A fully-funded 4-year PhD position is available within a collaboration between KU Leuven (prof. Joris Everaerts & prof. Claudia Fleischmann) and imec, which is a world-leading research & development organization active in the fields of nanoelectronics and digital technologies. The goal of this PhD is to understand the mechanisms that lead to failure of multilayered samples during Atom Probe Tomography (APT), which is a state-of-the-art 3-dimensional materials characterization technique. For APT, samples are prepared into a mm long needle with an endpoint radius of less than 50 nm. During APT data acquisition, this needle is being held at cryogenic temperatures while being exposed to a standing voltage of ~10 kV coupled with ultra-short (ns) laser pulses at ~200kHz frequency. These conditions induce cyclic mechanical and thermal stresses, which in some material systems lead to premature fracture of the needle before any data can be recorded. Fracture mechanisms will be studied via APT experiments and advanced nanomechanical testing, combined with simulations in order to identify the root causes of failure in different material systems. Therefore, this PhD position offers a unique opportunity to perform cutting edge research at one of the most innovative research organizations in Belgium. Applicants with a background in materials or mechanical engineering or solid state physics are highly encouraged to apply.
Application deadline: April 15th.
Starting date : September 2025
Duration : 4 years
Lab : Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven
Contact person : Prof. Joris Everaerts, joris.everaerts@kuleuven.be
More details here !