Master’s Thesis: Mechanical Stability Assessment of Transducers for Acousto-Optic Deflectors

Mycronic is a global high-tech company whose innovative solutions have been advancing electronics technology for over 50 years. Today we continue to grow and serve customers in an expanding variety of industries. What we do impacts the future of technology, and in turn, the way we live our lives tomorrow. Mycronic continues to grow across a wide range of industries, and the Pattern Generator (PG) division, which you will belong to, currently holds a unique position in the market as the world’s leading supplier of mask writers for the production of advanced photomasks.

Every high-resolution display you see - whether it’s a TV, phone, tablet, or Apple Watch, has been manufactured with the help of Mycronic’s machines as part of the production process. We are now looking for a Master’s student who would like to carry out their thesis project with us and contribute new academic knowledge to our Core Tech Innovation Team within the Pattern Generator Division.

Background Mycronic mask writers use acousto-optic deflectors (AODs) to control and scan laser light. A key component of an AOD is the piezoelectric transducer, which converts an electrical RF signal into acoustic waves. These transducers consist of multiple thin-film layers deposited on an acousto-optic substrate. Their design requires consideration of acoustic, electrical and mechanical behaviour.

Predicting the mechanical consequences of complex multilayer structures remains an important design challenge. Differences in material properties can generate stresses during fabrication and operation, potentially causing deformation, substrate curvature, cracking or delamination. A methodology for predicting such effects early in the design process will support the development of future transducer concepts.

Research Question How can the mechanical stability and fabrication feasibility of multilayer thin-film transducer structures be predicted early in the design process using analytical and/or numerical modelling? The work may include investigating: The influence of material properties and process parameters on stress and deformation.

Methods for predicting curvature and mechanical failure risks in multilayer thin-film structures. Approaches for establishing a reusable design-assessment methodology for future transducer concepts. Scope The main goal of the thesis is to investigate and evaluate modelling approaches for predicting the mechanical behaviour of multilayer transducer structures and to translate the resulting methodology into a practical design-assessment tool.

The project is expected to include: Conducting a literature review on thin-film and multilayer mechanics. Building a material property database relevant to the transducer stack. Developing analytical and/or numerical models for predicting stress, curvature and deformation. Evaluating and, where possible, validating the developed models using analytical reference cases, literature data, or available experimental data.

Implementing a computational tool, for example in Python, for evaluating transducer designs. Assessing transducer concepts provided by Mycronic and identifying potential fabrication or reliability risks.

Qualifications

Are in the final year of a Master's programme in Engineering Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. Have a good understanding of analytical and/or numerical modelling. Have experience with scientific programming. It is considered an advantage if you also have experience with thin-film technology or microfabrication.

Details Credits: 30 ECTS credits Proposed start: Dec 2026 / Jan 2027 (flexible) Duration: 20 weeks Number of students: One Division/team: PG Division, Core Tech Innovation Team Location: Mycronic’s office in Täby (On-site/hybrid) How to apply Click ‘Apply now’ below and submit your CV, cover letter and academic transcripts.