PhD Position Amplitude & Phase Control in Optical Metrology

Job description 

Optical metrology plays a critical role in semiconductor manufacturing by enabling non-contact, high-precision measurement of nanoscale features on chips, ensuring that critical dimensions and overlay accuracy meet the tolerances required for functional devices. As transistor geometries continue to shrink, the performance of optical metrology tools is continuously challenged by stricter requirements and increasingly complex geometries.

In this project, you will work on the ideation, modeling, and experimental validation of novel techniques to address some of these challenges. You will join a research group with long-standing expertise in coherent optical scatterometry, a method for measuring the shape of nanostructures by analyzing coherently scattered light from a target of interest. Within the project, you will investigate how to achieve full control over the amplitude and phase of the input probe, what additional constraints on the field can be derived from first principles, and how these constraints can improve the technique's performance, particularly when embedded in modern machine learning models. The ultimate goal is to retrieve shapes, overlay errors, and other geometrical parameters of the target using methods ranging from local and global optimizers to priors and neural networks developed by partners in the project.  

Job requirements 

You have a passion for science, are a continuous learner, and possess good theoretical foundations, with a willingness to work on both theoretical models and experimental setups. You know how to code, or are willing to learn. You are a team player who enjoys working with others, shares knowledge openly, and brings a constructive mindset. You feel rewarded when an idea lands ona. new metrology tool. Finally, you act with integrity and intellectual honesty.

The outstanding candidate is not someone who already perfectly masters all the required skills, but someone who has the potential to grow and acquire those skills and able to deploy them during the course of the project. She or he has a demonstrable interest in optics and electromagnetic scattering, signal processing, and mathematics, as well as a wise use of machine learning methods. The candidate should hold an MSc degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or the equivalent. The PhD position is firmly embedded in a physics environment but involves strong interaction with partners in applied physics, applied mathematics, and high-tech industry. Good communication skills in English are a prerequisite. 

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference. 

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future. 

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward. 

Faculty Applied Sciences 

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers. 

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