Imaging nanoscale material properties with ultrafast laser-induced photoacoustics

While optical microscopy is an important diagnostic tool in science and technology, not all materials are transparent for light. Ultrafast-laser-induced ultrasound provides a way of 'looking' inside such opaque media. In this approach, absorption of a femtosecond-duration laser pulse at the surface of an object leads to the generation of acoustic phonons, high-frequency sound pulses that can propagate into the object. By optically detecting the reflected waves that return to the surface, the 3D structure of non-transparent objects can be reconstructed with sub-micrometer resolution.

As a postdoc, you will develop this photoacoustic imaging technology further, and explore its application potential in fields such as biological imaging and semiconductor metrology. Working together with PhD and undergraduate students, you will be leading further technology development of the modulated asynchronous optical sampling system used to perform the measurements. The project objective is to demonstrate novel applications of photoacoustic imaging and metrology, and to advance our capabilities to visualize 3D nanostructures in various fields of science.

• Experience with ultrafast lasers, electronic synchronization systems, photoacoustics, optical detection systems and imaging are required.
• Good communication skills (verbal and written) in English are required.
• Excellent analytical skills and critical thinking are expected.
• Affinity with semiconductor metrology is considered advantageous.

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!

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.

• Duration of contract is 3 years.

• CV
• Motivational letter

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.