Master's thesis (m/f/x) on optical coatings for microsystems

Dlr; Ulm; Vor Ort; EUR 13.000 - 27.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

DLR Ulm invites applications for a Master’s thesis (m/f/x) on optical coatings for microsystems. The role involves fabricating coating systems for vacuum cells, characterising surfaces with reflectometry/AFM, and numerically simulating optical behaviour (FEM).

You will document findings in your Master’s thesis and present to the team. Seeking students in Master programs in physics, materials science, or related engineering fields, with lab experience and basic optics/microtechnology knowledge.

Qualifikationen

• Student in Master degree program in the field of natural sciences or engineering.
• Enthusiasm for and experience in practical laboratory work.
• Basic knowledge of optics and microtechnology.
• Willingness to learn numerical simulation methods (FEM).
• Some experience with simulation tools (COMSOL, ANSYS, Python) is an advantage.
• Basic programming experience (Python or MATLAB) for data analysis and simulation control.

Aufgaben

• Fabricate optical coating systems to improve the optical properties of vacuum cells using PVD/CVD.
• Characterise surface and optical properties of the coatings using reflectometry and AFM.
• Simulate optical behaviour of coating systems numerically (FEM) and derive design parameters.
• Document results in Master’s thesis and present to the research group.

Kenntnisse

Lab work experience

Optics basics

Microtechnology basics

Python

MATLAB

FEM simulations

COMSOL

ANSYS

Ausbildung

Master's degree (ongoing) in Physics / Materials Science / Microsystems Engineering / Nanotechnology

Tools

COMSOL

ANSYS

Jobbeschreibung

Master's thesis (m/f/x) on optical coatings for microsystems Language Profile

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Please find our joint appointments and professorships on our website: Joint appointments / Professorships

Job Description Req ID: 6089 Place of work: Ulm Starting date: 01.10.2026 Career level: Student research project and final thesis, Student employment Type of employment: Part time, Full-time Duration of contract: up to 6 month

Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund).

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V.; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our12,000employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge?Then this is your place!

At the DLR Institute of Quantum Technologies in Ulm, we develop precision instruments for space applications based on quantum technologies and bring them to prototype maturity together with industry. In addition, we are driving forward the transfer to aeronautics, digitalisation, energy, security and transport. We have an interdisciplinary approach: Theoretical basic research and experimental tests meet engineering implementation.

What to expect

The department Integration of Micro- and Nanosystems develops technologies for the implementation and miniaturization of quantum systems. Particular attention is paid to the challenging requirements in aerospace applications.

Join our early-career research group specialising in chip-based vacuum technology – a key technology for quantum computers, quantum communication and precision measurement systems. Miniaturisation is opening up new fields of application, particularly in space. Our focus is on developing reliable and durable ultra-high vacuum cells. If you enjoy working at the interface between microtechnology, materials science and quantum technology, and want to help shaping innovative solutions to the challenges of miniaturisation, then you’ve come to the right place.

Your tasks

• You will fabricate optical coating systems to improve the optical properties of vacuum cells using physical or chemical vapour deposition (PVD/CVD).
• You will characterise the surface and optical properties of the fabricated coatings using tools such as reflectometry and atomic force microscopy.
• You will simulate the optical behaviour of the coating systems numerically (FEM) and derive design parameters for their manufacture from these simulations.
• You will document your results in your Master’s thesis and present them to the research group.

Your profile

• Student in Master degree program in the field of natural sciences (e.g. Physics, Materials Science) or engineering (e.g. Applied Physics, Microsystems Engineering, Nanotechnology) or other relevant degree programmes.
• Enthusiasm for and experience in practical laboratory work
• Basic knowledge of optics
• Basic knowledge of microtechnology
• Willingness to learn numerical simulation methods (FEM); some experience with simulation tools (COMSOL, ANSYS, Python) would be an advantage
• Basic programming experience (Python or MATLAB) for data analysis and simulation control

Unfortunately, it is not possible to offer remuneration for the completion of the Master’s thesis. There may be an opportunity to work as a student assistant in a related project. Remuneration is up to the German TVöD E05 depending on qualifications and assigned tasks

We offer

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 6089) please contact:

Dr. Verena Velthaus
Tel.: [phone]