About the project
This PhD project focuses on using polyoxometalates (POMs) to develop next-generation nanoscale devices for memory and neuromorphic computing. Leveraging POMs' unique electronic properties, you will design and optimise devices for high stability, energy efficiency, and scalability. Applications include AI hardware and energy-efficient, real-time processing for edge devices.
This PhD project offers a unique opportunity to work on groundbreaking nanoscale devices for memory and neuromorphic computing using polyoxometalates (POMs), a materials class with exceptional stability and tunable electronic properties. As silicon-based systems reach their limits, the need for alternative materials and architectures is critical.
In this project, you will lead the way in developing POM-based devices to transform data storage and computing. Specifically, you will explore POMs as active materials for resistive switching devices, such as resistive RAM (ReRAM), and design POM-based devices that mimic synaptic plasticity, enabling brain-like, parallel computation. You will optimise the device fabrication and materials processing parameters that maximise the stability, energy efficiency, and speed of POM-based devices.
You will join the multi-disciplinary Flexible Nanoelectronics Lab, while you will have the opportunity to build connections with UK and European research partners. Additionally, you will be encouraged to attend major conferences, sharing your work and networking with leading experts.
The impact of this work extends beyond academia; your findings could lead to efficient, scalable devices for applications in artificial intelligence (AI), low-power data storage, and edge computing. Your work will help develop technology capable of high-speed, energy-efficient computation that mimics brain functions—ideal for AI tasks like pattern recognition, decision-making, and adaptive learning.
This project is a chance to contribute to emerging technologies with the potential to revolutionise data processing and computing, while gaining skills, recognition, and experience that will position you as a leader in the field of nanoelectronics and memory technology.
You will gain hands-on experience with advanced nanofabrication and characterisation techniques, working in the state-of-the-art Zepler cleanroom facilities at the Optoelectronics Research Centre. You will also get trainings to expand your transferrable skills, such as effective oral and written communication, entrepreneurial and organisational skills.
