An international research project is being established in collaboration between the Department of Micro and Nanotechnology (DTU Nanotech) and partners within industry as well as academia. The aim of the PhD position is to develop systematic methodologies for shape optimization of nanostructured surfaces, to characterize and compare different structuring approaches in terms of performance and industrial relevance, and finally explore the possibilities for application in collaboration with Danish companies.

Industrial areas as diverse as medical equipment, food processing and packaging, high-end audio systems, miniaturized microphones and hearing aids, kitchen utensils, silverware and cell phones, all share a common property: the surface of the products get in touch with organic material that interferes with its function. Nanostructured surfaces are a relatively new approach to enhance the anti-reflective, anti-sticktion, self-cleaning and anti-bacterial properties. Recently, attention is given to the detailed geometrical shape of the surface as a route towards extreme water and oil repellence.

Within the last years it has been possible to optimize the geometrical structure of complex non-linear systems using algorithmic methods - topology optimisation. This has been applied with astounding success within the fields of structural mechanics, photonics, microfluidics and chemical reactors, but has so far not been demonstrated within the field of nanostructured surfaces. We aim to develop a library of generic designs that enhance the contact properties and are applicable within many new research fields of industrial relevance. Part of the project will concern improvement of the topology optimisation to incorporate surface-effects well enough, which will be of great importance within the optimization-community and for the industry.

Research Plan

• Initial investigation of simplified model-systems to gain fundamental insight
• Improve topology optimization methods for better incorporating surface effects
• Further develop level-set based topology optimization methods
• Apply level-set methods for optimizing surface effects
• Apply the methods to design actual surface structures with optimized surface functionality
• Fine-tune optimal design through shape-optimization
• Include fabrication constraints
• Realise theoretical structures using state-of-art fabrication techniques such as high resolution electron beam lithograph and 2-photon photopolymerisation
• Feasibility study in terms of scaling up to industrially relevant volumes

The tasks will be carried out in the Theoretical MicroSystems Optimization Group (TMSO) at DTU Nanotech, in close collaboration with the Nanointegration group at DTU Nanotech as well as Laser Zentrum Hannover, Danish Technological Institute and a number of Danish companies. The Innovation Consortium is funded by The Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation.

Qualifications
The successful candidate, who must have a master's degree and a good background in mathematical physics, is expected to work theoretically and numerically on optimizing the energy systems involved in the project. This involves in parti­cu­lar modelling of complex surface-fluid interfaces. The ideal can­di­date has a strong background in microfluidics theory and simulation, and knowledge of optimization theory will be preferable. As the project also involves experimental realisation and characterisation of nanostructured surfaces, some experience with experimental and/or fabrication work will be highly beneficial. Good communication skills and a wish to engage in a lively collaboration are also required, as frequent interaction with academic as well as industrial partners is anticipated.

Approval and Enrolment
The PhD scholarship is subject to academic approval and the candidate will be enrol­led in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the PhD studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Salary and appoint­­ment terms
The salary and appoint­­ment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD students at DTU. The position is available for a period of 3 years.

Application
We must have your online application by June 1, 2010 at the latest. Please open the link "apply for this job online", fill in the application form and attach all the following documents:

a) Curriculum vitae of the applicant including a list of publications (guidelines)
b) A letter motivating the application (guidelines)
c) Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
d) Conversion of grade averages to Danish grades (guidelines and excel spreadsheet for the conversion)

Interviews will be held in the period from June 1 to the August 15 of 2010. The position should start as soon as possible.

Candidates may apply prior to ob­tai­ning their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.

DTU needs diver­sity and supports equal opportunities irrespective of gender, age, and ethnic background.

Additional information
Additional information may be obtained from Assoc. Prof. Fridolin Okkels, phone (+45) 4525 5749, e-mail: fridolin.okkels@nanotech.dtu.dk, or Assoc. Prof. Peter Bøggild peter.boggild@nanotech.dtu.dk.