PhD-researcher (new) metamaterials in PCB technology

The Electrical Engineering department of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) at the University of Twente (UT) is one of the three academic institutions in Electrical Engineering in the Netherlands. The Telecommunication Engineering and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) research group is embedded in the Electrical Engineering department.

The research is part of the multidisciplinary research institute Centre for Telematics and Information Technology (www.ctit.utwente.nl).

The Telecommunication Engineering and EMC research group of EEMCS/CTIT collaborate with the Technical University Delft in the Embedded Metamaterials/Power Sandwiches project. In this project, we investigate a new approach to construct electronic systems that enables integration of power semiconductors, passive components, EMI filters and countermeasures in a "system in a package" generation of components. The Embedded Metamaterials/Power Sandwich project follows a new design approach and brings together a number of technologies:

- A new SMT-based manufacturing that lends itself for automated assembly.

- Embedded EMI filters and countermeasures (such as non-linear

resistors) in the planar substrates, using a new type of materials:

metamaterials.

- A new family of components that can be sandwiched between planar substrates, such as PCBs.

Two PhD researchers will collaborate. One PhD student will be supervised by Prof. J.A. Ferreira of the Delft University of Technology, the second PhD student will be supervised by Prof. F. Leferink and will do research on embedded EMI countermeasures using metamaterials.

The specific goals of UTwente are:

- Identify new (meta) materials that are suitable for a 3D layer-by-layer construction;

- Investigate the implementation of these materials to counteract EMI, higher reliability and lower cost.

Common goals are:

- Design and optimization from a system integration point of view paying attention to electrical, EMI and thermal performance.

- To get the industry involved in a team effort to come to a better technology platform for power electronics.

This research may result in a breakthrough in conventional way of development and production of electronic circuits. The results should become available within many possible applications. Therefore many industrial entities, small and large, from different areas, are supporting this research. These industrial entities are active in mass consumer production, automotive, high-end professional, as well as production assembly lines.

We are currently looking for a PhD researcher (4 years) who will investigate the application of (new) metamaterials in PCB technology.

You have completed a relevant university degree (MSc level) or are about to graduate in an area that is relevant to our research. You like working in a team and have intellectual curiosity and knowledge of one or more of the described topics. Your main responsibility will be to carry out research, but you will be given the opportunity to acquire some teaching experience.

We offer our PhD researchers the opportunity to broaden their knowledge by joining international exchange programs, by participating in national and international conferences and workshops, and by visiting other research institutes and universities worldwide.

The monthly salary of a PhD researcher, in accordance with the Dutch universities collective labour agreement, ranges from EURO 2042,- gross in the first year to EURO 2612,- gross in the fourth year.

Information and application

More information can be obtained from prof.dr. Frank Leferink (frank.leferink@utwente.nl). The candidates are invited to send their application together with curriculum vitae, marks transcripts, and the names and addresses of two referees by email to the address before September 30, 2009.