PhD position in large scale excimer laser materials processing in Lausanne

The PhD project focuses on the fundamental study of Excimer laser grey level direct mask projection ablation, limitations in homogeneity and stitching challenges and the development of applications thereof. The main aim of the project is the realization of future high speed – high resolution gravure printing structures. The research work consists of comparisons of different kinds of grey level mask designs and testing these by direct ablation, creation of micron sized and sub-micron surface topologies and their influence on wetting and tribological properties of the final replicated metal structures. Specific topics to be considered are debris management by gas dynamical improvement of inert and or reactive gas guidance, by simulation, real-time observation and realization.

 

We will address these tasks in a collaborative effort with partner research groups at EPF Lausanne, ETH Zurich, Paul-Scherrer-Institute (PSI) and several companies. Funding for the projects is received from the Strategic Focus Area Advanced Manufacturing of the ETH Board (the strategic management body of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology and four research institutes) and is granted for a period of four years. The prospective student will carry out the research in the laboratory’s facilities in Thun and will be enrolled at the doctoral school of EPF Lausanne (http://phd.epfl.ch/) under the supervision of Prof. Patrik Hoffmann.

Your Profile: The candidate should have a Master degree in Micro Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Applied Physics, specialization in Optics or Photonics. A strong background in optics, as well as an interest in laser-based materials processing technologies, fluid dynamics modeling and simulation (computational fluid dynamics, finite elements) or CAD/CAM are important. A strong desire to work at the leading edge of processing and printing technology and a high level of motivation to work in an international, multidisciplinary research team in the field of laser materials processing are essential. The candidate should have a clear interest to work in an application-oriented research environment in close-collaboration with our industrial and academic partners. Good knowledge of English (oral and written) is mandatory. Knowledge of German or French would be an advantage. The full-time position is available immediately or upon agreement.