Post-doc research position interaction mechanisms of plasma thin films

Post‑doc research position on the interaction mechanisms of plasma with thin films

The interaction of hydrogen plasma with surfaces and thin films is rich in technological applications ranging from materials processing to extreme ultraviolet lithography and plasma catalysis. Despite its importance, mechanistic insight into hydrogen uptake and diffusion in materials is largely lacking, partly because many methods lack sensitivity to hydrogen. In this project you will develop an understanding of hydrogen uptake and transport under realistic test conditions using advanced in‑situ monitoring methods in collaboration with the Technical University Delft to study hydrogen uptake in materials with in‑situ neutron reflectometry.

Your goal is to improve understanding of how plasma, radicals and ions interact with thin‑film coatings, with the ultimate aim of predicting and improving the lifetime of such coatings. You will design and prepare thin‑film model systems for measuring hydrogen uptake in materials in the context of EUV lithography, using facilities in the XUV Optics group. You will measure the uptake of hydrogen in these thin films using a newly developed measurement cell for in‑situ neutron reflectometry during exposure to hydrogen radicals and/or plasma.

The neutron reflectometry measurements will take place at TU Delft, and processing and analysing (fitting) the data will be a major task of the project. The obtained results will be compared with other techniques for measuring hydrogen uptake and diffusion in thin films.

This project is part of a larger research project on the physics of plasma‑surface interactions, currently running in the XUV Optics Group at Twente ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).). We develop forefront fundamental research relevant to high‑tech applications in collaboration with our industrial partners (Zeiss, ASML, Malvern Panalytical and VDL). The research will take place in a state‑of‑the‑art thin‑film laboratory within the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology at the University of Twente, which will allow ample opportunities to collaborate and interact with various academic and industrial partners.

• You have a PhD degree in physics, physical chemistry or materials science, or expect to obtain your PhD soon.
• You have affinity with the interaction of plasma or ion beams with surfaces, physical vapour deposition (PVD) of thin films, physics and chemistry of solid surfaces and/or surface or thin‑film analysis.
• Experience with neutron or X‑ray reflectometry or other advanced material characterisation techniques is a big advantage.
• You are an excellent team player in an enthusiastic group of scientists and engineers working on a common theme.
• You are creative, like to push boundaries, and are highly motivated to address a major science challenge in thin‑film physics.
• You are fluent in English and able to collaborate intensively with industrial and academic parties in regular meetings and work visits.

• You will be appointed for a period of 1 year full‑time within a very stimulating scientific environment.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO‑NU).
• Gross salary between €4 241 and €5 538 per month depending on experience and qualifications.
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year‑end bonus of 8.3% and a solid pension scheme.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
• Minimum 232 leave hours in case of full‑time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full‑time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Excellent support for research and facilities for professional and personal development.
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other university staff. We are also a family‑friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid) and career support for partners.

The University of Twente is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and particularly welcome applications from groups that are underrepresented in science and engineering.

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