Industrial Ph.D. fellowship – on computer simulation of process instabilities in Float-Zone crystal growth

Industrial Ph.D. fellowship – on computer simulation of process instabilities in Float-Zone crystal growth

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Location: Institute of Crystal Growth (Berlin) - 75% of the time & Topsil GlobalWafers A/S (Frederikssund) - remaining time.

Are you interested in computational modeling involving thermal physics, fluid dynamics, electromagnetics, and mechanics? This could be your chance to engage in applied research with Topsil GlobalWafers, a leading manufacturer of silicon wafers, and the Institute of Crystal Growth!

About the Job

The Ph.D. project aims to understand process instabilities and transitional effects during Float-Zone (FZ) crystal growth of silicon. This will be achieved through computer simulations, primarily using the Finite-Element Method. The theoretical work will be validated against experimental crystal fabrication and decades of data.

The FZ method involves complex processes such as induction heating, mechanical movements, gas dynamics, and flow dynamics of molten silicon. It produces ultra-pure silicon crystals for high-power electronic components. The focus will be on understanding instabilities like unstable growth-ridge formation, spiral growth, thermal stress asymmetries, and melt flow instabilities, leading to improved silicon production processes.

Organization of the Ph.D. Project

This 4-year industrial Ph.D. project is a collaboration between Topsil GlobalWafers A/S in Frederikssund, Denmark, and the Institute of Crystal Growth (IKZ) in Berlin, Germany. You will be formally employed by Topsil GlobalWafers A/S with a competitive Danish Ph.D. salary.

The R&D team at Topsil, consisting of 10 experts in FZ silicon technology, will supervise the project. You will spend 75% of your time at IKZ in Berlin, benefiting from their expertise in theoretical and experimental crystal growth research. IKZ will provide academic supervisors and access to FZ silicon production facilities for research purposes. The Ph.D. degree will be awarded by the Technical University of Berlin, as your supervisor at IKZ is affiliated with TU Berlin.

You will spend three periods of 3-6 months in Frederikssund during the 4-year project, with the remainder of the time in Berlin.

About You

We are looking for candidates with a master’s degree in engineering or physics, demonstrating strong computational modeling skills and a solid understanding of theoretical physics.

Interested?

We accept applications on a rolling basis. Please send your application, resume, and Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts as soon as possible. For more information, contact Thomas Möller Söndergaard, Simulation Specialist, at tms@gw-topsil.com or +45 2519 0463.

About Institute of Crystal Growth

The Institute of Crystal Growth (https://www.ikz-berlin.de/en/) is Europe's only research institute specializing in crystal growth, with expertise in both experimental and theoretical research.

About Topsil GlobalWafers

Topsil is a leading supplier of ultrapure silicon to the global semiconductor industry, collaborating internationally with universities and private organizations on R&D. Topsil’s silicon is used in electric cars, high-speed trains, wind turbines, and other green technologies, as well as specialized applications in the pharmaceutical and detector industries.

Topsil adheres to the IAFT 16949:2016 Automotive Quality Standard and is ISO certified in environment, energy, and workplace safety. With over 200 employees in Frederikssund, Topsil operates 24/7, fostering a diverse and collaborative work environment with a focus on work-life balance.

Learn more about Topsil at www.topsil.com or LinkedIn-Topsil.

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