Postdoc Photoacoustic Metrology

Photoacoustic metrology

Job description

In semiconductor manufacturing, optical metrology is a standard method to determine the exact position of printed features on a wafer (overlay), as well as the position of a wafer inside a lithography scanner (alignment). However, as modern integrated circuits often contain optically opaque materials, such optical metrology methods become challenging to use. A possible approach to metrology in structures containing such opaque layers is ultrafast photoacoustics, where a first laser pulse interacts with an opaque medium in such a way that it launches an acoustic pulse that travels into the structure. A second time?'delayed laser pulse can then be used to detect any acoustic reflections, which can carry the required information about alignment and overlay.

As a postdoc, your research will be aimed at further developing ultrafast photoacoustics for overlay metrology. You will perform simulations and experiments to explore the feasibility of the approach on basic stack configurations, and will study the influence of increased complexity in the stack layout.

Job requirements

• Experience with ultrafast photoacoustics experiments is required.
• Experience with simulations of photoacoustic processes (generation, propagation and detection) is considered essential.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written) in English are required.
• Excellent analytical skills and critical thinking are expected.

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.

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

Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 4 November 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.