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- Short-Wavelength Light Sources for EUV MetrologyAngana Mondal - Materials department - Contact DynamicsBart Weber - Materials & Surface Science for EUVLRoland Bliem - Materials Theory and ModelingEmilia Olsson Postdoc position: Controlling splashing and debris from solidifying tin droplets Work Activities This experiment-oriented postdoctoral position lies at the interface of fluid mechanics, phase-change physics, and industrial application. It is part of ARCNL's Source Department and the EUV Plasma Processes group. We investigate the fundamental dynamics of liquid-tin targets and plasmas that underpin present and future extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) light sources for nanolithography. This project is carried out in close collaboration with industry. Our group combines precision experiments, advanced imaging, and modeling to uncover the physics of tin droplets under extreme conditions of laser irradiation. We have established a strong track record in laser-droplet interaction, droplet deformation, and fragmentation physics. Our recently published works include laser-driven sheet formation and propulsion, curvature inversion in thin films, transitions between droplet oscillation and breakup, and singular jetting in free-falling droplets [e.g. J. Fluid Mech. 1020, A21 (2025); J. Fluid Mech. 1034, A26 (2026); Phys. Rev. Fluids 11, 073602 (2026)]. This project builds directly on that expertise to uncover how rapid solidification governs splashing, adhesion, and debris formation when molten-tin droplets impact solid substrates. Background Molten droplets impacting colder surfaces are encountered in applications ranging from EUV lithography to metal additive manufacturing and droplet-based printing. During impact, inertial spreading, capillary retraction, heat transfer, and solidification can occur on comparable timescales. Depending on impact conditions and surface properties, the droplet may adhere, rebound, splash, freeze, peel from...



