Job description

For this PhD thesis, you will use a wide range of micro- and nanostructuring processes combined with various thin-film technologies to produce superconducting microstructures suitable for generating high magnetic fields. Initially, the phase transitions in the superconducting structures are to be modified "by design" .

With appropriate simulation tools, such as COMSOL Multiphysics, you will determine material and microstructure properties. In a further step, you are going to manufacture these structures based on micro and nanoscale process steps. In a following step, you characterize these structures in terms of current-carrying capacity, and of the magnetic field strengths that can be achieved with them. Important is also their homogeneity as a function of the ambient temperature. You compare these measurements with the simulation results. After these initial steps you then carry out an iterative optimisation of the structural properties and the required manufacturing process.

In a 2nd project phase, you take the challenge of building a completely microstructured superconducting electromagnet. You will pay particular attention to mechanical stability. You are going to optimize this intrinsically through appropriate micro- and nanostructuring methods.

In collaboration with the Institute for Technical Physics at KIT (ITEP), you use production methods such as pulsed laser deposition (PLD), and chemical solution deposition (CSD), to synthesize the superconducting layers. Depending on the process control, available lithographic and, if necessary, 3D printing processes, will be used by you at the Institute for Microstructure Technology at KIT (IMT) to obtain the desired microstructures.

Personal qualification

We seek an above average candidate with

• a completed university degree (University diploma / Master degree), preferably in Physics or electrical engineering, but suitable candidates from microsystems engineering, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, electronics, or chemistry may also apply
• Knowledge in the field of microsystems technology (micro-manufacturing) and corresponding electrotechnical knowledge
• Knowledge of the use of simulation tools such as COMSOL and Matlab. Prior experience in low-temperature physics and/or superconductivity is advantageous

Starting date

1. September 2022

Contract duration

limited to 3 years

Application up to

June 30, 2022

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