PhD opportunities in spintronics with PlymouthUniversity, Wolfson Nanomagnetics Laboratory

The Wolfon Nanomagnetics Laboratoryat Plymouth University , jointly funded by the Royal Society and the University, is a cleanroom based lab for leading edge research in nano-spintronics, nanomagnetism, computer memory and data storage technologies, nano-functional materials and biosensors. We are unique in a UK university to have a device-scale spintronic deposition tool.The predecessorof the laboratory is the world renowned CRIST research Centre. It is now also part of the Centre for Research in Translational Biomedicine (CRTB). Main facilities include:

  • A Nordiko 9550 device scale spintronic deposition tool with six targets, UHV, load-lock and 4 inch wafer processing capability.
  • A complete suite of microfabrication facility for electronic devices and sensors fabrications including mask aligner, photo-resist spinner and ion miller.
  • Nano-R Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and confocal laser microscope for nanoscale metrology and microstructural characterisation.
  • Fully computer controlled electronic, magnetic and magneto-transport measurement instruments.
  • Magnetic field annealing facility.

Research capabilities & PhD subjects

Over the years, we have built considerable experience and expertise in the deposition of nano-functional films and in the fabrication of micro-scale devices and sensors, in particular in the following areas:

  • Deposition of spin valves andmagnetic tunnel junctions with MgO tunnel barrier for data storage, computer memory (MRAM)and spintronic biosensor applications.
  • Deposition of nanoscale multi-layers on semiconductors (Si & graphene) for study of spin transport in semiconductor devices.
  • Microfabrication of magnetic, spintronic devices and biosensors.
  • Nano-scale characterisation of micro-fabricated devicesby AFM, SEM and TEM.
  • M(H), MR(H) and electron transport measurement for magnetic, spintronic and bio-transistor devices.

We are pleased to offer 6 PhD positions from the above subjects to support the China Scholarship Council Programme. These positions include two full PhD scholarships and four jointly supervised visiting students.

Requirements of applicants

Applicants are required to meet the conditions set out by theChina Scholarship Counciland pass the IELTS test with minimum score of 6.0- 6.5. In addition, you must have or about to have a first degree with first class grade in Physics or Materials Science or the relevant subjects. Knowledge of magnetism or magnetic materials is desirable. A master degree in the relevant field will be an advantage.

A brief introduction to spintronics

Spintronics is a new research field emerging from modern magnetic data storage technology and semiconductor electronics. Spin-based devices are perceived as the electronics for the 21st century and have been listed as one of the major contenders for technologies beyond CMOS in the International Technology Road Map for Semiconductors. The objective of our research is to study the spin dependent electronic transport in micro/nanoscale thin film devices and to explore their technological applications in computer memories and future electronics.

Application procedure:

Applicants are required to make their applications via the graduate school. Detailed instructions and application form for full PhD applications can be found on its website. For applications for joint supervision programme, please contact Professor Genhua Pan for further details and also for a special application form. Applicants also need to send copies of exam transcripts, curriculum vitae, copy of information page of passport, two academic references and a project proposal.

Applicants are likely to be interviewed via Skype or telephone before a conditional offer can be issued.

Successful applicants will then be required to make their scholarship applications with their conditional offers to the China Scholarship Council.

For further details, please Contact:

Miss Lucy Cheetham

Administrative Assistant (Research)

GraduateSchool, Faculty of Science and Technology

A108 Portland Square, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.

Tel: +44(0)17525 86079

Email:

Or

Professor Genhua Pan

School of Computing & Mathematics

Faculty of Science & Technology

Plymouth University, PL4 8AA, UK

Tel: +44(0)1752586258

Email:

Homepage: