Job description
In this project we want to develop a technology for the deposition of graphene on quartz wafers, while the state of the art is deposition on a small piece of copper foil. The deposition on wafers is essential for applications such as the mass production of graphene-based sensors and high-speed electronics.
The method by which we grow graphene is chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In CVD a thin film is grown from feed gasses at high temperature in a vacuum system. We have available two operational CVD systems and foresee to build a third one in the course of the present project. Graphene films are grown by CVD on a metal catalyst from a gaseous precursor, e.g. methane or acetylene at temperatures up to 1000°C. In the present project we want to unravel the kinetics of the nucleation- and growth- process of the graphene films. By varying the deposition temperature and the partial pressures of the feed gasses and observing the growth rate of the 2D graphene crystals we intend to get a better understanding of and control over the growth of graphene films. Also part of the present project is the engineering of thin metal films that are stable on quartz wafers at temperatures up to 1000°C. Finally, a highly speculative idea is to control the nucleation at specific spots. Not part of the present project is the transfer of the grown graphene from the quartz wafer to a device wafer, although we follow the developments there with a keen eye. The final goal of the present project is wafer scale graphene with a high and reproducible electron mobility and good mechanical integrity.
In order to bring graphene from lab to fab, TU Delft cooperates with NXP, ASMI and Hauzer in this project funded by STW, the Dutch organization for technical sciences.
The method by which we grow graphene is chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In CVD a thin film is grown from feed gasses at high temperature in a vacuum system. We have available two operational CVD systems and foresee to build a third one in the course of the present project. Graphene films are grown by CVD on a metal catalyst from a gaseous precursor, e.g. methane or acetylene at temperatures up to 1000°C. In the present project we want to unravel the kinetics of the nucleation- and growth- process of the graphene films. By varying the deposition temperature and the partial pressures of the feed gasses and observing the growth rate of the 2D graphene crystals we intend to get a better understanding of and control over the growth of graphene films. Also part of the present project is the engineering of thin metal films that are stable on quartz wafers at temperatures up to 1000°C. Finally, a highly speculative idea is to control the nucleation at specific spots. Not part of the present project is the transfer of the grown graphene from the quartz wafer to a device wafer, although we follow the developments there with a keen eye. The final goal of the present project is wafer scale graphene with a high and reproducible electron mobility and good mechanical integrity.
In order to bring graphene from lab to fab, TU Delft cooperates with NXP, ASMI and Hauzer in this project funded by STW, the Dutch organization for technical sciences.
Requirements
For this research project we intend to hire a young researcher who has recently finished or is about to finish his/her master study in physics, chemistry or materials science with good grades for fundamental courses like mathematics, thermodynamics, solid state physics and quantum mechanics. We hope to attract an experimentalist with an inclination towards surface science, surface analysis, thin films, and vacuum technique.
Conditions of employment
TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week and the option of assembling a customised compensation and benefits package (the ‘IKA’). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.phd.tudelft.nl for more information.If you are interested in this position, please send an e-mail with your application letter, a detailed and up to date CV, and bachelor’s plus master’s grade lists to Mrs. Bianca van Someren, HR advisor,application-3ME@tudelft.nl.
When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number 3ME14-50. We will process the applications as they come in, until a suitable candidate has been selected.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.phd.tudelft.nl for more information.If you are interested in this position, please send an e-mail with your application letter, a detailed and up to date CV, and bachelor’s plus master’s grade lists to Mrs. Bianca van Someren, HR advisor,application-3ME@tudelft.nl.
When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number 3ME14-50. We will process the applications as they come in, until a suitable candidate has been selected.
Contract type: Temporary, 4 years
Organisation
Delft University of Technology
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.
Department
Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
The Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering (PME) focuses on developing knowledge and methods for small, innovative, high-precision devices and systems, such as precision equipment and scientific instrumentation for the high-tech industry. Increasing miniaturization and function density, and improving precision, speed and reliability are the key topics in our work. Our approach is multidisciplinary, fundamental and inspired by industry needs. PME is a relatively small department with a collaborative working environment and excellent research facilities.
The vacant position is in the Micro- and Nanoengineering (MNE) research group. This group focuses on the application of knowledge from nano science in the development of innovative technologies.
The vacant position is in the Micro- and Nanoengineering (MNE) research group. This group focuses on the application of knowledge from nano science in the development of innovative technologies.
Additional information