Nanofabrication of novel materials for spintronics and energy harvesting

About the Project

Society has benefitted from the continued miniaturisation of electronic components to the extent that we now take the availability of portable personal devices such as smart watches, phones, tablets and lighter, faster laptops for granted. What these technologies have in common is the underpinning science of the materials and methods used to nanofabricate complex computer chips on an industrial scale. Progress with regards to the miniaturisation of such electronic components has in recent years, however, started to slow down due to challenges such as overheating of individual elements, or the resolution limit of industrial processes such as extreme UV lithography.

The next generation of electronics will likely rely on a step change in the materials used: taking advantage of the unique properties of 2D materials and their interaction with each other as van der Waals heterostructures; design of quantum metamaterials that exhibit electronic properties not seen in nature; or the manipulation of the electron spin to design spin electronics (spintronics).

You will be working within the Centre for the Science of Materials to develop new materials and devices using our state of the art Multichamber deposition and lithography system. Research areas within the centre include magnetism and superconductivity, spintronics, 2D and topological materials, neuromorphic devices for computing and Energy related materials and devices. With expertise ranging from modelling and assembly of van der Waals heterostructures to neuromorphic devices and thermoelectric technology you will have the opportunity to be exposed to a broad variety of research topics and techniques. This will be further supported by access to the Loughborough Materials Characterisation Centre, which offers a combination of an experienced team of researchers and world class characterisation equipment.

You will have the opportunity to develop expertise in optical and thermal lithography techniques, thin film deposition by e-beam and sputtering, scanning probe microscopy, and various electric and magnetic characterisation techniques.

Entry requirements

Students should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in physics, materials engineering, or a related subject. A relevant master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: lithography techniques, thin film deposition techniques, and/or scanning probe microscopy.

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

No bench fees required.

How to apply

All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select Physics. Please quote the advertised reference number: PH/KM-SF1/2026 in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit a CV and the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application. Please note that this criteria is used for both funded and self-funded projects.

Please note, applications for this project are considered on an ongoing basis once submitted and the project may be withdrawn prior to the application deadline, if a suitable candidate is chosen for the project.