Hybrid Master Thesis: Development of novel interconnect materials (Dresden, DE, 01109) chez Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS

Developing innovative technology solutions and bringing them to application - that is our goal at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS. With our expertise in the development of photonic microsystems, related technologies including nanoelectronics and wireless communication solutions, we create - in flexible and interdisciplinary teams - technologies for innovative products in a wide range of markets such as automotive, industrial and aerospace.

As microchip miniaturization continues to advance, the currently used interconnect metal copper is approaching the limits of its viability. This development necessitates exploring new materials for future technology nodes. Ruthenium has emerged as a promising candidate due to its superior resistance to electromigration and lower electrical resistivity at nanoscale dimensions compared to copper. However, the extraction and refinement of ruthenium involves significant energy consumption, raising environmental concerns. This master’s thesis aims to investigate alternative interconnect materials with a reduced environmental footprint. Ab initio studies suggest that several binary metal alloys may offer the potential to replace copper in next-generation semiconductor technologies.

What you will do

• Deposition experiments of binary metal alloys: Plan and conduct deposition experiments of binary metal alloys by sputtering (PVD) on a 300 mm wafer cleanroom tool, focusing on alloy performance metrics.
• Analysis of thin films: Analyze the metal alloy thin films to extract composition (XPS), morphology (XRD, SEM), and resistivity (4pp), ensuring all parameters align with the research requirements.
• Optimization of thin film structure: Optimize the thin film structure by adjusting deposition parameters, aiming for enhanced performance characteristics.

What you bring to the table

• Academic Background: You hold a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Material Science, Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Physics, Biology, or a related field.
• Technical Skills: You are proficient in Microsoft Office and can apply these skills confidently to create documents and presentations.
• Presentation and Data Visualization Skills: You are capable of clearly presenting scientific results and visualizing data effectively.
• Preferred Experience: Ideally, you have gained practical experience in thin film deposition techniques (PVD, CVD, etc.) or thin film analysis (e.g. XPS, XRD, sheet resistance measurements).
• Motivation and Work Ethic: You are highly motivated, able to work independently, and demonstrate structured and detail-oriented working methods.
• Language Skills: You have very good English (C1) and/or German (C1) conversational skills in both speech and writing, enabling effective communication and technical documentation.

What you can expect

We offer you an exciting topic and individual support in the preparation of your thesis by experienced employees. A motivated and dynamic team awaits you in a very well equipped, research and development environment. In addition, we offer you connecting points within the framework of your studies or your career entry, e.g. a following PhD, the beginning of your scientific career as a junior scientist at Fraunhofer IPMS or becoming an engineer. We support you in this process!

The scientific work will be carried out in the business unit Next Generation Computing at Fraunhofer IPMS in Dresden. The examination takes place via affiliation with a German university of applied sciences and is governed by the respective state university law.

The weekly working time is to be agreed individually. The position is temporary for the time of the scientific work. The duration is flexible according to agreement and possible study guidelines. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

Contact

Mr. Eric Graebe
Human Resources
Phone: +49 (0)351 8823 1505

Mrs. Bettina Wehring
Specialty Department
Phone: +49 (0)351 2607 3035

Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS 

www.ipms.fraunhofer.de 

Requisition Number: 80823