Project Details
Are you interested in simultaneously unraveling the fundamentals of friction and contributing to the solution of friction-related challenges in computer chip production?
The research field of tribology, devoted to contact formation, friction and wear phenomena down to the atomic scale, is of direct and pressing relevance to the manufacture of semiconductor devices.
Friction-induced stresses and deformations on the scale of only a few atomic spacings are starting to challenge the future of nanolithography technology, limiting the achievable feature size in semiconductor chips.
The very onset of sliding is characterized by pre-sliding or partial slip; slip that takes place locally at a multi-contact interface as the tangential force is increased toward the maximum tangential force the interface can withstand before failing.
As multi-contact interfaces include junctions subjected to a variety of normal stresses the local threshold for the onset of slip also varies; some junctions may already slip while others remain stuck.
In this project, you will perform friction experiments on a recently developed instrument that enables measurement of the very first nanometers of slip induced at multi-contact interfaces subject to normal and tangential loads. The goal of the project is to provide insight into the pre-sliding behavior and its impact on positioning accuracy in nanolithography.
Eligibility
You will need to meet the requirements for an MSc-degree, to ensure eligibility for a Dutch PhD examination. You enjoy performing experiments and analysis to stepwise build a deeper understanding of complex physical mechanisms.
You are good at communicating and explaining the results of your work. Experimental (and modeling) experience in the field of tribology would be advantageous.
Funding
The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of four years, with a starting salary of gross € 2,590 per month and a range of employment benefits.
Application Requirement
Please annex your:
- Resume;
- Motivation on why you want to join the group (max. 1 page).
- It is important to us to know why you want to join our team. This means that we will only consider your application if it entails your motivation letter. on.
Application Deadline
Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and as soon as an excellent match is made, the position will be filled.
