icrofabrication processes for smart liquid cooling in microelectronics

We are currently seeking two (2) candidates to develop a process flow for a microfluidic cooling interposer.

Context: Microelectronics face a major roadblock in its performance development due in part to the limits reached in the cooling management. This requires new compact and efficient cooling strategies to remove the heat inside the chips themselves. The European research consortium on the STREAMS project proposes an innovative and smart thermal management on the chip, employing passive self-adaptive technologies based on a liquid cooled interposer. It exploits passive microstructures to auto-adapt the cooling in time and space in order to satisfy the chip cooling needs and targeting higher cooling efficiencies. Such approach generates some challenges in the microfabrication process in order to gather both the microfluidics and microelectronics within a single device. Disruptive approaches like bonding at room temperature and original passive actuators are in the scope of the process flow development.

Project Description: The two (2) selected candidates will work in C2MI Bromont (Québec) or 3IT Sherbrooke (Québec) cleanrooms to implement a process flow for the microfabrication of an innovative smart cooling management for microelectronics. The project will take place in a class-100 research cleanrooms or in a pre-industrial facility working with 200 mm wafers. It is also in close collaboration with the project partners in France. The objectives include:

• Integration of a pre-industrial process flow for microfluidics integration in microelectronics;
• Application of innovative metallic bonding;
• Establishment of a alignment compatible with the CEA-Leti partners;
• Development of mobile metallic microstructures;

• Supervising the transfer of the process flows developed in 3IT to the C2MI.

Partners:

• Centre de Collaboration MiQro Innovation – C2MI (c2mi.ca) – A new, purpose built R&D centre for MEMS and advanced packaging with state of the art 200 mm, production worthy tools, focused on bridging the gap from leading edge research to high volume commercial production.
• Université de Sherbrooke – Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation 3IT (3it.ca) – As a leading micro-nanotechnology institute in Canada, the 3IT’s research activities range from the nanomaterials to the applications, in the areas of nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, and MEMS.
• European partners
  • France: The Laboratoire d’électronique et de technologie de l’information (Leti) and the Laboratoire d’innovation pour les technologies des énergies nouvelles et les nanomatériaux (Liten), both located in the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA) national research center;
    STMicroelectronics, a multinational in the field of semi-conductor technologies;
  • Spain and Germany: IMTEK from the Universität Freiburg and Hahn-Schickard-Gesllschaft research center (Germany); Universitat de Lleida (Spain).

Profile of candidates: The candidates should have obtained a Ph.D. (or obtain it soon) in the areas of micro-nanotechnologies, or related fields within the past 4 years. In-depth knowledge of processes typically used in cleanroom microfabrication as well as relevant cleanroom experience are required. They should have demonstrated autonomy, adaptability, the ability for teamwork and being pro-active.  The candidates should have good language skills in English and/or in French. They should also be ready to travel for short periods to work with European partners.

To submit our application, please send your detailed CV + letter of motivation + letters of recommendation + samples of publications (or thesis) by email to the addresses below.

Start date: As soon as candidates are available, positions open until exceptional candidates are identified.

Contacts:

Prof. Luc Fréchette, Université de Sherbrooke Luc.Frechette@usherbrooke.ca