Postdoctoral Researcher in Ultra-High Power Wide Bandgap Semiconductor RF Devices: Thermal Design & Optical Characterization

The role

Applications are invited for the role of Postdoctoral Researcher in the Centre for Device Thermography and Reliability (CDTR), to contribute to the advancement of ultra-high power GaN RF devices. This role is focused on research to enable ultra-high power GaN RF devices, including developing new laser-based optical systems to study temperature as well as electric fields that limits device performance and reliability, with sub-micron spatial resolution, in the context of studying and designing new material and device structures. Prior expertise in optical laser-based systems is therefore of benefit for this position.

What will you be doing?

Device performance, in particular the maximum power density, is often limited by heat extraction. Commercial devices operate at 5-10 W/mm, however there is need for next generation devices that allow 80-100 W/mm, a dramatical increase in power density. This requires not only radically improving heat extraction from GaN devices through integration with high thermal conductivity materials such as diamond, but also developing advanced device concepts to manage electric field distribution in the devices; you will design and implement new optical laser-based systems to study these. You will have the opportunity to study unique device structures, to apply new thermal imaging techniques for nm-scale devices, to access the extensive device testing suite available in Bristol, from advanced electrical, thermal to electric field analysis of devices, and simulation tools (ATLAS, ANSYS), and to collaborate within our 25-member team as well as with our industrial partners. The CDTR leads numerous UK and international strategic programmes on power and RF electronics, including the Innovation and Knowledge Centre REWIRE, focusing on GaN, Gallium Oxide, SiC and diamond power materials and devices, from their fundamental understanding and development, to the commercialization of device technology in part co-designed with industry. This position also benefits from the Chair in Emerging Technologies awarded to Professor Kuball, Director of the CDTR, by the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng), and various US funded programmes the CDTR is partnered in. This research position will give you the opportunity to make a major impact on future RF device technology.

You should apply if

Applicants should have postgraduate (PhD) experience in Physics, Materials Science or Engineering, with a good publication record. The position requires extensive expertise in optical characterization system design and measurement techniques, a good understanding of device physics, as well as an interest in device simulations. A willingness to work together with, and co-supervise, PhD students of the CDTR will be necessary.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding for two years

School/Unit: School of Physics

This advert will close at 23:59 on 07/07/2024

For informal queries, contact details:

Professor M. Kuball, martin.kuball@bristol.ac.uk, tel +44(0)117 928 8734

Interviews are anticipated to take place on Monday 22nd July 2024

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