Imaging nanoscale material properties with ultrafast laser-induced photoacoustics

Job description

While optical microscopy is an important diagnostic tool in science and technology, not all materials are transparent for light. Ultrafast-laser-induced ultrasound provides a way of ‘looking’ inside such opaque media. In this approach, absorption of a femtosecond-duration laser pulse at the surface of an object leads to the generation of acoustic phonons, high-frequency sound pulses that can propagate into the object. By optically detecting the reflected waves that return to the surface, the 3D structure of non-transparent objects can be reconstructed with sub-micrometer resolution.

As a postdoc, you will develop this photoacoustic imaging technology further, and explore its application potential in fields such as biological imaging and semiconductor metrology. Working together with PhD and undergraduate students, you will be leading further technology development of the modulated asynchronous optical sampling system used to perform the measurements. The project objective is to demonstrate novel applications of photoacoustic imaging and metrology, and to advance our capabilities to visualize 3D nanostructures in various fields of science.

Requirements

• Experience with ultrafast lasers, electronic synchronization systems, photoacoustics, optical detection systems and imaging are required.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written) in English are required
• Excellent analytical skills and critical thinking are expected
• Affinity with semiconductor metrology is considered advantageous

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 3 years.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Stefan Witte, via S.M.Witte@tudelft.nl .

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 15 Jan 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Stefan Witte.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines).
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.