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PhD Studentship: Physics of Nanostructured Materials for applications in IR detectors and fundament

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
Aug 1, 2018

Job Details

Co-supervisor:

Prof. Kees de Groot

 

Project description

We are offering a PhD position to undertake research on the physics of nanostructured materials as their confined dimensions approach the atomic limit. Examples of the work ongoing within the group include using resonant Raman scattering to determine the energy of excitons and phonons in 2 atom diameter HgTe nanowires (ACS Nano. doi: 10.1021/nn5023632).  Our work on transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers (3 atoms thick) has allowed us to quantify the scattering rates of trions, a bound state of an electron and an exciton, by phonons which will be critical to understanding photodiodes made from these materials. As well as understanding the physics of such materials we also develop new techniques for their production including pioneering electrodeposition from supercritical fluids for the production of few nanometer diameter nanowires (PNAS doi: 10.1073/pnas.0901986106).

The funding for this position is associated with a £6M Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Program Grant. Such grants are only given to internationally leading groups of interdisciplinary researchers and are considered EPSRCs flagship grants. The project involves seven academics across three universities (Southampton, Warwick and Nottingham) including the current head of the International Society of Electrochemistry, Prof. Phil Bartlett FRS.   The project has approximately 10 postdoctoral and 8 PhD students working on various aspects of Advanced Devices by Electroplating in three key technological fields; thermoelectrics, phase change memory and IR detectors. This project has already led to the development of the first practical method for electrodepositing HgTe nanowires and the first switchable electrodeposited phase change memory.

This project means that we are currently the only group in the world which has a viable method for the production of 10nm diameter HgTe nanowires. This is because the relative fragility of the Hg-Te bonds mean that techniques commonly used to produce nanowires of related materials, such as etching, have been unsuccessful. HgTe is an extremely exciting material and quantum wells formed from it are at the forefront of research into topological insulators. The student undertaking this project will undertake a variety of electrical transport and optical spectroscopy experiments to understand the bandstructure and other physics of our HgTe nanowires.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a good degree in Physics or closely related subject. They will be keen to work in a large interdisciplinary team and learn about a wide range of disciplines beyond their own research. We are strongly committed to diversity in both the academic and student population and you will be supported in developing your career while maintaining a good work-life balance through our clear family-friendly policies. For more information concerning this post please contact Prof. David Smith at dcsmith@soton.ac.uk.

 

Key facts

Entry requirements: first or upper second-class 4-year degree or Master degree in Physics, chemistry, materials or biology.

 

Closing date:

Applications should be received no later than 31 August 2018 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

 

Duration:

Four years (full-time)

 

Funding:

Full tuition fees, for UK/EU students, and a tax-free stipend of £14,553 per year

 

Assessment:

Nine month a nd 18 month reports, viva voce and thesis examination

 

Start date:

Typically September

Company

Global Academy Jobs works with over 250 universities worldwide to promote academic mobility and international research collaboration. Global problems need international solutions. Our jobs board and emails reach the academics and researchers who can help.

"The globalisation of higher education continues apace, driving in turn the ongoing development of the global knowledge economy, striving for solutions to the world’s problems and educating a next generation of leaders and contributors."

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