This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and thus requires that such institutions be the recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
Research Title:
Rapid surface particle-, and impurity detection and quantification at a wafer scale
Background and overview of the project:
The NIST CHIPS R&D Metrology project aims at developing measurement methodologies for detection and identification of very low concentration of impurities and nanoparticle contaminants at extremely low concentration regimes. More than 75% of particles on an integrated chip are from liquid contaminates that are introduced during the fabrication process. Currently, the main approaches for single particle (sub-20nm) counting include ICP-MS, and laser scattering. Industry is unable to measure & control baseline impurities below 1 ppt (parts per trillion, based on dissolved ions). The BIG concern is distinguishing the instrument noise from the actual particle signal. In response to these measurement challenges, this project aims at developing ways very low concentration of impurities can be detected and measured on a surface or in a stream within a microchannel. Two areas of focus under this project include a) understanding deposition patterns of nanoparticles and ionic impurity precursors on chemically functionalized surfaces, and nanoengineered surfaces as well as their governing factors, b) photonic enhancement techniques for boosting the scattering of single impurity points and particles.
In this regard, novel surface chemistries and nano-optical engineering methods will be investigated. Methods need to be developed to test the performance of the nanoengineered surfaces by investigating their sensing and binding affinities towards different metal and non-metal ions/particles. Moreover, performing different microscopies are essential for testing the efficacy of the functionalized surfaces, so these surfaces can be iteratively improved. To improve these nanoengineered surfaces, simulation and modeling are also needed to identify more effective designs for enhancing the detection of sub-20 nm particles/impurities. Communication and collaboration with internal and external team members are essential for successful delivery of the objectives of this project as well as presentations and publications of results as appropriate.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Carrying micro/nanofabrication,
- Surface functionalization with appropriate chemical ligands
- Organic synthesis methods such as Click chemistry
- Impurity detection in high purity solvents,
- Performing single particle detection and spectroscopy for rapid particle sensing on a wafer scale,
- Different microscopies including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and optical microscopy (OM) equipped with a cryogenic stage for surface analysis.
- Presenting results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders.
- Ensuring that results, protocols, software, and documentation have been archived or otherwise transmitted to the larger organization.
Qualifications
- PhD degree in Chemistry, and Materials, or a related field.
- 6 years of relevant experience in nanoscience and nanotechnology
- Experienced in organic synthesis, and self-assembled monolayers
- Experienced in metal nanoparticles, their coating, and plasmon sensing.
- Experienced in fluorophores as probes for optical sensing
- Experienced in hydrophobic and hydrophilic quantum dots and phase transfer methods
- Ability to develop prototypes of tools needed to analyze data.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.