The universal meter with a very wide dynamic range, developed at the institute, is to be used for current measurement using the dual-slope method. In this process, the total current is to be split into many current paths, which are then measured individually using the dual-slope method. The aim is to measure currents ranging from milliamperes down to picoamperes. Of particular interest here is the measurement uncertainty that can be achieved in this way for the total current. A local atomic clock can be used to improve the timing for current integration.
Prior knowledge: DMM lecture Keywords: electronics, frequency measurement
We want to investigate how electrical voltages with a very wide dynamic range can be measured in measurement technology. In other words, how to separate very small voltages from very large voltages measured simultaneously, e.g. a sinusoidal signal with an amplitude of 10 V from a sinusoidal signal with an amplitude of 1 nV at a different frequency. To this end, we intend to use a universal counter with a very wide dynamic range employing the dual-slope method and to test signal processing using 64-bit numbers.
Prior knowledge: DMM lecture Keywords: electronics, frequency measurement
Bolometers detect electromagnetic radiation by measuring the temperature rise as the photons are absorbed into the sensor. This project aims to design a microwave bolometer upon a superconductor 3D nanohelix, which has a giant thermal voltage response due to a sharp superconducting transition.
Prior knowledge: Experience with hardware tinkering; programming skills in Python or the C family Keywords: Microwave sensors, 3D nanoarchitectures, cryoelectronics, superconductors
The superconducting magnetic flux quantum Ф0 = h/(2e) is a combination of the fundamental constants: the Planck constant h and the electron charge e. However, in two-band materials, a vortex with Ф0 can dissociate into fractional components Ф1 + Ф2 = Ф0. This project aims to design a superconducting resonator based on the vortex dissociation in the GHz frequency range.
Solid-state quantum electronic devices are operated at cryogenic temperatures, in external magnetic fields and in a broad frequency range from DC to, typically, 70 GHz. This project aims to design and test sample probe platforms and PCBs for measurements at room temperature and under cryogenic conditions.
Spin waves and their quanta – magnons – are collective precessions of spins in a magnetically ordered medium. Their interfacing with conventional electronics requires the use of microwave antennas. This project aims to design and test the efficiency of planar antennas for spin-wave generation and detection.
Additive nanotechnology (e.g., nanoprinting) enables complex-shaped magnetic 3D architectures with diverse magnetic textures. Thisproject aims to model the magnetic configurations of 3D nanoarchitectures and to probe their state via magneto-resistance measurements.
Prior knowledge: Electronics, Programming Keywords: 3D nanoarchitectures, MuMax3, magnetism, magnetoresistance
A finite element solver COMSOL enables modeling tasks for superconducting electronics and elevates the results to the level of animation. This project aims to apply established theoretical frameworks to model the electromagnetic properties of superconductors and design cryogenic electronic devices.
Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) is a novel imaging technique that utilises magnetic nanoparticles for rapid tomographic imaging. In a previous Master’s thesis, a hybrid system was developed that combines MPI with magnetic hyperthermia (MHT). MHT enables the targeted heating of magnetic nanoparticles, thereby opening up applications such as cancer therapy or the controlled release of active substances. The aim of this thesis is to further investigate, characterise and optimise the existing hybrid system. Particular focus will be placed on the interaction between imaging and targeted heating.
Prior Knowledge: None
Keywords: Imaging, magnetic nanoparticles, hyperthermia
Magnetic tweezers enable the contactless manipulation of magnetic particles using precisely generated magnetic fields. An initial experimental prototype of the magnetic field system has already been constructed. The aim of this project is to further develop the system so that magnetic particles can be moved automatically along defined trajectories under the microscope – for example, like Pac-Man through a maze. To this end, the existing setup will be optimised and suitable software developed for control and path planning.
Prior knowledge: None
Stichworte: Magnetic tweezers, microscopy, programming
For the first animal experiments at Hannover Medical School (MHH) using a Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) system developed by our team, an existing prototype of a 3D-printed animal restraint system is to be further developed. The goal is to achieve reliable and reproducible positioning of anesthetized mice in the MPI system. In addition, at least one vital sign—such as respiration, temperature, or ECG—should be recorded whenever possible. This project combines design, 3D printing, sensor technology, and medical imaging. The scope and focus can be flexibly adapted to a bachelor’s or master’s thesis.
Prior knowledge: CAD, 3D printing, electronics
Keywords: Electronics, CAD / 3D Printing, Small Animal Imaging
How does a tissue-like environment alter the behavior of magnetic nanoparticles? Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are of interest for numerous biomedical applications. This thesis aims to investigate how viscoelastic media, such as those found in cellular environments or tissues, influence particle dynamics. To this end, the MNPs will be characterized using Magnetic Particle Spectroscopy (MPS), and the measurements will be compared with Fokker-Planck simulations. In the future, the influence of this environment on MPI imaging will be investigated.
Prior knowledge: None
Keyword: Magnetic nanoparticles, MPS, viscoelastic media, Fokker–Planck simulation
We are looking for 1-2 committed students to set up and commission an MRI table-top device (OpenHardware project, see tabletop.martinos.org) as part of a student assistant position (ideally across semesters). The aim is to make the device usable for teaching in the Biomedical Engineering lecture and to give students practical insights into MR imaging.
The work includes setting up and testing the hardware, commissioning and, if necessary, adapting software as well as online documentation. We are looking for students with an interest in medical imaging.
Continuation as a Bachelor's or Master's thesis is possible.
Superconducting spintronics combines the resistance-free state with spin-based information transfer. Yet, integrating these two properties is challenging. In this project, you will test various material pairs to identify those in which the suppression of superconductivity by spin polarization is minimized.
Background: Superconducting spintronics combines the resistance-free state with spin-based information transfer. Yet, integrating these two properties is challenging. In this project, you will test various material pairs to identify those in which the suppression of superconductivity by spin polarization is minimized.
Keywords: Electrical transport measurements, Superconductivity
At CryoQuant, we develop and test various superconducting nanodevices whose performance depends on the conductor width. In this project, you will sputter superconductor thin films and realize ultra-narrow wires using modern nanofabrication techniques.
Background: Electrical measurements, PCB design of advantage Keywords: Nanoelectronics, Nanofabrication
The motion of vortices underlies the voltage “clicks” in microwire supercon-ducting single-photon detectors, thereby enabling single-photon counting. In this project, you will probe the maximum vortex velocities at which supercon-ductivity breaks down and investigate novel routes for their enhancement.
Background: Electrical measurements, Programming of advantage Keywords: Electrical transport measurements, Superconductivity
This thesis contributes to our new measuring device, which is able to measure from very low currents in the picoampere range up to 1 ampere. Derived from the redefinition of the ampere, which is based on counting the exact number of elementary charges, we are developing a new measuring device for quantum-precise current measurement.
We are using current-compensated and temperature-independent current-to-frequency converters. The task is to realise parallel working, symmetrical linear I/F converters that process current measurement dynamics of up to 1015 in order to create a homogeneous environment that is less susceptible to current leakage and compensation.
A vector network analyser (VNA) can be used to measure linear high-frequency components such as filters or resonators. However, a VNA must be calibrated before each use; this is usually done by connecting various calibration standards to the end of the cable and measuring them. In a cryogenic experiment at 4 K, manual reconnection is not possible.
For several years now, high-frequency-compatible micro-electromechanical-systems (MEMS) switches have been available as chips that can handle the switching between the calibration standard and the device under test (DUT). In this thesis, a switch using a Menlo MM5230 MEMS switch, including a gate driver, is to be built using PCB technology and tested.
Keywords: high frequency, cryogenic, measurement technology, PCB design,
As part of the ATIQ project for the development of an ion trap quantum computer, various semiconductor components are measured at cryogenic temperatures at the emg. One of these components is an integrated shuttling controller, which controls the ion position in the quantum computer. The aim of this work is to develop a circuit board that provides the necessary control signals for this chip.
As part of the ATIQ project for the development of an ion trap quantum computer, various semiconductor components are measured at cryogenic temperatures at the emg. One of these components is an integrated shuttling controller, which controls the ion position in the quantum computer. In this work, software is to be developed with which this chip can be tested efficiently.
As part of the ATIQ project for the development of an ion trap quantum computer, various semiconductor components are measured at cryogenic temperatures at the emg. In this work, an amplifier circuit is to be designed which can be placed between the component and the measuring device in order to amplify the output signal of the semiconductor components.
[Translate to English:] Erstellung eines Oberflächenprofils mit einem optischen Mikroskop
A movable optical microscope is used to facilitate measurements at the EMG. The microscope's images are streamed live. Objects can only be depicted clearly within a limited distance from the microscope. The objects being recorded vary in height. In this thesis, the microscope is to be moved through various heights while a series of images is captured. The sharpest parts of the images in the series are to be assembled into a composite image. The specific heights of the sharp image segments will be used in order to create a surface profile of the examined area.
Prior knowledge: Basic knowledge of Python Keywords: digital image processing, image composition, programming
A traveling optical microscope is used to control measurements performed at the EMG. The images from the microscope are displayed as a live stream. However, the microscope can only capture a portion of the test object at a time. To determine the position of the microscope over the test object, this thesis will investigate the use of ArUco codes for orientation. The codes function similarly to QR codes and are applied to the test objects. The location information is also intended to position measurement probes that subsequently perform the measurements.
Prior knowledge: Basic knowledge of Python Keywords: Digital image processing, programming
[Translate to English:] Magnetische Bioassays mit ultra-empfindlichen magnetischen Nanopartikeln
Our interdisziplinary research group focuses on detecting specific targets, such as nucleic acids and proteins, using our custom magnetic nanoparticles. For this purpose, we have employed various measurement technologies, wherein magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS) emerges as the most frequently used method due to ist fast signal delivery and ease of use. In this thesis, we aim to better understand and differentiate the factors affecting signal changes in MPS, such as separating the influence of molecular weights from that of hydrodynamic sizes. Additionally, how the absolute change in particle size correlates to the signal chang observed in MPS should be thoroughly investigated.
Keywords: Magnetic nanoparticles, DNA nanotechnology, Magnetic measurement methods
