing equipment (thin film technologies, etching tools, and nanopatterning techniques) in modern facilities as well as to an extensive set of surface and material analysis techniques and device characterization equipment.The project aims at identifying and understanding the possible unique advantages in the performance of nano-patterned functional layers (e.g. silver for use in energy-related applications such as in plasmonics) as obtained by the advanced ALD processing methods, and comparing these with those of similar materials and structures obtained with other methods using for example nano-imprint lithography, etc.; so bottom-up vs. top-down.The project will be supervised by Prof. F. Roozeboom and Prof. W. M. M. Kessels.

Description

We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic PhD-student with a Master degree in (applied) physics, with top marks and with an interest in the fabrication and characterization of thin-films and nanodevices. Candidates with an MSc degree in chemistry or chemical engineering with a minor in applied physics may also apply. Preferred are candidates that have already spent (part of) their assignment in Europe. Candidates must prove a strong affinity with experimental physics and working in a multidisciplinary team with large independence. The PhD-candidate should have good written and oral communication skills in English.Candidates that are invited for a visit and job interview are expected to give a short presentation on their MSc project, plus a presentation on an ALD-related publication that we send ~1 week prior to the date of visit, and should be studied by the candidate.

Benefits

We offer:An exciting job in an active group PMP (Plasma & Materials Processing)A full-time appointment for four years (starting date in the period July-December 2013) at Eindhoven University of Technology www.tue.nl/en/Gross monthly salary from € 2062 (1st year) to € 2638 (4th year) in line with the Collective Agreement for Dutch UniversitiesAn attractive package of fringe benefits, including end-of-year allowance, a personal development program for PhD students (Proof program), and excellent sport facilities

Information on PROOF can be found on the website w3.tue.nl/en/services/dpo/education_training/doelgroepen/phd_student/Information about the terms of employment can be found on the website www.vsnu.nl/Workstudy/Universities-as-employers.htm