On a regular basis, the CiS e.V. together with the CiS Forschungsinstitut für Mikrosensorik GmbH awards the Silicon Science Award for outstanding scientific achievements in the field of microsystems technology. CiS e.V. wants to encourage young scientists to deal with these topics and research tasks and to present their work to a broad public.
The sponsors provide a total of 4,000 € in prize money for various categories. This year, 3 prize winners can look forward to the award.
In the category of bachelor theses, the work of Ms. Sonja Wismath, TU Darmstadt, Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology is awarded. She convinced with the topic “Design of a force sensor integrated in a hollow needle”. For this, she used silicon-based piezoresistive strain elements and developed an innovative manufacturing process, which was patented (DE 10 2017 105 053 1) and published on September 13, 2018.
In the dissertation category, 2 award winners are selected.
The dissertation “Optical coherence tomography with extreme ultraviolet radiation” by Dr. Silvio Fuchs includes a contribution on the development of a novel method for non-destructive nanoscale imaging of 3-dimensional structures. At the current stage of development, the method is particularly suitable for imaging layer-like structures in silicon-based samples, including the identification of the materials. First companies have already signaled their interest in using it. Dr. Fuchs worked on his dissertation at the FSU Jena, Institute for Optics and Quantum Electronics. Together with 2 colleagues he founded the spin-off company “Indigo Optical Systems GmbH” 2 years ago, which develops, produces and sells XUV measurement technology.
Also awarded is the dissertation of Dr. Robert Täschner. His topic “Process and sensor development for production-ready high-temperature silicon-based pressure sensor systems” comprises a scientifically sound and in many aspects practically relevant contribution to the design of miniaturized pressure sensors for application ranges up to 300°C. The focus of his investigations is consistently the proof of process suitability and thus series production. With a high variety of experiments as well as extensive mechanical and electrical tests, quantitative statistical statements are secured. Dr. Täschner completed his dissertation at the Technical University of Ilmenau, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology.
The next Silicon Science Award will be announced at the beginning of 2021. Awards can be made in the categories of bachelor’s, master’s and diploma theses as well as dissertations. All work submitted must have been written between September 2019 and the submission deadline of March 30, 2021.
Prof. Thomas Ortlepp (CiS Research Institute), Dr. Silvio Fuchs (FSU Jena), Geert Brokmann (CiS e.V.)
