Ultrasonic phased array for high frequencies
Leuven | More than two weeks ago
Push acoustic MEMs to higher frequencies.
Microelectronics is on the verge of disappearing as we are fully entering the nanoelectronics era. This trend sees also the end of, or at least a departure from, Moore’s law in the sense that the typical 2D scaling of transistor technologies is slowing down. Novel approaches however emerge to extend a comparable scaling paradigm, like the introduction of 3D structures or the definitions of complex feature devices instead of general-purpose transistors (e.g., FINFETS, MRAMs...).
Modern nanoelectronics requires the development of novel 3D imaging techniques taking advantage of alternative transparency windows to peer through otherwise-reflecting or absorptive layers. In that perspective, extending imaging from the visible to the near infrared is tempting but comes with the disadvantage of the use of longer wavelengths and, by consequence, a loss of resolution.
An alternative strategy is required that relies on another type of wave, itself characteristic of another physical principle. Ultra- or hyper-sound imaging, based on the use of a rich variety of acoustic waves, e.g. shear or longitudinal, offers splendid opportunities. On the one hand, the sound velocity is typically 5 orders of magnitude smaller than the speed of light so that one can image using acoustic submicrometric waves at GHz range, typical of mm-wave RaDARs nowadays widely used. On the other hand, as acoustic (hypersound) waves are supported by and propagate through solids and fluids, they address totally different transparency windows than electromagnetic waves, and are even compatible with immersion lithography.The target of this Master thesis is to develop a novel generation of these systems, using ultrasound transducers. This is a topic for students interested in working with ultrasound MEMs and Multiphysics simulations. High creativity is much appreciated. The work is estimated to be: 50% simulations/calculations (COMSOL and MATLAB), 50% system design.
Type of project: Thesis, Combination of internship and thesis
Duration: 6-9 months
Required degree: Master of Engineering Technology, Master of Science, Master of Engineering Science
Required background: Electromechanical engineering, Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact: Alberto Pagotto (Alberto.Pagotto@imec.be) and Veronique Rochus (Veronique.Rochus@imec.be)