Fully Funded EPSRC PhD Scholarship: Advanced Semiconductors Photodetectors

Funding providers: EPSRC

Subject areas: Photodetectors, Semiconductors, Electronics, Optoelectronics

Project start date:  

• 1 July 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-June) 

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Physics or Electronic and Electrical Engineering

Project description:  

Next generation semiconductors such as organics, perovskites and advanced compound are gaining substantial interest as materials for UV, visible and NIR photodetection. They have certain attractive features such as highly tunable bandgaps (which defines the spectral responsivity) and can be processed over large areas, with low embodied energy and in flexible form factors. Potential applications for both narrowband and broadband devices include true colour imaging systems, sensitive NIR cameras, low cost IOT sensors and optically enabled bioelectronics. The aim of this project is to study the fundamental electro-optics of molecular and other advanced semiconductor photodetector materials and devices, and to develop protocols for accurate measurement of key photodetector parameters. Activities will include: electro-optical modelling and simulation of device structures; advanced characterisation of key parameters such as noise, responsivity, specific detectivity, linearity and frequency response; and fabrication of novel device structures including strategies such as the use of narrow gap n-type materials, charge collection narrowing, trap-state manipulation, and cavity enhancement. The project would suit a student from Physics or Electrical Engineering with a strong background and interest in electronic and optoelectronic devices and / or experience in molecular semiconductors. The project will have access to world-class semiconductor device fabrication, characterisation and testing facilities at the new £55M Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials at Swansea University, and be hosted within the ground breaking Sêr SAM Group internationally recognized for their pioneering efforts in next generation semiconductors for photodetection and photovoltaics.

Eligibility

Physics PhD - Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level or a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University).

Electronic and Electrical Engineering PhD - Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline.

If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirement. Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency.

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations.

Additional Funding Information

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £18,622 for 2023/24). 

Additional research expenses will also be available.