TU Eindhoven Secures €4 Million for Innovative Research Projects
Eindhoven, Friday, 27 September 2024.
The University of Technology Eindhoven has received over €4 million for six application-oriented research projects. Two projects, focusing on soft X-ray wafer metrology and liquid metal heat shields for nuclear fusion, are set to begin, aiming to advance technical-scientific research and innovation.
Soft X-Ray Metrology: Enhancing Logic and Memory Device Production
The first project, spearheaded by Professor Martijn van Beurden from the Electrical Engineering department, aims to advance soft X-ray wafer metrology. This technology is crucial for the large-scale production of next-generation logic and memory devices. One of the primary challenges it addresses is the low signal-to-noise ratios and large computational domains that complicate the metrology process. By enhancing the precision and efficiency of soft X-ray metrology, this project has the potential to significantly improve the quality and scalability of semiconductor manufacturing, thus supporting the tech industry’s relentless demand for smaller, faster, and more efficient devices.
Innovations in Nuclear Fusion: Liquid Metal Heat Shields
Associate Professor Hans van Dommelen from the Mechanical Engineering department leads the second project, focusing on the development of liquid metal heat shields for nuclear fusion applications. Collaborating with Professor Marc Geers and the TU/e spin-off Differ, this initiative aims to optimize additive manufacturing processes for tungsten. Tungsten is known for its high melting point and excellent thermal conductivity, making it an ideal material for heat shields in nuclear reactors. The project seeks to create complex geometric structures that can effectively reduce the heat load on nuclear reactor walls, thereby enhancing the safety and efficiency of nuclear fusion reactors.
Collaborative Efforts and Societal Impact
Both projects are part of the Open Technology Program, funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO). This program promotes unrestricted application-oriented technical-scientific research, facilitating connections between businesses and scientific research for societal impact. With additional contributions of over €350,000 from businesses and organizations, these projects exemplify the collaborative spirit that drives innovation at TU/e. By integrating cutting-edge research with practical applications, these initiatives aim to address some of the most pressing technological and environmental challenges of our time.
A Broader Vision of Technological Advancement
The University of Technology Eindhoven has long been a hub of innovation, as demonstrated by its significant contributions to the Brainport Region Eindhoven. The university’s research spans various domains, including health, energy, and smart mobility, always with an eye toward societal challenges and sustainable solutions. From developing zero-emissions cars to pioneering 3D-printed multi-story houses, TU/e continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in technology and engineering. The new projects funded by the NWO are a testament to the university’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation.