Acoustic Patterning for Printed Electronics

The University of Bath is inviting applications for the following PhD project based in the Department of Computer Science under the supervision of Prof Mike Fraser.

This PhD will develop ultrasound-based printing as a platform technology which can be used to create inexpensive, flexible electronic components based on thin-film engineering, enabling end-users such as designers or children to work with electronics.

Ultrasound interference patterns are already used to create structures in liquids for chemical and biological applications. The project will design and build ultrasound patterning devices which use acoustic forces to assemble conducting and semiconducting inks into electronic components such as electrodes, thin film dielectrics, and semiconductor surfaces, resulting in transistors, LEDs or PV solar cells. Some acoustic techniques could create static patterns of material, some could be dynamic and emulate existing thin film processing techniques. These techniques might be integrated with 3D printing or other high-level fabrication tools.

You will design and build printers based on existing early prototypes, print and test electronic components using your design, and write publications reporting these designs and results, across the user interaction, fabrication, electronics and materials communities.
You will need skills in electrical and electronic design, and be interested in at least some of acoustics, electrically functional materials, aerosols and novel inkjet technologies, or novel 3D printing techniques. You will also need to be able to communicate and write well, and contribute to an interdisciplinary collaborative environment through supportive roles to the wider team.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or high Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent qualification gained outside the UK) in a relevant subject. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous. Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement http://www.bath.ac.uk/study/pg/apply/english-language/index.html.

APPLICATIONS:

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof Mike Fraser, [Email Address Removed].

Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form:
https://samis.bath.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RDUCM-FP01&code2=0014

Please ensure that you quote the supervisor’s name and project title in the ‘Your research interests’ section.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found here:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-study/

Anticipated start date: 28 September 2020.