Technical University of Denmark offers a PhD position on the deposition and characterization of metal thin-films. The successful candidate will approach the challenge by linking thin-film structural and electrical properties such as thickness, grain size, and sheet resistance to growth parameters.
Metal thin films (Ni and Cu among others) down to a few atomic layers thin deposited on atomically smooth substrates are an essential part of a large variety of micro and nanofabricated structures and devices ranging from semiconductor electronic devices to sensor applications to substrates for graphene growth. To fully exploit the potential of these thin-films full control over the growth parameter – property relation has to be established. The substrate and its surface play a significant role in the parameter space as well. These growth conditions do not correspond to established growth models that are either based on STM studies or the Thornton structure-zone model from 1970’s.
The thin-film growth will take place at the state-of-the-art National Nano- and Microfabrication Facility DTU Danchip placed at at Lyngby Campus. Thermal evaporation, sputtering, and atomic layer deposition are available.
For the structural characterization, DTU Center for Electron Nanoscopy at Lyngby Campus houses a unique suite of electron microscopes ranging from scanning electron microscopes through dual beam FIB/SEM instruments to high-end aberration corrected (S)TEMs providing state of the art means of structural analysis of these metal films. The complementarity of the instruments allows for an in depth analysis of samples which can be further augmented using additional characterization techniques located locally at DTU or at partner locations.
Responsibilities and tasks
The hypothesis is that deposition parameters determine the structure of the metal films and this structure is responsible for its physical properties. We assume that we can explain the properties with results of the structural characterization and tailor the deposition process to achieve specific desired properties.
The method is varying deposition parameters (design of experiment) and measure the physical properties (e.g. density, hardness, roughness, sheet resistance) followed by a comprehensive structural characterization using state-of-the-art-instrumentation. The physical properties will be related to the structural characterization and overall conclusion on this relationship will be drawn.
The candidate will conduct the following activities:
- Deposit thin metal films
- Systematic study of the growth parameters relation to electrical and structural properties
- Analyze and extract quantitative information from electron microscopy and related spectroscopy methods.
The goal of the project is to explain the physical film properties based on the structural characterization and tailor the deposition parameters to fabricate metal films with desired properties. Furthermore to update the establish growth models or propose a new model.
Qualifications
Candidates should have a master's degree in material science, physics, chemistry, or engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering. Micro and Nanofabrication/clean room experience and/or electron microscopy experience are advantageous.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide .
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Assistant Professor Anpan Han, Director Jörg Hübner and Professor Jakob B. Wagner.
We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.
Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.
Workplace:DTU Lyngby Campus.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Assistant Professor Anpan Han, anph@dtu.dk and Professor Jakob B. Wagner, Jakob.wagner@cen.dtu.dk .
You can read more about Danchip and Center for Electron Nanoscopy on www.danchip.dk and www.cen.dtu.dk .
Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.
Application
Please submit your online application no later than August 15, 2014. Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
- Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here )
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
The Center for Electron Nanoscopy is a young department (inaugurated in Dec. 2007) housing state-of-the-art electron microscopy center at the Technical University of Denmark. Work carried out at DTU Cen is varied ranging from basic topographical studies to highly sophisticated analysis of nanoscale materials.
DTU Danchip is the national center for micro- and nanofabrication at the Technical University of Denmark. 1300 m2 of cleanroom equipped with more than 140 of state of the art tools are shared among more than 200 users from industry and academia.
DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,700 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,000 students are educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.
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