Physics Engineering Internship: Supersonic Flow Visualization

Introduction

The Contamination Control team at ASML develops solutions that help protect critical components inside advanced lithography systems. Even the smallest particles can affect highly sensitive optical surfaces, making contamination control an important area of research. In this internship, you will contribute to understanding the behavior of supersonic gas jets at extremely low ambient pressures using advanced optical diagnostics. Your work will help generate insights that support future contamination-control technologies for ASML systems. This Physics Engineering internship offers a unique opportunity to combine fluid dynamics, optics, and experimental research in a challenging high-tech environment.

Your assignment

During this internship, you will help develop and operate an advanced experimental setup for visualizing supersonic gas flows at low ambient pressures. You will work on improving measurement capabilities, performing experiments, and analyzing complex flow phenomena. The results of this project will contribute to future contamination-control concepts and provide recommendations for further technology development.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Upgrade an existing Schlieren imaging setup for low-pressure flow visualization
• Develop and implement automated flow and optical control methods
• Design and perform experiments across a wide range of pressure conditions
• Analyze flow structures, shock patterns, and jet expansion behavior
• Compare experimental results with theoretical models and simulation outcomes
• Document findings in a clear and structured manner
• Present recommendations for future experiments and potential applications

This is a master thesis internship for minimum 6 months, minimum 36 hours per week (4 days on-site). The start date of this internship is as of January or February 2027.

Your profile

To be suitable for the internship, you:

• Are pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in physics engineering, applied physics, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field
• Have knowledge of fluid dynamics, optics, or experimental physics
• Are analytical and enjoy investigating complex technical challenges
• Take initiative and are comfortable working in a pioneering research environment
• Communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with others
• Have a structured and proactive approach to experimental work and data analysis

This Physics Engineering internship is ideal for students who enjoy hands-on experimental research and want to explore flow phenomena in a pressure regime that remains largely unexplored. You will work with advanced optical diagnostic techniques, contribute to meaningful research, and gain experience in a multidisciplinary environment. The Physics Engineering internship provides the opportunity to combine theory and experimentation while developing technical and professional skills. Through this Physics Engineering internship, you will help advance knowledge that supports future innovations in contamination control for ASML's next-generation lithography systems.

This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the United States Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. § 730, et seq.). Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to access such controlled technology prior to beginning work. Business demands may require ASML to proceed with candidates who are immediately eligible to access controlled technology.

Inclusion and diversity

ASML is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that inclusion and diversity is a driving force in the success of our company.

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