Post-doc research position on the interaction mechanisms of plasma with thin films

The interaction of hydrogen plasma with surfaces and thin films is rich in technological applications ranging from materials processing to extreme ultraviolet lithography and plasma catalysis. Despite its technological importance, mechanistic insight into the underlying processes of hydrogen uptake and diffusion in materials is largely lacking, partly due to limited sensitivity of many methods towards hydrogen. In this project, you will develop understanding of hydrogen uptake and transport under realistic test conditions using advanced in-situ monitoring methods. This project will involve collaboration with the Technical University Delft to study hydrogen uptake in materials with in-situ neutron reflectometry.

Your goal is to improve the understanding how plasma, radicals and ions interact with thin-film coatings, with the ultimate aim to predict and improve the lifetime of such coatings. You will design and prepare thin film model systems for measuring hydrogen uptake in mat...