PhD studentship in “Diamond sensors for extreme environments”
An EPSRC “CASE” studentship supported by Schlumberger Cambridge Research Ltd
Stipend £16,790 plus fees for 4 years
Supervised by: Professor Richard B. Jackman, r.jackman@ucl.ac.uk
Eligibility: This position is only open to UK or EU citizens with an undergraduate degree
in Chemistry, Engineering, Physics or a related discipline at a level of 2.1 or above (or
the international equivalent).
Brief Project Description
Diamond is wasted as a gemstone; it is actually a wide band-gap semiconductor with
many superior electronic properties to conventional materials such as silicon. It is
chemically inert in terms of the bulk, but the surface can be surface chemically
functionalized to adjust its properties. It shows a greater “electrochemical window” –
the voltage that can be supported before unwanted aqueous redox reactions set in –
than other materials. Add its mechanical, acoustic, optical and thermal properties, it is
a unique material for the realization of active sensors for gaseous and liquid species in
extreme environments. The oil industry relies on a range of ‘down-well’ sensors
particularly for well logging use. High pressures, temperatures and aggressive chemical
environments down an oil well make most materials unsuitable for use as sensors –
diamond is being actively pursued as a solution to this problem.
This PhD programme will involve the development of novel chemical and optical sensing
approaches to be implemented with diamond. Diamond surface functionalization and
subsequent electrochemistry is likely to feature throughout. Semiconductor ‘cleanroom’ processing technologies will be used to fabricate test devices for subsequent
evaluation.
You will be joining an active and friendly research team – UCLs Diamond Electronics
Group (DEG) – housed with the London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN). DEG have
Diamond growth facilities (Microwave plasma chemical vapour deposition), Diamond
processing kits, electrical and electrochemical systems, as well as a full range of
techniques for surface functionalising Diamond. Within the LCN in addition to a full
semiconductor processing ‘clean-room’ complete with e-beam lithography and focussed
ion beam tools, a full range and scanning probes for studying surfaces on the
nanometre scale are available.
The London Centre for Nanotechnology (www.london-nano.com) is a multi-disciplinary
joint enterprise between University College London and Imperial College London. Its
purpose is to solve global problems in information processing, healthcare, energy and
environment through the application of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The LCN
occupies a purpose-built eight storey facility in Gordon Street, Bloomsbury (opened in
2006) as well as extensive facilities within different departments at South Kensington.
Schlumberger is the world's leading provider of technology for reservoir
characterization, drilling, production, and processing to the oil and gas industry.
Working in more than 85 countries and employing approximately 113,000 people who
represent over 140 nationalities, Schlumberger supplies the industry's most
comprehensive range of products and services, from exploration through production
and integrated pore-to-pipeline solutions for hydrocarbon recovery that optimize
reservoir performance. The Schlumberger Gould Research Center (SGR) on the western
outskirts of Cambridge, England, is a distinctive marquee-like structure housing
multidisciplinary research teams of more than 100 scientists and technicians. Research
focuses on drilling, chemistry, fluid mechanics, and seismics, through a combination of
theory, experiment, and computational simulation.
UCL is one of the UK's premier universities and is ranked in the world's top 10. UCL is
the top-rated university in the UK for research strength. (REF2014). Founded in 1826, it
was the only university in England at that time which admitted students regardless of
race or religion. UCL was also the first to admit women on equal terms with men. Today,
UCL is an inspiring university in which to work and study and it continues to thrive on
the diversity and creativity of its community. 52% of the nearly 36,000-strong student
community is engaged in graduate studies, with nearly a third of these graduate
students pursuing research degrees.
Applications should be made in the first instance in the form of a CV e-mailed to
Professor Richard B. Jackman, r.jackman@ucl.ac.uk. Initial applications are encouraged
as soon as possible, but in any case must be submitted by 20th July 2016.