Thesis: USP laser radiation in glass: Investigation of the excitation behavior for the SLE process

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros.

The Chair of Laser Technology LLT at RWTH Aachen University, together with the cooperating Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, is Europe's leading center for basic and contract research in the field of laser technology. We offer you the opportunity to write your thesis on the topic of "USP laser radiation in glass: Investigation of the excitation behavior for the SLE process ”.

The Micro- and Nanostructuring Group is primarily concerned with the processing of a wide variety of materials, such as metals and glasses, using so-called ultrashort pulsed (USP) laser radiation, with pulse durations in the femto- to picosecond range. With modern laser processes such as selective laser-induced etching (SLE), high-precision glass components with detailed dimensions of < 1 µm are manufactured for the semiconductor industry, medical technology, the optics industry or quantum technology, for example. A current challenge is the increased demands on the surface quality and shape accuracy of the manufactured components. A current challenge is the increased demands on the surface quality and shape accuracy of the manufactured components. In order to gain a better understanding of the process, in situ investigations of the spatial and temporal excitation behavior are to be carried out. This can then be linked to the subsequent etching behavior.

What you will do

You will perform experiments on laser systems by yourself and analyze the effects of laser-material interaction.
In particular, you will investigate the spatio-temporal excitation in the glass volume caused by the laser pulse
You will identify and quantify the influence of the excitation on the modification and the resulting surface properties
As part of your work, you will contribute to a better understanding of the process in order to control the process in a targeted manner and make it more precise

What you bring to the table

You are studying physics, mechanical engineering, materials science or a comparable degree program
You are interested in basic research with a strong application focus, as well as lasers, the smallest dimensions and the production of 3D components
Understanding existing processes and the will to actively contribute to their improvement makes you stand out
You are willing to further develop your knowledge of Python and other relevant software tools
Some knowledge of laser technology is desirable, but not a requirement.

What you can expect

👥 Team spirit: Creative, interdisciplinary environment with a motivated team, flat hierarchies and a “you” culture.
🖥 Workplace: Excellent machinery and equipment as well as first-class office facilities.
💪 Co-creation: Practice-oriented final thesis in an innovative applied research environment.
🧘‍♀️ Work-life balance: Benefit from flexible working hours on a trust basis.
➕ Advantages: Opportunity to benefit from exciting corporate benefits.
🚐 Travel: Good transport connections, parking spaces directly in front of the institute, an e-charging station and a parking garage.

The position is temporary until completion of the final thesis.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled people are given preference if they are equally qualified.

Interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application and getting to know you!
Did you already know? We give you even more insights on our LinkedIn profile. 🗯️

Questions about this position will be answered by:
Lara Beckmann M.Sc.
+49 241 8906-8049

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

www.ilt.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 79077 Application Deadline: 05/11/2025

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