Intern, Image Analysis - Summer 2027

Scope of Position

Deep UV (DUV) photolithography depends on glass and crystalline optics that stay highly transparent under 193 nm laser irradiation. As semiconductor features shrink, the laser power passing through these optics continues to rise. This increases the need for materials with prolonged lifetime under UV irradiation. Under these conditions, microscopic material defects can lead to surface or bulk damage. Damage shortens the lifetime of optics in semiconductor process tools, which are highly sensitive to optical performance.

A successful candidate will develop an image analysis algorithm that quantifies surface damage on crystalline DUV optics after laser irradiation. The results will improve the fundamental understanding of the underlying laser induced damage mechanisms. After the benchmarking of an image analysis algorithm the candidate will then apply this to historical laser damage features to correlate to the measured laser damage threshold of critical crystalline components.

Program Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Housing assistance
• Travel reimbursement

Intern Activities

• Social and networking events
• Volunteer opportunities
• Community Involvement

Key Responsibilities

• Develop an image analysis algorithm to quantify laser-induced damage on crystalline optic surfaces.
• Validate the algorithm's reliability and repeatability across image sets.
• Apply the algorithm to historical laser damage images to generate quantitative data.
• Correlate extracted damage features with laser damage lifetime and laser fluence.
• Summarize methodology and results in a report or poster presentation.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a degree in Physics, Materials Science, Computer Science, or an Engineering discipline.
• Exposure to coding languages and familiarity with basic computation and data analysis.
• Must be available for 10 weeks during Summer 2027 (May-August 2027) with a graduation date of December 2027 or later
• Be interested in working for Corning, Inc after graduation, if presented with a full-time job opportunity.
• Be willing to work at the posted job location

Desired Skills

• Basic experience in any of the following: Java, Matlab, C, C+, C#, Python, or other high level programming languages.
• Data analysis using Excel, JMP, Origin, or similar tools.
• Introductory knowledge of optics and materials science of semiconductor materials.
• Laboratory or Research experience.

Success Measures / End-of-Term Outcomes

• A reliable algorithm that quantifies laser damage on optic surfaces.
• Quantitative data generated from the historical image set.
• Documented correlations between damage features and lifetime and fluence.

Skills / Competencies

• Translates raw optical images into quantitative, repeatable measurements.
• Documents methods and results so others can reproduce the analysis.
• Interprets data trends and explains findings clearly to technical teammates.
• Works with engineers and scientists to refine the approach based on feedback.