In situ structural characterisation of advanced piezoelectrics

In situ characterisation is critical to investigating and understanding structure-function relationships in materials. In this project you will work within a broad group of academic and industry partners seeking to develop the capabilities and applications of high-strain single crystal piezoelectric materials. In particular, you will specialise in using world-leading synchrotron x-ray and neutron sources (in Australia and globally) to conduct in-situ characterisation of these materials during their actuation cycle, providing unique insights of the underlying functional mechanisms.

Our research group has extensive experience and equipment for conducting such experiments under unique electric field and mechanical loading conditions. Skills developed will cover a broad range of potential future directions including large-scale facility science, materials fabrication and preparation, electrical and mechanical testing and data science, just to name a few.

The project can be tailored to be suitable for specific student backgrounds and applications are welcome from students with Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related fields.

Due to funder requirements, applicants should be an Australian citizen although applicants from other nations may be considered in special circumstances. For qualified candidates the projects are offering stipends up to AUD$45,000 per year on top of tuition fee scholarship.