Internship

Design and realization of an automatic classification system for PCB recycling.

START: 03-02-2025
END: 04-07-2025

In this bachelor thesis project, the student will design and construct a demonstrator system that addresses a significant challenge in the recycling and reuse of printed circuit boards (PCBs). The project focuses on the development of an automated system capable of detecting, and classifying PCBs based on their recyclability and reuse potential. This system will contribute to the broader goal of promoting sustainability and circular economy practices by improving the efficiency and accuracy of PCB recycling processes.

The demonstrator will incorporate an AI-based classification system to identify and categorize PCBs. While the AI component plays a crucial role, the primary focus of the project lies in the design and implementation of the mechanical and mechatronic systems. This includes tasks such as developing and integrating machine vision components for image capture and processing, selecting and configuring sensors and actuators, and designing the necessary mechanical structures for identifying PCBs efficiently.

Throughout the project, the student will be involved in various aspects of system development. These include designing the architecture of the demonstrator, programming the machine vision and control systems, and selecting appropriate components to ensure reliable and precise operation. The project will also require the student to address challenges related to system integration and testing, ensuring that the final demonstrator meets both functional and performance requirements.

By the end of the project, the student is expected to deliver an operational demonstrator capable of detecting and classifying PCBs with a high degree of accuracy. This system will serve as a proof of concept, showcasing how innovative mechatronic solutions can be applied to real-world challenges in sustainability. The results of this project could provide valuable insights and inspiration for the development of more advanced recycling technologies in the future.

Educational Programmes

• Mechanical Engineering (WTB),
• Mechatronics (MT),
• Electrical Engineering (ET)

Interested? Please send your motivation letter and CV before the 8th of Dec 2024 to Roy de Kinkelder ([email protected]).

Integrated photonic processor for quantum computing: R&D into hardware solutions, operational protocols, performance characterization, and quantum experiments.

Start: January-February 2025
End: June-July 2025

Within the national program for Quantum Technology (Quantum Delta NL), an important task has been reserved for training students and researchers for the upcoming industry. As part of this effort, the research group Applied Nanotechnology has set up an applied research lab, where the latest quantum technologies can be studied and further developed. Here we propose an exciting (graduation) internship opportunity for bachelor and master students in our applied quantum lab.

Integrated photonic technology enables computations with light on a chip similar to how modern microchips perform computations with electrons. Even more remarkable, photonic processors can operate with light at its fundamental quantum level, which fuels rapid developments in photonic quantum computing. In one of our projects, we work on a photonic quantum processing unit (QPU) based on a photonic chip developed by QuiX Quantum BV. Within this internship, you will acquire hands-on experience with such a photonic QPU through challenging but exciting tasks such as improving hardware solutions, developing operational protocols, performance characterization, and quantum experiment design. The tasks can be adapted to the specialization of interested candidates (applied physics, electrical engineering, computer science).

The internship will be conducted at the Saxion research group Applied Nanotechnology and the Quantum Talent and Learning Centre (within the Quantum Delta NL) in collaboration with QuiX Quantum BV. As our quantum team is involved in many quantum initiatives, this internship allows getting familiar with the regional and national quantum ecosystems and proposes many networking opportunities.

Educational Programmes:

• Applied Physics (TN),
• Electrical Engineering (ET)
• Applied Computer Science (TI)

Interested? Please send your motivation letter and brief introduction/CV to Dr. Dmytro Polishchuk ([email protected]).

Compact vector magnet for artificial atoms in photonic quantum devices: Magnet design, assembly, and characterization.

Start: January-February 2025
End: June-July 2025

Within the national program for Quantum Technology (Quantum Delta NL), an important task has been reserved for training students and researchers for the upcoming industry. As part of this effort, the research group Applied Nanotechnology has set up an applied research lab, where the latest quantum technologies can be studied and further developed. Here we propose an exciting (graduation) internship opportunity for bachelor and master students in our applied quantum lab.

Artificial atoms in solid state, namely color centers such as NV-centers in diamond and defects in silicon carbide, are leading candidates for spin-based quantum data processing. Remarkably, this type of artificial atoms was used in the first milestone demonstrations of quantum internet at the QuTech research institute in Delft. To enable quantum functionality, such artificial atoms must be individually addressed and controlled, which requires a complex optoelectronic control system, in which the source of a magnetic field is an essential component. Such a magnet should comply with specific requirements: its field should be controllable in strength and direction, it should be compact, compatible with cryogenics, and importantly, applicable and scalable with quantum integrated photonics. Permanent magnet systems are especially promising to satisfy these requirements.

Within this internship at our Applied Quantum Photonics lab at Saxion and in collaboration with our partners at QuTech, you will have an opportunity to contribute to the development of an efficient and compact vector magnet based on permanent magnet microassemblies. This assignment is most suitable for an applied physics student and can be adapted to a particular learning focus (modeling, experiment design, or system engineering).

The internship will be conducted at the Saxion research group Applied Nanotechnology and the Quantum Talent and Learning Centre (within the Quantum Delta NL) in collaboration with the Errando-Herranz lab at QuTech. This internship would furthermore allow getting familiar with the regional and national quantum ecosystems.

Educational Programmes:

• Applied Physics (TN)
• Mechanical Engineering (WTB)
• Mechatronics (MT)

Interested? Please send your motivation letter and brief introduction/CV to Dr. Dmytro Polishchuk ([email protected])

Quantum secure authentication: R&D into hardware and control protocols.

Start: January-February 2025
End: June-July 2025

Within the national program for Quantum Technology (Quantum Delta NL), an important task has been reserved for training students and researchers for the upcoming industry. As part of this effort, the research group Applied Nanotechnology has set up an applied research lab, where the latest quantum technologies can be studied and further developed. Here we propose an exciting (graduation) internship opportunity for bachelor and master students in our applied quantum lab.

Quantum-Secure Authentication (QSA) is a new method for verifying the identity of objects or people in a highly secure way. It uses a special key that cannot be copied due to quantum principles. The authentication involves shining a light on the key and checking the pattern of the reflected light. This process is secure because an attacker can't fully understand the light used for authentication, making it impossible to create a fake key digitally. QSA doesn't rely on keeping data secret, doesn't require  complex math, and is easy to use with existing optical technology. In this project, you will work on such a quantum photonic setup, and will try to perform QSA measurement protocols as well as optimization of the setup in order to be applied in a real world setting.

The internship will be conducted at the Saxion research group Applied Nanotechnology and the Quantum Talent and Learning Centre (within the Quantum Delta NL) in collaboration with the Pepijn Pinkse group at the UT. This internship would furthermore allow getting familiar with the regional and national quantum ecosystems.

Educational Programmes:

• Applied Physics (TN),
• Electrical Engineering (ET)
• Applied Computer Science (TI)

Interested? Please send your motivation letter and brief introduction/CV to Dr. Tjeerd Bollmann ([email protected])

Sensors for Ammonia Detection in Poultry Houses.

START: February 2025
END: July 2025

The Research Project
One of the research lines within the Applied Nanotechnology group at Saxion University of Applied Sciences (Enschede) focuses on the development of gas sensors. One of the options we are exploring involves modifying capacitive chips and photonic chips. By applying various polymers to these chips, we aim to make them sensitive to specific gases. These coated chips will eventually be used in the OBSeRVeD project, which focuses on the early detection of diseases in poultry houses.

By using various types of polymers (sensitive to different gases) on sensors/chips, we hope to develop an electronic nose (e-nose) selective for poultry diseases. The focus is particularly on detecting red mites. One of the gases we are very interested in is ammonia. Monitoring ammonia concentration provides valuable insights in the conditions of the poultry houses.

The Assignment
During this internship/graduation project, you will focus on coating and testing the chips with an focus on ammonia sensing.

• Which polymers would be suitable as a sensor coating for ammonia detection?
• You will investigate how to apply these coatings to our capacitive and photonic chips (e.g., via spin-coating, pipetting, or printing).
• To determine the sensitivity and selectivity of these coated chips for ammonia, you will use a gas calibration system (in collaboration with another student).

This gas calibration system can precisely generate a known concentration of ammonia (as a gas). Using the sensor signals during the testing phase, you can evaluate the sensitivity to ammonia. Your findings will be used by various project partners and will help us making a selections of suitable coated sensors for the e-nose!

Educational Programmes:

• Biology and Medical Lab (BML) (Optional add core task Research and/or innovation)
• Chemistry (CH)

Interested? Please send your motivation letter and CV before the 24th of January 2025 to Mandy ten Bloemendal ([email protected]) or Bert Swennenhuis ([email protected]).

Measuring Photonic Chips for E-Nose Development.

START: February 2025
END: July 2025

The Research Project
One of the research lines within the Applied Nanotechnology group at Saxion University of Applied Sciences (Enschede) focuses on the development of gas sensors. One of the options we are exploring involves modifying photonic chips. By applying various polymers to these chips, we aim to make them sensitive to specific gases. These coated chips will eventually be used in the OBSeRVeD project, which focuses on the early detection of diseases in poultry houses.

By using various types of polymers (sensitive to different gases) on sensors/chips, we hope to develop an electronic nose (e-nose) selective for specific poultry diseases. The focus is particularly on detecting red mites. To assess the suitability, selectivity, and sensitivity of the coated photonic chips to specific gases, measurement series must be performed. This information is crucial for the e-nose development.

The Assignment
During this internship/graduation project, you will focus on coating and testing of the photonic chips. With an emphasis on developing measurement protocols and conducting measurement series on coated aMZIs (a specific type of extremely sensitive photonic chips).

• Coating: Initially, you will coat the aMZI chips using pre-established protocols with well-researched polymers.
• Testing and measurements: You will then perform measurement series using our Owlstone gas calibration system, capable of generating precise known concentrations of target gases such as ammonia or other gases present in poultry houses. Using the sensor signals, you will evaluate the chips sensitivity towards these gases.

Some of the ammonia measurements will be conducted in collaboration with another student. Your findings will be used by various project partners and will help us select suitable coated photonic chips for the e-nose!

Educational Programmes:

• Biology and Medical Lab (BML) (Optional add core task Research and/or innovation)
• Chemistry (CH)
• Applied Physics (TN)

Interested? Please send your motivation letter and CV before the 24th of January 2025 to Mandy ten Bloemendal ([email protected]) or Bert Swennenhuis ([email protected]).

Large scale data generation of ground water levels using smart sensors to combat drought and flooding.

START: February 2025

Due to climate change and soil subsidence, drought is becoming an increasing challenge in the Netherlands. Groundwater management responsibilities are fragmented across provinces, water boards, municipalities, and landowners, complicating effective management. Accurate and predictive insights at both the parcel and system levels are essential for sustainable management. Emerging sensor technologies offer the potential to monitor groundwater levels quickly, continuously, and comprehensively.

In a project completed in 2023, a prototype sensor and ICT system were developed to record data on Antea Group's platform. This provided an understanding of how the data could support actionable perspectives for groundwater management.

The project aims to further develop and test 100 sensors within two years, designed to fit into standard groundwater monitoring wells. The collected data will help improve drought and flood management in the eastern Netherlands.

The research question focuses on determining the necessary modifications to the sensor, electronics, and housing to ensure functionality in standard wells while maintaining affordability. Testing will take place at three locations with a total of 60 wells to evaluate functionality and scalability. The goal is to develop a reliable, cost-effective solution for groundwater management.

The aim for this assignment is to validate and optimize the sensor for use in existing field monitoring wells and prepare the complete package for upscaling by an external company to create about 100-200 sensors. This requires testing of the sensor principles in a well, designing a standalone hardware platform (pcb w/ components and networking capabilities (LoRa)) and a housing which in the end will make the system easy to deploy, without further assembly.

Educational Programmes:

• Mechatronics (MT),
• Electrical Engineering (ET)

Interested? Please send your motivation letter and CV before to Maarten van Rossum ([email protected]).