Piezoelectric Material Development Using Advanced Sputtering

Miniaturized piezoelectric materials are driving a new generation of compact, energy-efficient technologies, enabling functionalities in a wide range of applications, from sensors and actuators to communication systems and energy harvesters. These materials play a pivotal role across multiple sectors, including health, consumer electronics, automotive systems, aerospace engineering, next-generation wireless technologies and quantum application. Among the available material systems, aluminium nitride ( AlN) and its scandium-alloyed variant (AlScN) are of particular interest because they combine a competitive electromechanical coupling with full compatibility with standard CMOS fabrication workflows. The objective of this master internship is to develop and optimize the deposition process of piezoelectric nitride thin films and to establish quantitative process-structure–property relationships. The work combines hands-on thin film deposition in a cleanroom environment with systematic structural and electrical characterization. Type of internship : Master internship Duration : 6 months Required educational background : Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Physics, Materials Engineering, Chemistry/Chemical Engineering University promotor : Clement Merckling (KU Leuven) Supervising scientist(s) : For further information or for application, please contact Lorenzo Aime ( Lorenzo.Aime@imec.be ) The reference code for this position is 2026-INT-249 . Mention this reference code in your application. Imec allowance will be provided for students studying at a non-Belgian university. Applications should include the following information: resume motivation current study Incomplete applications will not be considered