PhD opportunities in spintronics with
Plymouth University, Wolfson
Nanomagnetics Laboratory
The Wolfon Nanomagnetics Laboratory at Plymouth University , jointly funded by the Royal
Society and the University, is a cleanroom based lab for leading edge research in nanospintronics, nanomagnetism, computer memory and data storage technologies, nanofunctional materials and biosensors. We are unique in a UK university to have a device-scale
spintronic deposition tool. The predecessor of 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:
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A Nordiko 9550 device scale spintronic deposition tool with six targets, UHV, loadlock 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:
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Deposition of spin valves and magnetic 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 devices by AFM, SEM and TEM.
M(H), MR(H) and electron transport measurement for magnetic, spintronic and biotransistor 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 the China Scholarship Council and
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)
Graduate School, Faculty of Science and Technology
A108 Portland Square, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
Tel: +44(0)17525 86079
Email: lucy.cheetham@plymouth.ac.uk
Or
Professor Genhua Pan
School of Computing & Mathematics
Faculty of Science & Technology
Plymouth University, PL4 8AA, UK
Tel: +44(0)1752586258
Email: gpan@Plymouth.ac.uk
Homepage: www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/gpan