Experts in microelectronics and photonics in demand
The smooth operation of society depends on electronic systems. There is a constant need for systems such as satellites to be more reliable. As research on electronic components and materials has become more important, along with that on photonics and radiation effects in these technologies, so has the education of experts in these fields. Moreover, the European Union has defined these fields as key technologies for the future.
Studies provide students with basic knowledge of radiation and its effects
The international RADMEP programme is an EU-funded Erasmus Mundus joint degree programme providing studies in microelectronics and photonics. The programme is coordinated by University Jean Monnet (UJM) St. Etienne, France. In addition to the Ģֱ (JYU), the other participating universities are the University of Montpellier (UM) and KU Leuven (KUL).
“The main emphasis of the studies is on taking the effects of radiation into account when applying these technologies in different radiation environments, such as in space, nuclear power plants and particle accelerators,” says Senior Researcher Arto Javanainen, the local academic coordinator of the programme at JYU. “JYU provides studies in electronics, semiconductor physics, programming, and nuclear physics. Students can choose their studies according to their interests.”
The students are selected through a joint admission process, and they start their studies at JYU. In the spring semester, the students continue their studies in Belgium, at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL). Studies in the next autumn semester continue in France, either at Jean Monnet University in St. Etienne or at the University of Montpellier, depending on the student’s area of specialisation. Those specialising in photonics continue in St. Etienne, while those interested in microelectronics move to Montpellier.
“When participating in an international programme, it is always good to remember that cultures differ and teaching practices vary depending on the place,” says Alla Marchenko from Ģֱ,who has just recently graduated fromthe RADMEP programme. “For a Finnish student, many things may seem surprising, but one gets used to it by taking an open-minded approach.”
New international friends
The international programme naturally increases the opportunities for interacting with others and networking. The students can also take advantage of their opportunities for work practice to establish valuable contacts.
“During the programme, I have definitely gained international experience,” says Marchenko. “It has been awesome to get a chance to live in many different countries, to meet different people and integrate into the local cultures. All of the students were very open and easy to approach.”
Master’s thesis leading to research on best glue
The final spring semester is dedicated to master’s theses, which are completed in both international companies and university laboratories. For example, Hossameldin Elsayed completed his master’s thesis at the University ofTampere during spring 2024. The title of his thesis was “Advanced techniques in hybrid assembly of tunable lasers: UV-adhesive integration and packaging”, and it dealt with the properties of the optimal glue for reliable assembly of different components of a laser system. He got an honorary mention for the best master’s thesis.
Excellent job prospects
The programme is fairly new, and it has produced only two graduating classes so far. The first student intake for the programme was in 2021. Of these students, all 11 who graduated in 2023 and are now employed. The 18 students of the second intake graduated this autumn, and most of them have already found a job.
“Two-thirds of the students come from outside Europe, but most find employment in Europe or nearby regions,” JYU International Coordinator Leena Mattila, who is also the local Administrative Coordinator of the RADMEP programme. “Employment prospects for the graduates are good, and there is a clear demand for skilled experts.”
Researchers at JYU study the radiation conditions of space
Research in the JYU Department of Physics is strongly linked to the studies in the RADMEP programme. In the Accelerator Laboratory, researchers study the radiation sensitivity of various electronic components and systems to be sent into space worldwide, to ensure that they can endure the demanding conditions of space. At RADEF, the RADiation Effects Facility, in Jyväskylä, scientists simulate various radiation effects observed in components used in space and identify the weak points of satellite components. In this way, we can estimate the mean failure rates for satellites as well as the lifespan in the final orbit. Satellite components are tested by exposing them to streams of high-energy particles produced in the cyclotron of the JYU Accelerator Laboratory. Particles of different mass are shot at components in order to find out the particular points of emerging failures in the radiated components.
“Using streams of particles, we investigate how the particles affect the components to be installed in satellites,” says Arto Javanainen from the RADEF Research Groupat the JYU Department of Physics. “In this way, we can determine which ones are the most durable and ensure that they work reliably as long as possible in space.”
