Deadline: 16 Nov. 2012
Diamond MEMs/NEMs for pressure sensing applications
Applications are invited for a three year PhD studentship, supported by School of Engineering and Applied Science to be undertaken within the Nanoscience Research Group at Aston University. The successful applicant will join an established experimental group working on diamond-based materials and devices.
The position is available to start in 2012.
Financial Support
This University studentship includes a fee bursary to cover the home/EU fees rate plus a maintenance allowance of £13,590. Applicants from outside the EU may apply for this studentship but will need to pay the difference between the 'Home/EU' and the 'Overseas' tuition fees, currently this is £10,372. In addition, Nanoscience Research Group will offer travel allowance for the student to visit overseas laboratory for international collaboration.
Background of the Project
Pressure sensors, or pressure transducers, can find a variety of applications in automotive, aerospace, and industries. For example, in automotive technology, pressure sensors can be used in aerodynamics, air bag systems, brake pressure, engine oil pressure, exhaust system testing, and fuel pressure etc, and in the field of aircraft, pressure sensors can be used to monitor the reaction control system. In addition, pressure sensors can be adapted to measure forces or structural vibration and act as electrical switch in cranes and earthmovers. The current pressure sensors suffer from various drawbacks such as poor thermal stability, low sensitivity, poor chemical inertness, high complexity in readout circuit, and high cost. The aim of this project is thus to develop a novel type pressure sensor by combining the best semiconducting diamond, the ferroelectrics with high Curie temperature, and MEMS technology. This combination will offer the high-temperature and high-sensitivity operation within a simple device structure.
Person Specification
The successful applicant should have a first class or upper second class honours degree or equivalent qualification in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related engineering discipline. Preferred skill requirements include knowledge/experience of (1) chemical vapour deposition, (2) RF sputtering and thin film characterisation; (3) piezoelectric materials; or (4) clean room device fabrication. In addition, a demonstrated ability to work as part of a team is highly desirable.
For informal enquiries about this and other opportunities within the Nanoscience Research Group, contact Dr Haitao Ye by email: h.ye@aston.ac.uk;
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