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Multiscale 3D Characterization of Nanodevices Using EDX Tomography and Electron Ptychography


Thesis topic details

General information

Organisation

The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a key player in research, development and innovation in four main areas :
• defence and security,
• nuclear energy (fission and fusion),
• technological research for industry,
• fundamental research in the physical sciences and life sciences.

Drawing on its widely acknowledged expertise, and thanks to its 16000 technicians, engineers, researchers and staff, the CEA actively participates in collaborative projects with a large number of academic and industrial partners.

The CEA is established in ten centers spread throughout France
  

Reference

SL-DRT-27-0369  

Direction

DRT

Thesis topic details

Category

Technological challenges

Thesis topics

Multiscale 3D Characterization of Nanodevices Using EDX Tomography and Electron Ptychography

Contract

Thèse

Job description

The increasing complexity of nanodevices requires multiscale 3D characterization techniques spanning from the nanometer to the atomic scale. STEM-EDX tomography provides three-dimensional elemental mapping at the nanometer scale. Recent deep learning-based approaches have achieved near-isotropic spatial resolution of approximately 5 nm in specimens 60–100 nm thick. Electron ptychography offers complementary capabilities for atomic-resolution structural characterization. This PhD aims to develop a correlative methodology combining both techniques on the same specimen. STEM-EDX tomography will first be performed on relatively thick TEM lamellae. The specimens will subsequently be thinned to a target thickness below 30 nm for 4D-STEM acquisition. Multislice electron ptychography will provide depth-resolved structural information. Simulations will be used to optimize experimental conditions and acquisition parameters. EDX spectral processing and limited-angle tomographic reconstruction methods will be optimized. Ptychographic reconstruction algorithms will be evaluated in terms of resolution, robustness, and sensitivity to light elements. A major challenge will be the spatial registration of chemical and structural volumes before and after specimen thinning. Reconstruction accuracy and limitations will be assessed using simulations and reference specimens. The methodology will be applied to phase-change memory (PCM) devices and InGaN-based nano-emitters. The ultimate goal is to establish a correlative 3D characterization approach linking chemical composition, atomic structure, and nanodevice properties.

University / doctoral school

Ecole Doctorale de Physique de Grenoble (EdPHYS)
Université Grenoble Alpes

Thesis topic location

Site

Grenoble

Requester

Position start date

01/10/2027

Person to be contacted by the applicant

SAGHI Zineb zineb.saghi@cea.fr
CEA
DRT/DPFT/SMCP/L2MD
Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
MINATEC Campus | 17 rue des martyrs | F-38054 Grenoble Cedex

0438784870

Tutor / Responsible thesis director

SAGHI Zineb zineb.saghi@cea.fr
CEA
DRT/DPFT/SMCP/L2MD
Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
MINATEC Campus | 17 rue des martyrs | F-38054 Grenoble Cedex

0438784870

En savoir plus

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=FM5sFZ4AAAAJ&hl=en
https://portail.intra.cea.fr/drt/leti/dpft/Pages/Realisation_Lots/PFNC/La-PFNC.aspx