Master’s Thesis: Upgrading an X-ray Laminography Setup

How precisely can you move a sample, and what difference does a new detector make to the image? If you enjoy combining mechanics, electronics and software, join us and help take FullMAP, our X-ray laminography setup, to the next level.

About Excillum

At Excillum, we push the boundaries of X-ray technology to enable breakthroughs in manufacturing, medicine and science. Our advanced X-ray sources enhance the manufacturing of semiconductors, batteries, electronics and aerospace components, as well as enable new biomedical and material sciences. They make our customers’ X-ray systems faster and better with lower cost of operation.

Founded in 2007 by researchers from KTH, Excillum has grown into a global leader in advanced microfocus and nanofocus X-ray sources. Today, our products are used by leading industrial companies, instrument manufacturers and research institutions around the world.

About the project

This is a hands-on thesis where you take ownership of a real upgrade from first design choices to installation and experimental evaluation. You will equip FullMAP with new sample positioning stages and a new flat-panel detector, then put both to the test. Along the way, you will build a solid understanding of X-ray imaging and laminography, learn what really determines image quality, and gain practical experience with advanced laboratory instruments, from motion control to X-ray detectors.

What you will do

• Develop a mounting design for the sample stages and install them, including hardware and control software
• Install the new flat-panel detector, hardware and software, and compare its image quality with the current detector
• Measure the accuracy and repeatability of the sample stages
• If time permits, install an electrical slip ring connection through the existing rotation stage

What you will learn

• X-ray imaging and laminography
• Image quality evaluation and detector comparison
• How to integrate motion stages and detectors in both hardware and software
• Methods for measuring stage accuracy and repeatability
• Practical work with advanced laboratory instruments

Who you are

You are a master’s student in electrical engineering, engineering physics or a similar field, and you enjoy practical problem solving across disciplines. You like to understand how the parts of a system fit together, and you are just as comfortable with a screwdriver as with a Python script.

To succeed in this project, you have:

• Programming skills in Python and experience with AI-assisted software development
• Basic electrical skills
• Basic mechanical skills
• Good communication skills in English

It is a strong merit if you have experience designing and building advanced laboratory measurement setups.

Practical information

• Level: Master’s thesis, 30 credits
• Start: January 2027
• Location: Excillum, Jan Stenbecks torg 17, Kista – at least 50% on-site
• Working language: English
• Supervisor and project owner: William Twengström, Strategic Technology Manager
• Compensation: SEK 15,000 halfway through the project and an additional SEK 15,000 upon successful completion. Excillum also covers project-related expenses such as travel and materials.

Apply

To apply, please submit your CV, a cover letter and a copy of your academic transcripts.

We look forward to your application! If you have any questions regarding the thesis, do not hesitate to contact Hugo Högberg West at hugo.hogberg@excillum.com.