Internship | Photo acoustics with IPUT sensing technology

Photo acoustics is a new medical imaging modality. A pulse laser will illuminate tissue under investigation with a specific wavelength. This wavelength is absorbed by specific molecules in the tissue, making this technology suitable for tissue characterization. The absorbed optical energy will result in heating of the tissue locally and thermal expansion will occur. This thermal expansion will create a weak ultrasound pulse that can be detected and imaged with an ultrasound receiver. Since current receivers are quite insensitive, a high-power pulsed laser is needed to detect the ultrasound pulses accurately. TNO is developing IPUT (Integrated Photonic Ultrasound Transducer - a very sensitive ultrasound sensor) that should be able to detect the photo acoustic signals better. The first sensors are available, and measurements needs to be conducted to compare the experimental results statistically and to compare the results with numerical models.

The main goal is to analyse the variations of multiple sensors with respect to sensitivity, center frequency and bandwidth of a phantom in a water tank that is illuminated with a pulsed laser. You will create a measurement plan, including a statistical analysis on then number of measurements required for proper validation of the measurements. Safety issues will be discussed with the laser safety officer (LSO) of TNO so that the measurements can be performed absolutely safe.

The measurements will be conducted. Initially together with an optical and an ultrasound expert, but in a later stage you will perform the measurements autonomously.
The data will be analysed with respect to variations in the manufacturing process. The data will be compared to numerical simulations. These simulations will be performed by the ultrasound expert and together with the expert you will check if the variation can be explained by the manufacturing process and how the sensor can be improved.
The work will be documented in a compact thesis (according to the Hogeschool Rotterdam) and with a presentation to the team.

• The student should be pragmatic and focused on making things work;
• Next to technical expertise we value communication skills and a results-driven attitude.

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-, hbo- and 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, equity 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:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) 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.