Ort:  Dresden
Datum:  12.02.2025

PhD Thesis: Integration and characterization of ferroelectric memory devices

Die Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.de) betreibt in Deutschland derzeit 76 Institute und Forschungseinrichtungen und ist eine der führenden Organisationen für anwendungsorientierte Forschung. Rund 32 000 Mitarbeitende erarbeiten das jährliche Forschungsvolumen von 3,4 Milliarden Euro.  

Developing innovative technology solutions and bringing them to application - that is our goal at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS. With our expertise in the development of photonic microsystems, related technologies including nanoelectronics and wireless communication solutions, we create - in flexible and interdisciplinary teams - technologies for innovative products in a wide range of markets such as automotive, industrial, aerospace and defense.

 

The development of new components and integration concepts for semiconductor devices with a wide range of applications is an important field of research at the Center Nanoelectronic Technologies of the Fraunhofer IPMS. One research focus is on the development of non-volatile memory technologies based on ferroelectric hafnium oxide. These are used beyond traditional storage applications, including AI applications. Two promising approaches exist for ferroelectric memories. One is the so-called FeFET (1T) concept, in which the ferroelectric is used as the gate dielectric of a transistor, and the other is the FRAM (1T1C) concept, in which the ferroelectric is used as the capacitor dielectric.

 

As a PhD Student, you will simulate and characterize the dependence of process and device parameters on ferroelectric behavior and reliability properties, as well as drive targeted optimizations of the layer stack up to experimental verification and transfer into memory test circuits. Depending on your skills and interests, you can focus either on material and device optimization or on application-oriented memory system integration and statistical characterization. You will also have the opportunity to investigate properties for use in neuromorphic computing architectures. The developments described offer significant potential for innovative approaches that can be translated into publications or invention disclosures. At Fraunhofer IPMS, you can expect a motivated international team, close ties to research projects with industrial clients on current innovative topics, and state-of-the-art equipment as well as a modern 300 mm wafer processing cleanroom.
 

 

What you will do

  • Defining experiments to optimize ferroelectric HfO2 layers, interface, and electrode materials
  • Conducting process experiments based on capacitor and transistor structures
  • Physically characterizing the produced HfO2 layers, e.g., via XRD, XPS, TKD
  • Electrically characterizing the layers concerning polarization hysteresis, leakage current, and capacitance
  • Performing physical simulations on ferroelectric layer stacks and correlating with the measured results
  • Deriving and defining improvements and transferring the gained insights into new memory concepts
  • Effectively summarizing results and engaging in open discussions within the team
  • Communicating with project partners and clients
  • Presenting scientific results at conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

 

What you bring to the table

  • Completed scientific university studies in the field of electrical engineering, physics, material sciences or comparable master's or diploma degree
  • Knowledge in at least one of the following areas is advantageous: electrical/structural characterization, memory technology, ferroelectric materials
  • Analytical and structured way of thinking and working combined with strong communication skills, joy of teamwork and assertiveness
  • Ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new technical-scientific contexts
  • Good written and spoken English as a basis for working in an international team

 

What you can expect

You want to do a doctorate? You want to plan and design your doctorate with foresight and strategy? Within the framework of our doctoral college, you will benefit from a regular exchange with other doctoral students. We support your personal and professional development with individual training measures.

We offer female scientists the opportunity to participate in our TALENTA program: a comprehensive career and development program that includes individually tailored qualification offers. You can find out more here.

 

We are convinced that appreciation and trust are the basis for satisfaction and motivation. We create a work-life balance through flexible working time models and the possibility of mobile working, because creative and innovative ideas can arise anywhere. We also attach great importance to intensive induction training and an open and collegial working environment. Whether sports, music or team events - we offer a wide range of opportunities to pursue our own passions together and strengthen our team spirit.

 

The weekly working time is 39 hours. The position is initially limited to 3 years. A long-term cooperation is desired. A long-term cooperation is desired. 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 persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.

 

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

 

Have we aroused your interest? Then apply online now with your application documents. We look forward to getting to know you! 

 

Contact

 

Ms. Isabell Zwinscher
Human Resources

Telephone: +49 (0)351 8823-1227

 

Mr. Dr. David Lehninger
Specialty Department

Telephone: +49 (0)351 2607-3204

Fraunhofer-Institut für Photonische Mikrosysteme IPMS 

www.ipms.fraunhofer.de 


Requisition Number78343               

 


Stellensegment: Electrical Engineering, Network, Telecom, Telecommunications, Electrical, Engineering, Technology