Organic Semiconducting Lasers

Qualification type: PhD

Location: Durham University, UK

Funding for: UK Students

Funding amount: £20,109 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Duration: 3.5 years (From October 2021)

Fully Funded Doctoral Studentship in Electronic Engineering, Department of Engineering, Durham University

Durham University, one of the top 100 universities in the world (ranked 82nd in QS World University Rankings 2022) is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD studentship to work within the Department of Engineering on building next generation of electronic sensors. The project aim is to develop new electronic sensor technology for biomedical and chemical detection applications. The successful candidate will have full access to the facilities available at the Department of Engineering at Durham University. The successful applicant will be also able to access training through Durham University’s Researcher Development Programme. This project presents an excellent opportunity for a candidate interested in an applied research career, within a 3.5 year funded study programme. The Department of Engineering holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting gender and ethnic diversity in Science, Engineering and Technology.

Project Title

Organic Semiconducting Lasers

Project Description

Organic semiconductor materials combine novel opto-electronic properties with simple fabrication and the scope for tuning the chemical structure to give desired applications makes them attractive for low cost, flexible, biocompatible and stretchable microelectronic systems that go beyond the scope of conventional electronics.

The goal of this PhD project is to develop novel type of organic optoelectronic devices (i.e. Light emitting transistors) to probe the dynamics of material combinations, device architectures in high-frequency electro-optical measurements.

The PhD student will work as a part of the team, working on a recently EPSRC funded multidisciplinary project to address the research challenges in the processing of materials, designing device architectures, and understanding and optimising the fast transient operation of novel devices to achieve lasing in organic materials. Student will also have the possibility to get involved with other institutes at Durham and training courses. The outcome of this project will provide significant benefits to the student, and build strong skill sets.

Assessment Criteria

Prospective candidates will be assessed on how well they meet the following essential criteria:

·      At least 2:1 degree with 65%+ average in Physics, Electronic Engineering or natural sciences (preferably M.Eng or M.Sc.) with a strong ability in electronics, experimental materials characterisation.

·      Strong evidence of understanding of engineering applications and problem solving.

·      Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.

The following criteria are desirable but not essential:

·      Knowledge of device design, device fabrication and / or signal processing.

·      First degree in electronic engineering / applied physics.

·      Evidence of practical abilities in designing and building electronic components.

·      Working knowledge in programming.

Candidates should contact the relevant member of academic staff to discuss project-specific requirements.

Closing Date for Applications: Upon successful recruitment of a suitable applicant