PhD Position Ultrafast Photoacoustic Imaging

Generate ultrasound with light, and use it to visualize properties of microscopic objects

Ultrafast photoacoustics is a process in which we use extremely short laser pulses to heat a material, giving rise to a rapid expansion that results in the generation of high-frequency ultrasound waves. We have developed methods to detect such ultrasound waves using light as well, enabling optical microscopy with ultrasound as a contrast agent.

In this project, you will build a microscope based on this photoacoustics concept. Working as part of a small team of researchers, you will design and develop the imaging system, and combine it with the ultrafast photoacoustics system available in the group. In addition to optics and microscopy, the experiments involve femtosecond lasers, electronic synchronisation systems, and sensitive data acquisition methods such as lock-in detection.

You will then apply this novel microscope to study the mechanical properties of microscopic objects, such as semiconductor devices and biological cells. Data analysis and interpretation of the measured signals to transform them into 3D images will also be an important challenge. As the propagation of sound depends on material properties such as density and stiffness, this microscope will give you a unique capability to visualize local material properties inside complex microstructures.

You will be part of the Optics for Nanoscale Metrology team, in the Optics cluster of the department of Imaging Physics at TU Delft. In this team, consisting of several PhD students, postdocs and undergraduates, we focus on developing new concepts for 3D imaging of nanostructures, using light.

• A master’s degree in Physics or a related subject
• Strong affinity with experimental research in optics, lasers, imaging/microscopy and or time-resolved spectroscopy
• Good communication skills (verbal and written) in English are required
• Strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and a creative approach to problem solving
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team as well as individually

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3,059 – €3,881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a full-time contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%. The PhD candidate will also receive a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, a monthly work costs contribution, and flexible work schedules can be arranged.