About the project
With modern computing set to consume around 20% of global electricity by 2030 due to the rise of AI, energy-efficient computing hardware is urgently needed. This project aims to develop electronic and optoelectronic memory devices using ultra-thin layered two-dimensional materials.
Two-dimensional ferroelectric materials can store electrical and optical information without consuming static power and can be industrially scaled to dimensions below 10 nm. This makes them suitable for energy-efficient near-memory and intelligent computing hardware. However, device design needs to be optimised.
Our recent discoveries in clean metal contacts, 2D ferroelectrics, and alternative device architectures, offer solutions to enhance ferroelectric response and device performance.
The goal of this project is to develop electronic and optoelectronic devices based on two-dimensional semiconducting ferroelectrics.
You will:
- fabricate samples
- characterise them using advanced high-resolution microscopy and spectroscopy
- measure electronic and optoelectronic response at ambient and cryogenic temperatures
- optimise device design to enhance ferroelectric response
The devices will include ferroelectric tunnel junctions, ferroelectric diodes and multiferroic tunnel junctions to store electrical, spin and optical information at ultra-low power. The endurance and reliability of these devices will be measured to identify potential failure mechanisms.
You will access the University of Southampton Nanofabrication Centre (one of the most advanced university cleanrooms in Europe) where you will develop expertise in fabrication with the latest 200 kV electron-beam lithography, thin film deposition and characterisation.
Advanced cryogenic electrical and optical characterisation of devices will be performed within the Sustainable Electronic Technologies group and the Smart Electronic Materials Group.
There is an opportunity to collaborate with the University of Cambridge and the Henry Royce Institute where you will visit to access state-of-the-art spectroscopic facilities for in-situ device characterisation.
In addition to the above technical skills, the University of Southampton training and mentoring programmes will provide training in report writing, presentation skills, project management, and safety, all of which are useful for a future career in academia or industry.
