PhD Deformation in thin films

PhD position: Deformation of thin films of NiTi shape memory alloy
Delft, 2628 CD, (Zuid-Holland)

, 40 hours per week Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter


Job description
The PhD student will produce NiTi films in a sputter deposition system at TU Delft. In order to find the conditions for 'good' films, he/she will characterize those films by X-ray diffraction, SEM, TEM and EPMA. In collaboration with researchers at Philips MiPlaza in Eindhoven he/she will transfer NiTi films to a flexible substrate. The real interesting part of the project is the micro-mechanical testing inside the SEM at TU Delft. Here it will become clear whether or not there is a relation between thickness and deformability of the films. The PhD student will perform these tests, analyze the data and propose a model for the observed deformation behavior of thin NiTi films.

Although we have a research plan ready for this project, we are willing to deviate from that plan for a better one. Your research initiatives will be strongly appreciated. We also expect a PhD student to supervise undergraduate students in our group. This research project is part of the FOM-M2I programme Size dependent materials properties, in collaboration with five other Dutch University teams.

Research
NiTi (Nickel Titanium) is a shape memory alloy known for its application in satellite hinges, dental fixtures, and spectacle frames. Only recently NiTi has been prepared as a thin film.

In the present project the suitability of NiTi as metallization for flexible electronics will be investigated. For this application the deformation of NiTi films is of crucial importance. Shape memory metals exhibits pseudo-elasticity. This pseudo-elasticity allows bulk NiTi to be strained reversibly up to 6%.

Other work on thin film metallization for flexible electronics has demonstrated a huge thickness dependence of the 'strain to failure' for gold films. Thin gold films can be stretched far more than thick films, due to the coupling to the flexible substrate.

Requirements
University Graduate
The successful candidate is an experimental scientist who holds a masters degree in physics or materials science, preferably with experience in thin films or advanced analytical techniques. The successful candidate interacts easily with scientists from various disciplines and institutes.

Organization
Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter
Surfaces & Interfaces group (S&I) is part of 'Materials Science and Engineering' (MSE) at TU Delft. The mission of 'Materials Science and Engineering' is to provide novel materials solutions to societal demands. The Surfaces & Interfaces group strives to do so by performing world-class research on coating properties and interactions of the environment with solid surfaces. Examples of present projects are: 'Thermal barriers', 'Corrosion protection' and 'Hard coatings'.

Conditions of employment
Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2500 - 3000

Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 2569
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 4 years
Maximum hours per week: 40

Additional conditions of employment:
When fulfilling a PhD position at the FOM foundation, you will get the status of junior scientist.
You will have an employee status and can participate in all the employee benefits FOM offers. You will get a contract for 4 years. Your salary will be up to a maximum of 2,569 euro gross per month.
You are supposed to have a thesis finished at the end of your four year term with FOM.
A training programme is part of the agreement. You and your supervisor will make up a plan for the additional education and supervising that you specifically need. This plan also defines which teaching activities you will be responsible (up to a maximum of 10% of your time). The conditions of employment of the FOM-foundation are laid down in the Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres (CAO-Onderzoekinstellingen), more exclusive information is available at this website under Personeelsinformatie (in Dutch) or under Personnel (in English).

Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:

Prof.dr. G.C.A.M. Janssen
Telephone number: +31 (0)15 278
E-mail address: g.c.a.m.janssen@tudelft.nl

Application
You can apply for this job before 28-05-2009 by sending your application to:

Delft University of Technology
Mekelweg 2
2628 CD Delft
The Netherlands
E-mail address: application-3mE@tudelft.nl

Please quote vacancy # 3ME08.48

Please send your:
- Resume;
- Motivation on why you want to join the group (max. 1 page).

Applications without this motivation will not be taken into account. However, with this motivation your application will receive our full attention.

When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number AT85050.

Posted in: Netherland