Chemistry/Physics: Fully Funded Quantum Technologies EPSRC DTP PhD Scholarship: Towards Organic Quantum Memristors

Funding providers: EPSRC Quantum Technologies DTP

Subject areas: Chemistry and Physics

Project description: 

This fully funded project will explore the application of organic semiconductors in quantum computing. Building on research into organic memristors for neuromorphic computing, we are looking to exploit quantum phenomena in these devices and to ultimately realise an organic quantum memristor (QM).   

Memristors themselves are promising devices for realising multi-state memory, physical neural networks and neuromorphic computing [1]. Recently, we have developed high quality organic memristors that emulate the synaptic behaviour of the brain using squaraine molecules, first using self-assembled nanowires before moving to thin-film devices that are can be integrated with current semiconductor processes [2]. 

A QM is a device that couples classical memristive behaviour with quantum coherence [3]. Several approaches to realise QMs have been envisaged and more recently a quantum optical memristor has been demonstrated experimentally [4-7]. Quantum coherent states can be realised in certain organic semiconductors through the coupling of photons and excitons to form an exciton polariton [8,9].  

In this project, the application of organic exciton polaritons in memristors will be explored to first understand how they can be exploited in optoelectronic memristors before using them to devise a true organic quantum memristor.  

The role will test a number of novel organic semiconductors and involve thin-film processing and characterisation, device fabrication, advanced spectroscopy, and optical modelling. It will be highly collaborative, working with researchers across the university as well as the UK and abroad. Several training opportunities will be available during the project. For e.g., industry-standard training opportunities in cleanroom practices, device fabrication and characterisation will be run to enhance research skills and improve future employment opportunities. Within the CISM community, informal seminars and training in advanced optics and spectroscopy, thin-film deposition and coding are regularly offered. Furthermore, project costs towards dissemination of research results and enhanced training in quantum technologies are included in this studentship.  

The candidate will be supervised by Dr James Ryan and Dr Emrys Evans, both academics in the Department of Chemistry and Principal Investigators in the Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM), located in Swansea University’s Bay Campus.  

This project is aligned with Swansea University’s major expansion in Semiconductor Science and Engineering – both research and teaching. This expansion is spearheaded through the new Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM) – a £90M decadal vision of a bespoke new £30M industry-focused R&D facility. This facility is the first of its kind to fully integrate materials-and-device-level fabrication, analysis and testing across mainstream and emerging semiconductor platforms (silicon, narrow and wide gap compound semiconductors, soft next generation semiconductors such as organics and perovskites). This world-leading initiative is in direct response to the needs of the rapidly expanding regional semiconductor industry, and our shared vision of a thriving and modern manufacturing-intensive Welsh Economy.  

Eligibility

Candidates must hold a UK bachelor’s degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in chemistry or a related subject or overseas bachelor’s degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in chemistry or a related subject. Or a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ in chemistry or a related subject (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University).

Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency. 

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