PhD “Characterization of substrate-less semiconductors with energetic ion beams"

21 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KU Leuven

Research Field

Physics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

1 Apr 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38 hours/week

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

BAP-2024-98

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Innovations in the development and characterization of new materials are the basis of many novel nanoelectronics devices. Among the most sensitive methods for materials characterization are techniques which employ the interaction of highly energetic ions with the material of interest. Still, it is challenging to characterize nanometric volumes with sufficient precision and accuracy. The goal is to develop more sensitive characterization methods, based on advanced understanding of ion-beam solid interactions. In the present PhD research, we will investigate the scientific potential of analyzing nanometer-scale ultra-thin self-supporting films using highly energetic ion beams.

 

Given the limited volume of the nanostructures compared to the substrate, and given the finite count rate of a detector, the sensitivity to the nanomaterial under standard ion beam analysis conditions is limited. In the past, researchers have developed methods to improve discriminating the small signal from the nanostructures against the dominating signal from the substrate. In the present work, we want to realize a paradigm shift by removing the substrate. It is anticipated that the sensitivity and accuracy of ion beam analysis can be dramatically improved by measuring the nanostructures selectively. Your main research activity will be to develop, in this new context, the best-suited conditions (ion beam, detectors, data analysis, etc.) to optimally characterize technologically important material systems chosen as a demonstrator.

Firstly, it is expected that the substrate-less approach will allow one to derive drastically more precise information about the nanostructures from elastically backscattered ions, also known as Rutherford backscattering. You will investigate the capability to quantify light elements (C, N, O...) in thin films and nanostructures, the signal of which so far was mostly buried underneath the substrate signal. As an example, you may study the oxygen signal of a thin InGaZnO film in a transistor, investigating the absolute accuracy, the increase in sensitivity, and the completeness of the characterization. The source(s) of remaining background signals, if present, will be investigated.

Secondly, the substrate-less analysis will also revolutionize the sensitivity of ion-beam analysis which relies on the detection of particle-induced X-rays (PIXE). An X-ray absorber, typically used to suppress the signal from the substrate, will no longer be needed. The aim will be to explore and investigate the emerging capabilities of PIXE in the absence of a substrate.

It will be essential to investigate the mentioned detection schemes and to com... For more information see https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60308654

Requirements

Research Field

Physics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Additional Information
Benefits

We offer a full-time, 4-year PhD student position, in a dynamic scientific environment, at a top international university and within a world-leading microelectronics research centre.

Eligibility criteria

We are looking for highly driven candidates, motivated to work in an international research team.

Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science or Nanotechnology, with a strong background in solid-state physics.

English language proficiency is also required, as well as good communication skills, both oral and written.

Selection process

For more information please contact Prof. dr. André Vantomme, tel.: +32 16 32 75 14, mail: [email protected] . Johan Meersschaut, tel.: +32 16 22 85 92, mail: [email protected]
You can apply for this job no later than 01/04/2024 via the online application tool

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KU Leuven

Country

Belgium

State/Province

Vlaams Brabant

City

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

Street

Leuven

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://easyapply.jobs/r/YjFPxLY21nNUbY1J9U5i

Contact

State/Province

Leuven

City

Vlaams Brabant

Street

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

STATUS: EXPIRED