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PhD Studentship: Hybrid Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems for Controlling Light and Sensing

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

Job Details

Co-supervisor: Prof Malgosia Kaczmarek

Project description

Nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS) are the next generation of Microsystems – integrated miniature devices comprising both mechanical and electrical components. NEMS have the ability to sense, control and actuate on the nanoscale, and generate observable effects on the macroscale. They are anticipated to bridge (at the nanometer scale) several, previously unrelated technological and scientific domains such as, for example, electronics, photonics, metamaterials and plasmonics, medicine, chemistry, metrology and quantum mechanics. Some of the fascinating recent examples of such synergies include NEMS-based mass spectrometers, quantum transducers, and mechanically re-configurable metamaterials & plasmonic chips. Correspondingly, NEMS is beginning to shape into a key technology of the 21st century, with a potential to revolutionize both industrial and consumer products.

In this PhD project we aim to develop a new, hybrid class of NEMS for applications in smart optical materials (metamaterials) and sensors that will feature reliable, dynamically adaptable behaviour and field-programmable functions. Our approach is based on integrating NEMS with liquid crystals, which will be exploited as a functional component of the resulting hybrids. The project is looking to explore interplay between the optical and elastic properties of liquid crystals coupled to nanoscale mechanical motion and deformations in NEMS. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary environment, in close collaboration with colleagues from soft-matter and microsystems groups. The candidate will have access to the Southampton University’s state-of-the-art cleanroom complex and laboratories, with the opportunity to engage in a broad range of activities from nanofabrication and optical characterization to numerical modelling. The project offers an opportunity for scientific and hands-on training in the techniques relevant both to academia and R&D, providing the student with sufficient expertise to become a driver of the new technology.

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a background in physics, an interest in photonic technologies or material science, and a desire to develop advanced skills in nanofabrication, electron and optical microscopy, experimental photonics and computational electromagnetic modelling. Applicants are expected to hold undergraduate degrees equivalent to UK 1st class honours.

To discuss any details of the project informally please contact Dr. Vassili Fedotov

Email: vaf@orc.soton.ac.uk

Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 3085.

 

Key facts

Entry requirements: first or upper second-class degree or equivalent

Closing date:applications should be received no later than 30 September 2018 for standard admissions, but later applications may be considered depending on the funds remaining in place.

Duration: typically three years (full-time)

Funding: full tuition plus, for UK students, an enhanced stipend of £14,777 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years. www.orc.southampton.ac.uk/phd_funding.html

Assessment: nine-and 18-month reports and viva voce determine progression to PhD; progression 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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