About the Project
Micro/Nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) have becoming a pervasive technology underpinning a range of modern applications including smart phones, medical devices & implants, high resolution displays, high sensitivity sensors. In particular, NEMS contact-based switches have demonstrated advantageous performance as compared with transistor based counterpart, including low power consumption, high efficiency, non-volatility, down-scalability and low cost etc., promising an appealing alternative as digital logic building blocks for the next-generation telecommunications and computing applications. However, NEMS switches still face pressing challenges including reliability issues at contact, and stiction failure at manufacturing and operation stages.
This project will develop a novel range of tuneable micro/Nano-devices whereby their performance can be enhanced by inclusion of functional materials such as liquid crystals. This is a multidisciplinary project requiring MEMS/NEMS modelling based on multiphysics Finite Element Modelling (FEM), clean room micro/Nano fabrication for device implementation, and device testing and analysis etc. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to be trained and work in the Southampton University’s state-of-the-art cleanroom complex and world-leading laboratories, and supported by a team of interdisciplinary experts across the fields of NEMS, soft matter and physics. We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds/experience/interest in MEMS/NEMS, electrical engineering, microelectronics and semiconductive devices. Applicants should be highly motivated in interdisciplinary research, communicate well and able to work as part of a team. Applicants are expected to hold undergraduate degrees equivalent to UK 1st class honours.
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Prof. Liudi Jiang, Engineering Materials Research group, Email: [Email Address Removed], Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 8748.
Funding Notes
This studentship covers UK tuition fees and provides an annual tax-free stipend at the standard EPSRC rate, which is £14,777 for 2018/19.
Applicants must be UK residents with no restrictions on how long they can stay in the UK and have lived here for at least 3 years prior to the start of the studentship. This residence cannot be mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education.
The funding is competitive and the strength of the whole application is taken into account, including academic qualifications, personal statement, CV and references. For further guidance on funding, please contact [Email Address Removed]
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