Science and Engineering: Fully Funded EPSRC PhD Scholarship: Advanced Semiconductors Photodetectors (RS604)

Funding providers: EPSRC

Subject areas: Photodetectors, Semiconductors, Electronics, Optoelectronics

Project start date: 

• 1 July 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-June)

Supervisors:

• Professor Paul Meredith
• Dr Greg Burwell
• Dr Drew Riley

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Physics or Electronic and Electrical Engineering

Mode of study: Full-time 

Project description: 

Next generation semiconductors such as organics, perovskites and advanced compound are gaining substantial interest as materials for UV, visible and NIR photodetection. They have certain attractive features such as highly tunable bandgaps (which defines the spectral responsivity) and can be processed over large areas, with low embodied energy and in flexible form factors. Potential applications for both narrowband and broadband devices include true colour imaging systems, sensitive NIR cameras, low cost IOT sensors and optically enabled bioelectronics. The aim of this project is to study the fundamental electro-optics of molecular and other advanced semiconductor photodetector materials and devices, and to develop protocols for accurate measurement of key photodetector parameters. Activities will include: electro-optical modelling and simulation of device structures; advanced characterisation of key parameters such as noise, responsivity, specific detectivity, linearity and frequency response; and fabrication of novel device structures including strategies such as the use of narrow gap n-type materials, charge collection narrowing, trap-state manipulation, and cavity enhancement. The project would suit a student from Physics or Electrical Engineering with a strong background and interest in electronic and optoelectronic devices and / or experience in molecular semiconductors. The project will have access to world-class semiconductor device fabrication, characterisation and testing facilities at the new £55M Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials at Swansea University, and be hosted within the ground breaking Sêr SAM Group internationally recognized for their pioneering efforts in next generation semiconductors for photodetection and photovoltaics.

Physics PhD - Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level or a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University). If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements (see country specific qualifications). Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency. 

Electronic and Electrical Engineering PhD - Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements (see country specific qualifications). Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency. 

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations. 

If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in. 

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £18,622 for 2023/24).

Additional research expenses will also be available.

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1. Course choice – please select Physics or Electronic and Electrical Engineering / PhD / Full-time / 3 Year / July

   In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

2. Start year – please select 2024
3. Funding (page 8) –

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS604 - Advanced Semiconductors’

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

We encourage you to complete the following to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University: 

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online form) 

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via e-mail). We strongly advise you to provide the listed supporting documents by the advertised application closing date. Please note that your application may not be considered without the documents listed:

• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.
• Two references (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Confirmation of EDI form submission (optional) 

Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Rhian Jones (Rhian.C.Jones@swansea.ac.uk).

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.