Naar de inhoud gaan

Engineering GeSn Thin Films for Efficient MWIR Photodetectors

Stage 25 tot 36 maanden

Leuven (Belgium)

Gepubliceerd op 20 oktober 2026

  • Contract

    Stage 25 tot 36 maanden

  • Locatie

    Leuven (Belgium)

  • Startdatum

    Zo snel mogelijk

  • Loon

    Informatie niet verstrekt

  • Thuiswerken

    Niet gespecificeerd

In recent years, infrared imaging technologies have expanded rapidlyacross applications such as environmental monitoring, thermal imaging,industrial inspection, and security. In particular, the mid-wave infrared(MWIR) spectral range is highly relevant for these applications due to itssensitivity to thermal emissions and molecular signatures. Today'sstate-of-the-art MWIR detectors are typically based on III-V semiconductorssuch as InSb or HgCdTe, which offer excellent performance but are expensive andchallenging to integrate with standard CMOS technology.

As a group-IV material system, germanium-tin (GeSn) has emerged as apromising alternative for infrared photonics. By incorporating tin intogermanium, the bandgap can be engineered and extended into the MWIR range whilemaintaining compatibility with silicon-based fabrication platforms. Thisenables the development of cost-effective, scalable, and CMOS-compatiblephotodetectors. However, challenges remain in material growth, defect control,and device optimization to achieve high-performance MWIR detection.

The goal of this internship/master's thesis project is to explore anddevelop GeSn-based thin-film absorbers for MWIR photodetection. The projectwill focus on the fabrication and characterization of GeSn layers with tailoredcompositions and thicknesses to achieve the desired spectral response. Thecandidate will work on device integration, including photodetector fabricationand performance evaluation.

After an initial training period, the selected candidate will workindependently in a cleanroom and laboratory environment. The student will gainhands-on experience in semiconductor processing, as well as electrical andoptical characterization techniques. Experimental feedback will be used toiteratively optimize material quality and device performance. The candidatewill also be exposed to a broad range of structural and compositional analysismethods.

The work will be conducted within an international research team,providing continuous support and guidance. The ideal candidate is highlymotivated, enjoys hands-on experimental work, and has strong problem-solvingand data analysis skills. Given the international working environment, a goodcommand of English is required.

For more information or application, pleasecontactIsabelPintor (< e-mail verwijderd om veiligheidsredenen >)

Type of internship: Master internship

Duration: 6-12 months

Required educational background: Materials Engineering, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering, Chemistry/Chemical Engineering

University promotor: Jan Genoe (KU Leuven)

Supervising scientist(s): For further information or for application, please contact Isabel Pintor Monroy (< e-mail verwijderd om veiligheidsredenen >)

The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-204. Mention this reference code in your application.

Imec allowance will be provided for students studying at a non-Belgian university.

Applications should include the following information:
  • resume
  • motivation
  • current study

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Uiterste sollicitatiedatum

Zolang de vacature online is

Opleidingsniveau

Master-niveau of gelijkwaardig

Jobdomeinen

Technologie

Meer informatie over het bedrijf

imec

Embracing a better life.

Our future starts with you
How would you describe imec in just one word? We asked our employees, see what imec means to the people behind the chips.
Spearheading semiconductor R&D with the world's most advanced pilot line
Imec Leuven (headquarters) from the sky. Soon this view will change, as new buildings will be added in the near future.
Imec's headquarters in Leuven: the imec tower and one of our cleanrooms. But there's lots of imec buildings hiding behind it!
Into imec's cleanroom! Wafers are being processed 24/7.
From chips to atoms: a tour inside imec's material and components analysis labs.
Diversity as fuel for innovation.
We're defining the future for a better life through technology.