Surfaces describe the interface between two states of matter (typically between a solid and a fluid), and their analysis allows us to understand how an object interacts with the external environment. The irregularities present on the surface determine the shape, waviness, and surface finish, which are described by numerical parameters such as the roughness of a profile or the texture of a surface area. Since the mechanical, chemical-physical, and functional properties of an object are strongly dependent on the surface, surface metrology is essential for quantitatively studying the correlation between morphology and functionality of materials through the development and implementation of data evaluation methods. The internship will take place in the Surface Metrology and Dimensional Nanometrology laboratory at INRiM and will focus on measuring the topography of surfaces at the micro and nanoscale using confocal/interferometric optical microscopes, stylus profilometers, and AFM (atomic force microscopy). The case studies will range from surfaces from various industrial sectors (such as automotive, aerospace, energy, fashion, environment, health) to nanostructures, nanoparticles, and biological samples.

https://fisica.campusnet.unito.it/do/documenti.pl/Show?_id=ehmc

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are microscopic devices incorporating both mechanical and electronic parts, and can be used as active (actuators) or passive (sensors) disposals. MEMS have several different geometries and are used in a large field of applications (e.g. accelerometers, gyroscopes, barometers, magnetometers, bio-MEMS, MEMS inertial navigation systems, ultrasound transducers, etc.).

In our study, we focus on MEMS generator/actuator of nanoforces with electrostatic-comb geometry, which consists of two opposing capacitor armatures with a comb structure for increasing capacitor capacity and actuator stroke.

The project aims to build a facility capable of characterizing the electrostatic behavior of MEMS traceable to the SI. In particular, the force-amplitude transduction is characterized by using an interferometrically calibrated piezoelectric actuator for displacement measurements and by an electronic setup to measure/generate the voltage and capacitance signals.

Dimensional metrology, is the application of metrology for quantifying the physical size, form (shape), of any given feature by using measuring instruments or machines. This internship will focus on the development of a software that implements the movement of a 3 axis interferometric measuring machine for diameter and optical scale calibration. 

Prerequisites

• Physics, Electronics, Informatics

• Required safety courses to access to INRIM laboratories

• Python programming language

• Object oriented programming 

Dimensional metrology, is the application of metrology for quantifying the physical size, form (shape), of any given feature by using measuring instruments or machines. This internship will focus on the development of a software that implements the movement of a 3 axis interferometric measuring machine for diameter and optical scale calibration. 

Prerequisites

• Physics, Electronics, Informatics

• Required safety courses to access to INRIM laboratories

• C/C++ programming language

• Object oriented programming