Auschreibungen: Vier Masterarbeiten - Carinthian Tech Research (CTR)

CTR Carinthian Tech Research AG is an industry-oriented research and development center for „Smart Sensors and Systems Integration“. As the largest non-university research center in southern Austria, CTR has gained a reputation for expertise in R&D sensor technologies serving science and industry at both national and international level. CTR focuses on four main research areas: Microsystem Technologies, Heterogeneous Integration Technologies, Photonic Sensor Systems and Smart Systems. CTR is part of Austria’s COMET research program with the K1 excellence center “ASSIC Austrian Smart Systems Integration Research Center”.

„Automation and management of an innovative measurement system for the detection of high-frequency, sub-nanometric mechanical vibrations“

Short description

The detection of small amplitude high-frequency mechanical vibrations is of great interest, in many scientific and technical domains. A notable application is the characterization of propagating waves and resonant modes in micro-acoustic resonators (Surface Acoustic Wave devices), for sensing and telecommunication applications. The goal of the Master Thesis is to pursue the development of a characterization instrument, based on the Heterodyne Interferometry principle. First, a high-precision movable and controllable sample holder will have to be selected, mounted and programmed. Then, set-up management software(s) will be developed, to enable the automated scanning of a given surface in spatial and frequency domains, over long acquisition times and with adjustable settings. This requires real time control of the different modules, including the optics (Laser), the translation stage, the power supply, the photo-detectors and the complete data acquisition chain. An HMI will also have to be designed, and programmed. The HMI will include a data processing module, to visualize and process the scanning results.

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„Characterization of photonic mid-infrared microsensors”

Short description

Recent years have seen increasing efforts in pushing the size of optoelectronic devices down to the micro- and nanoscale. Miniaturized photonic sensors are of particular interest because they can potentially be integrated in small, cheap and portable devices. The objective of this thesis is to characterize existing photonic sensors on chip and at a wafer level. On the basis of the results, the successful candidate will have the chance to elaborate a design for a new generation of sensors with enhanced performance in the mid-IR spectral region.

In particular, the candidate will:

• gain a fundamental understanding of both, the sensing principle and the critical parameters influencing the sensing properties of the current devices;
• familiarize with special light sources (e.g. quantum-cascade lasers) and detectors required for operation in the mid-IR spectral range
• experimentally characterize novel mid-IR sensors, among them waveguides and photonic crystals, and analyze measured data
• improve the present test-bench
• apply the theoretical and experimental knowledge acquired during the time of the thesis to elaborate new concepts for mid-IR sensors

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„FEM Simulation of Eddy Currents in layered Materials“

Short description

When oscillating magnetic field penetrate metallic objects eddy currents are generated that distort the original field. Modern automotive speed sensor systems employ magnetic sensors to determine the oscillation of the magnetic field resulting from the rotation of a wheel. Simply by placing the sensor in the setup, the magnetic field is distorted by eddy currents that develop inside the sensor.
It was shown by advanced analytical methods how eddy currents that develop in thin layers influence the magnetic field on the outside. While the analytical model relies on a simplified physical picture where an AC current loop lies on top of a layer, it can be assumed that similar physics is sampled in a typical wheel speed sensor setup where a rotating cogwheel generates the oscillation of the magnetic field.

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„FPGA implementation of a DAQ and Control System for a miniaturized Fourier Transform Spectrometer“

Short description

Together with an industry partner, CTR currently develops a compact, rapid scan, near-infrared Fourier transform spectrometer. The central control unit is micro module from Trenz Electronic integrating a Xilinx Spartan-6 LX FPGA. For proper operation the device requires control of two quasi resonant micro-mechanical scan mirrors, a data-acquisition system synchronized to the response of an optical reference interferometer, performance of a FFT and an appropriate memory and communication management for data averaging and output. While some of the basic functionalities are already implemented, important parts still remain to be added or improved.

Further information