Supervisory Team: Kevin Huang
Project description
Two dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are emerging as revolutionary components in nanophotonics. Recently, defects and strains in these vdW materials have attracted considerable interest as they can be engineered to realize quantum light emission, such as single-photon emitters, a crucial element for the development of quantum information technologies.
Here we propose a revolutionary approach based on wafer-scale 2D monolayers grown by Van der Waals Epitaxy. Unlike the current 2D flakes (typically few tenths of micrometers) prepared by various chemical vapour deposition or exfoliation processes, our wafer-scale 2D monolayers are compatible with the current CMOS process, hence it would be much easier to control the defects and strains at ideal locations over a large-scale fabrication process. This innovative strategy will open up a full control of the light-matter interaction without compromising the possibility of locating and manipulating defects/strains in the 2D vdW materials.
In addition, waveguides and resonators/photonic crystals can be further integrated on the surface of vdW materials by nanofabrication process to enhance and control of light emission in order to move towards room-temperature operation of multipurpose scalable quantum devices.
Working in a cleanroom environment, new vdW materials will be developed and optimised, using state-of-the-art fabrication and characterisation equipment in collaboration with academic and industrial partners in the UK.
The successful candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team to gain a wide variety of technical and professional skills and will have the opportunity to collaborate and publish high impact work.
The University of Southampton is committed into sustaining an inclusive environment for all students and staff. We hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award and work continuously to improve equality in the workplace and encourage a work-life balance. The Zepler Institute is exclusively a research School: as home to over 200 researchers working in all areas of photonics it offers a unique, interdisciplinary, friendly and supportive environment in which to pursue a PhD.
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr. Kevin Huang, Email: [Email Address Removed], Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 9104.
Entry Requirements
A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).
Closing date: Applications are accepted throughout the year and several start dates throughout the year are possible. Applications for the typical Sept./Oct. 2023 start should be received no later than 31 August 2023.
Funding: For UK students, Tuition Fees and a stipend of £20,000 tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years.
How To Apply
Apply online: PhD Application | Research | University of Southampton. Select programme type (Research), 2023/24, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “PhD ORC (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Kevin Huang
Applications should include:
Research Proposal
Curriculum Vitae
Two reference letters
Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date
For further information please contact: [Email Address Removed]
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