Job description

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a characterization/investigation method that provides exquisite information about the chemical composition of a sample. NMR is closely related to another method that is more widely known due to the fact that it is broadly used in hospitals for clinical investigation in humans – magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Both methods share the same physical principles and similar challenges.

One of these challenges (among many others being addressed in our group) is the fact that NMR is using very expensive equipment – large superconducting magnets delivering extremely uniform high magnetic fields (7T, 11.7T and 15T at IMT). At the same time, the NMR studies are usually performed one sample at a time, this meaning that the measurement time on the expensive instrument is relatively poorly used.

The main question that you will be trying to answer in the framework of this Master thesis is: Can we build a device that will enable the possibility of using the NMR magnet for multiple samples simultaneously?

This is a task which comes with many additional challenges related to the construction of the device, as well as to the electrical and mechanical engineering issues that arise: for example space constraints inside the bore of the magnet or cross-talk between the detector coils which will come in close proximity.

While some of these challenges are presently being addressed in parallel projects for liquid-state NMR, the present Master thesis will specifically tackle the situation of parallel Magic Angle Spinning NMR (MAS-NMR). MAS NMR is a particular NMR technique meant for solid state samples, where the sample is being spun at ultra-high speeds (records around 120 kHz!)

Are you passionate about electrical engineering? Are you ready to challenge yourself to build the world’s first MAS NMR probe-head capable of investigating multiple samples at the same time? If the answer is “yes”, we are looking for you!

The specific tasks within the project will be: (i) simulation and design decision on multiple NMR detector coils to be integrated with the spinning samples; (ii) fabrication of the chosen design; (iii) electrical characterization and experimental testing. During the Master thesis, you will get hands-on experience on microsystems design, cleanroom fabrication, having the opportunity to get exposure to a wide range of instruments and techniques.

You will be integrated in the larger team of the Spin & Photon Applications (SPA-) Laboratory. Within this project, you will use the infrastructure existent at the Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT), i.e., microfabrication facilities, RF testing equipment, and state of the art 11.7T NMR scanner. This is a complete project, offering the possibility to fabricate and test the devices, giving you the opportunity to co-author conference and/or journal publications..

Starting date: by appointment

Contract duration: 6-9 months

Qualification:

• good academic record (marks); curious about various aspects of science;
• enthusiastic to work in a multidisciplinary environment;
• independent thinker and team player;
• in particular: strong interest in electrical engineering and microsystems technologies;
• knowledge in RF design, microsystems/microfabrication is desirable.

Dr. Vlad Badilita
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Institute of Microstructure Technology
P.O. Box 3640
76021 Karlsruhe

phone: +49 721 608-29315
e-mail: vlad badilita ∂does-not-exist.kit edu