Xinchang Zou

Micro & Nano Technology Researcher

PhD researcher specializing in direct laser writing lithography, nanopositioning, and advanced metrology techniques. Experienced in micro/nano-fabrication and precision engineering.

📍 Ilmenau, Germany ✉️ xinchang.zou@outlook.com 📞 +49 15777905642

Education

Doctorate of Engineering
Apr 2023 - Mar 2026
TU Ilmenau / NanoFab
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Sep 2018 - Sep 2021
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Photonics • Abbe School of Photonics
Bachelor of Science
Sep 2014 - Jun 2018
Jiangnan University
Optoelectronic Information Science and Engineering

Professional Experience

Scientific Staff
TU Ilmenau / NanoFab / IPMS
Apr 2023 - Present
Research and development in advanced manufacturing technologies:
  • Micro and nano-metrology techniques
  • Micro and nano-fabrication processes
  • Sub-nanometer positioning systems
Application Engineer
GenISys GmbH
Oct 2021 - Mar 2023
  • Maintained and improved product training programs
  • Supported field application team on technically complex applications
  • Contributed to technical specifications during development cycles
  • Managed projects coordinating developers and cooperation partners
  • Performed image and data processing with comprehensive documentation
Test Automation Engineer
Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
Oct 2019 - Sep 2021
  • Developed and maintained automated tests using Ranorex and custom frameworks
  • Analyzed and troubleshooted errors in test reports
  • Continuously improved automated test structures
  • Optimized Test Automation Framework (TAF)
Research Associate & Intern
Fraunhofer Institute IOF
Mar 2019 - Sep 2021
Conducted research in optical systems and lithography, including master thesis on direct writing methods for large area gratings and system design for interference lithography.

Technical Skills

Micro & Nano Technology

  • Optical proximity correction
  • Proximity effect correction
  • Clean room processes
  • Electron beam lithography
  • Layout design (GDSII, OASIS)

Metrology & Measurement

  • Fizeau phase-shift interferometer
  • Scanning laser microscope
  • White light interferometer
  • SEM (Zeiss AURIGA, Raith systems)
  • Image processing & analysis

Software & Programming

  • MATLAB, Python, Visual Basic
  • Zemax, Tracepro
  • Ranorex test automation
  • Azure DevOps, SAP, SugarCRM
  • Windows, Linux

Languages

  • English (Professional)
  • German (Professional)
  • Chinese (Native)

Research Projects

Direct Laser Writing Lithography and Metrology
Apr 2023 - Present
Investigation of single and multi-photon lithography on nanopositioning machines. Design and characterization of direct laser writing systems, including optical, mechanical, and electronic implementation. Development of metrology solutions for lithography alignment and configurable fabrication.
Data Preparation and Simulation for Lithography
Oct 2021 - Mar 2023
Proximity correction and optimization of layout data to minimize design-manufacturing deviation. Process simulation and prediction. Advanced metrology including roughness evaluation, overlay measurement, and automated SEM inspection.
Investigation of Direct Writing Methods for Large Area Gratings
Aug 2020 - Sep 2021
Master thesis project focusing on exposure recipe design, batch command programming, and comprehensive characterization using multiple measurement techniques. Optimization of lithography system performance including resolution, homogeneity, and stability.
System Design for Direct Writing Interference Lithography
Nov 2019 - Jul 2020
Optical design including diffractive gratings, mechanical assembly, and electronic control with LabVIEW. Collaboration with partners for system integration and clean room processing.