Photonic conversion of sol-gel organometallic precursors into inorganic thin films

The School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University offers a fully funded 3-year PhD studentship suitable for an experimental physicist, material scientist or engineer. You will work in the iSMART facility (Innovations in Surfaces, Materials And Related Technologies) where you will gain expertise in leading-edge, thin film technology, laser processing and photonics, as well as experience in translating fundamental research into practical applications.

The aim of this research project is to investigate the full potential of laser annealing as an alternative to thermal annealing for the conversion of metalorganic precursors to inorganic thin films of high quality, for use in thin film transistors (TFTs). Our proprietary laser annealing technique has proven to be highly fruitful in inducing a photo-thermal chemical conversion for the fabrication of In2O3 thin films used as the active layer in TFTs1. Laser annealing offers a highly localised thermal treatment, achieving high temperatures for ultra-short periods of time, and is compatible with large area processing (via surface scanning).

Nottingham Trent University is renowned for leading edge research, strong links with industry and its excellent teaching that shape lives and society. The School’s leading-edge research was recognised by the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2015. The University is making multi-million pound investments in both buildings and equipment at the Clifton campus, an award-winning “green” campus, where you will be based. You will join a growing and vibrant research group, within the world-leading Materials and Engineering Research Centre. The group benefits from significant international and national collaborators and excellent quality resources (expertise and equipment). You will be part of the wider postgraduate community within the School, with opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration with experts in Chemistry, Engineering, Physics and Nanotechnology.

Specific qualifications/subject areas required of the applicants for this project:

Entrants must have a first/undergraduate Honours degree, with an Upper Second Class or a First Class grade, in Physics, Material Science, Nanotechnology, Electrical Electronic Engineering, or a relevant subject. Entrants with a Lower Second Class grade at first degree must also have a postgraduate Masters Degree at Merit.