Micro-hotplate enabled in-situ time-resolved study in nanotechnology

Driven by the application of wide-bandgap semiconductors, such as SiC and GaN, in power electronics, the packaging is facing challenges due to the harsh operating environments. To date, metallic nanoparticle sintering is taking a vital part in power electronics packaging for the die-attach layers. However, the fundamental knowledge on how temperature affects the sintering process is still lacking. The commercial scanning electron microscope (SEM) integrated heating platform is not possible to apply a fast heat pulse due to the large area. A micro-hotplate (MHP) is therefore capable to generate sequences of heat pulses to ‘freeze’ the sintering process as shown in the figure below. Therefore, according to the various detectors equipped in SEM, the time-resolved study can tell the evolution of many properties, i.e. resistance, microstructure, orientation, etc.

As an advantage, ECTM owns a high-resolution XL30 SEM with electrical feedthrough. Besides, we own a spark ablation tool to locally print nanoparticles with flexible materials selection. Most importantly, ECTM holds solid knowledge and facilities on MEMS design, fabrication and characterization.

This project aims to develop a stable MHP platform for time-resolved studies on nanoparticle sintering. Building onto the group’s knowledge, the project will help develop a deeper understanding of the mechanism of nanoparticle sintering and the correlation between different properties.

Assignment

This hands-on project will include:

• An extensive review of the related state-of-the-art
• Design and fabrication of MHPs
• Device characterization, i.e. temperature coefficient of resistance
• Time-resolved study on nanoparticles sintering
• Comprehensive reporting of the full experimental work

Requirements

You are an ambitious master student looking for hands-on experience and a multidisciplinary thesis project on MEMS design and microfabrication. You have a microelectronics, nanotechnology or physics background and like experimental lab work. Good communication skill in English and a pro-active attitude are expected.

Contact

Last modified: 2024-02-27