Thesis Topics at the IMPT

You are interested in exciting and innovative projects in the context of novel sensor technology, electronics development, data acquisition and artificial intelligence?

Are you looking for a thesis with long-term development opportunities, also in the direction of a doctorate degree?

You are fascinated by these possible fields of activity: Sensor data fusion and pre-processing, edge computing, data acquisition, electronics development, data management, AI, sensor development, Internet-of-Things, Python, AWS, data warehouse, SQL databases, data mining, Matlab® & Simulink®, ANSYS®, smart sensors, hardware development, new sensor concepts, FPGA, software sensor technology, simulation, algorithmic optimization methods, particle swarm optimization, greedy algorithms, digital twin, deep learning, data science, big data, EAGLE, embedded systems.

Then get in touch with Daniel Klaas and become part of a young and motivated team. We are interested in a long-term collaboration and offer you the opportunity to apply and develop your knowledge and skills in exciting research and industry projects.

Requirements: Interested, independent students in the field of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, information technology, (technical) computer science, physics and comparable.

The initial system design is done by analytical and network-based methods. The detailed design is then carried out using FEM simulations. For this purpose, the multiphysics simulation tool ANSYS® is available, with which simulations e.g. in the fields of structural mechanics and electromagnetics as well as thermal and fluid dynamic simulations can be performed.

The actuators manufactured at the IMPT use magnetic fields to generate movement. Depending on their operating principle, the actuators can be classified as synchronous, (variable) reluctance, and hybrid actuators. Both linear and rotating micromotors are manufactured, and the use of these magnetic microactuators is being investigated, e.g. in microoptics, the manipulation of magnetic nanoparticles and implantology.

In addition to sensors based on electromagnetic principles, such as eddy current sensors, strain sensors, and GMR sensors (ultra-thin, for high-temperature applications), research at the IMPT focuses on modular sensors for gentelligent applications, including temperature sensors.

For the production of microactuators and sensors a combination of photolithography and electrodeposition is routinely used. Using photolithography, a temporary form of photoresist is created on Si or Al₂O₃ substrates and filled with functional materials by electrodeposition. As functional materials Cu is used for coils and leads. NiFe45/55, NiFe81/19, CoFe and Ni are used for flow guides. Furthermore, the epoxy resin SU-8™ and polyimide are used as embedding material and material for membranes. As insulation layers of Si₃N₄ and SiO₂ are used, which are produced by PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition). For patterning, ion beam etching and lift-off are also used. The production of mechanical components (membranes, bending beams, spring structures...) is done by a combination of photolithography and etching processes. For this purpose dry etching processes (e.g. DRIE, plasma) as well as wet chemical etching processes (e.g. KOH, HF) are available.

In the field of mechanical micro-machining, different processes are used. On the one hand, cutting-off and profile grinding processes are carried out for high-precision separation and profiling of micro-components made of ceramics, glass and silicon. On the other hand, nano-grinding and lapping processes are carried out for high-precision surface treatment of brittle-hard materials and the creation of micrographs. Furthermore, processes for the production of surfaces of high quality as well as the planarization of wafer surfaces of material combinations by polishing and chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) are performed.

In the field of microtribology, for example, wear investigations are carried out on a rotary wear measuring stand using the pin-on-disk method for flat microcontact. Furthermore, investigations on microhardness and Young's modulus as well as the representation of (adhesive) friction of thin layers by means of nanoindentation and scratch investigations are carried out. The breaking strength of coatings is determined by means of acoustic emission. Additionally, analyses of friction forces in microcontact are carried out.