Compact Modeling of Electronic Devices on Flexible Substrates

James Watt PhD Scholarship Scheme

The School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow is seeking a highly motivated graduate to undertake an exciting 3.5 year PhD project “Compact Modeling of Electronic Devices on Flexible Substrates”
Dr Ravinder Dahiya and Prof Scott Roy

Project Description
Future electronic will be bendable and conformable. Recent technological advances have resulted into many interesting flexible electronic systems, also bringing to the fore challenges related to designing circuits on flexible substrates. As some flexible electronics approaches are based on nanowires, taking device variability into account becomes more challenging as atomic differences between configurations lead to significant measurable variation in IV curves between devices. The bending of flexible substrates induces stresses in the devices and chips integrated over them, which leads to changes in the IV characteristic of devices. To accurately simulate the circuits under variable stress, the piezoresistive effect needs to be considered in MOSFET design. As the standard device models are insufficient to predict the behaviour of bendable devices, the circuit design becomes quite a challenge. Therefore, there is a need to extend the standard device models to meet the challenges for future bendable electronics. Analysing the effect of uniaxial stress on the MOS devices, this project will develop new models for the devices present on ultra-thin silicon chips. By taking into account the bendability induced changes, the project will advance the state of the art in device modelling and simulation - leading to improved commercial circuit simulation tools, enabling designing circuits over flexible substrates.

The student will receive training in advanced fabrication techniques and using the same to develop bendable electronics, and advanced circuit simulation tools. Working alongside post-doctoral researchers, the student will integrate various process modules to demonstrate high performance devices.

As much of the work of the Glasgow team active in this area is strongly collaborative with leading global industrial and academic partners, the student will have the opportunity to showcase their talents to potential future employers.

Funding
The studentship is supported by the School, and it will cover tuition fees and provide a stipend of £13,726 per annum for 3.5 years.

How to apply
Application for this scholarship is made by using the online system at the following link for admission as a postgraduate research student to the admission team in the Recruitment and International Office:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/

It should be noted that this application is to gain admission to our PGR programme with the decision on this being based on your academic achievements.

The James Watt Scholarship Scheme is a competitive PhD Scholarship which requires the submission of an additional application subsequent to academic admission. More information can be found at
http://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/engineering/phdopportunities/

Contacts
For an informal discussion or for further information on this project, potential applicants are encouraged to contact: Dr Ravinder Dahiya ([Email Address Removed])

Closing date – 31 March 2014