Internship | Integrated Photonics Ultrasound Transducers

Ultrasound imaging is a well-established technology to obtain 3D information of the interior of a human body. The scope of this internship is to enhance the sensitivity of ultrasound imaging systems, so that information can be obtained at lower noise, higher resolution or from deeper features. Ultrasound sensors based on Photonic Integrated Circuits have been demonstrated to enable 10-100x sensitivity improvement. In this assignment you will explore silicon-nitride, polymer and lithium niobate as new material platforms for photonic ultrasound sensors, under de guidance of experts from TNO (Delft and Den Haag) and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

The assignment starts with getting yourself familiar with the basics of photonic ultrasound sensors and their applications, building on available literature and on previous work by VU and TNO. You will then prepare designs for new sensors that can be fabricated in the technology available at the VU. You will work with physics simulation software (i.e. COMSOL) and photonic modelling and design software (i.e. Photon Design, Lumerical) targeting specific acoustic frequency and bandwidth. You will participate in the fabrication process at the VU under supervision of an expert.

The next step is to assess the optical performance of the fabricated devices at chip-level, and to analyse any discrepancies with expectations. If the performance is adequate, you will assist in integrating the sensor chips into modules with appropriate acoustic and optical interfaces, and establish the opto-acoustic performance in terms of frequency-dependent sensitivity and noise. Characterization will be mainly done at TNO in Delft (optical) and Den Haag (acoustic).

The assignment is highly multi-disciplinary, involving in particular photonics, acoustics and micro-mechanics. We expect from you a broad interest, and the ability to include multiple disciplines in your work. Such a multi-disciplinary environment also requires good social skills, and a team spirit mentality. You will find that your team members are happy to help you where needed. The objective is to cover the entire chain from modelling-design-fabrication-test, and we expect that you have affinity with all these aspects.

Knowledge and skills that will be relevant, and which you should have or are willing to learn:

• Completed bachelor in physics or similar;
• Programming (MATLAB, Python, …);
• Modelling (i.e. COMSOL);
• Basic knowledge of optics, acoustics, micro-mechanics;
• Understanding of basic signal analysis (Fourier transforms, signal-to-noise, …);
• General experimental skills.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo- and hbo-students, 390 euro for mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.