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| | == Vacancies: == | | == Vacancies: == |
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| − | === PhD Studentship on Nanoscale Perovskites for Energy Harvesting === | + | === Imaging Multifunctional Nanomaterials in Three-Dimensions with Coherent X-rays === |
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| − | Reference: NGCM-116
| + | Multifunctional materials that simultaneously exhibit more than one ferroic property including ferromagnetism, ferroelectricity, ferroelasticity or ferrotoroidicity are of great interest because the different properties may work together in different ways and lead to exciting new potential applications, if we could understand this better. For example, the coupling between magnetic and ferroelectric ordering can be utilised to develop low power magnetoelectronic devices (such as non- volatile magnetic computer memory) where the spin polarised transport of electrons can be used to flip magnetic memory bits. As a result there is a vibrant effort to understand the underlying mechanisms at work in bulk and thin film materials. Often the role of crystal defects and other topological structures remains unclear as (to date) no reliable means exists to image in three-dimensions and observe such effects in real-time. |
| | + | In addition, common Li-ion battery cathode materials such as LixCoO2 (LCO) allow high capacities and reliable cyclability, but suffer from structural degradation over repeated charging cycles. |
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| − | The development of portable renewable energy power sources as an alternative to batteries is an attractive prospect that will permit a new class of renewable energy devices that can operate indefinitely. We have identified a class of multiferroic perovskite nanoscale materials that are ideal for device integration due to their unique properties that lead to enhanced functionality. Less is however known about the physical mechanism responsible for the enhancement and role of surface and interfacial effects within the composite device structure. The ability to simulate the structural and electronic properties of the complete device structure is highly desirable for rapid device optimisation and will serve to accelerate experimental efforts in device fabricating and testing. | + | The aim of this project is to image time-varying correlated phenomena in a range of multifunctional materials. The results will (1) facilitate in identifying new and potentially novel applications for the materials of interest, (2) provide insight into scale-invariant properties of correlated material systems and (3) provide improved performance of battery materials. |
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| − | In this project, we will develop, evaluate and use simulation software that permits large-scale parallel computation of performance characteristics of vibrational energy harvesting devices using state of the art High Performance Computing (HPC) systems such as Iridis. We will focus primarily on a theoretical description based on ab-initio and meta-dynamics simulations of charge transport in piezeoelectromagnetic materials functioning in a device setting. Extensions will include exploring the role of defects in nanocrystal heterojunction interfaces formed with organic conductive polymers. This work will provide a fundamental understanding in the design and interpretation of ultrafast coherent X-ray imaging experiments, as performed at fourth-generation X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) facilities such as the European XFEL in Hamburg.
| + | To better understand these materials we will use a technique called Bragg coherent X-ray diffractive imaging (BCXDI) without lenses to reveal how novel phases emerge and influence the material properties. The application of BCXDI to the study of multifunctional materials will enable a wide range of next generation technologies that otherwise are inaccessible due to an incomplete understanding of their properties. |
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| − | The outcome of the project will be a complete modeling framework that is able to (1) accurately predict the performance characteristics of devices for a range of nanocrystal-polymer composites and (2) interpret Bragg coherent X-ray imaging measurements as performed on devices. We will use this framework to support and accelerate experimental and theoretical research of our national and international collaborators and to further the development of renewable energy devices towards commercialisation.
| + | Applications are invited from bright and highly motivated students with a background in physics, materials science, inorganic chemistry or a related field. The successful candidates will have obtained either a First or Upper Second class honours degree. |
| − | We are looking for an applicant with a background in physics, engineering, mathematics, or computer science, and an appetite to learn and research across conventional discipline boundaries.
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| − | The stipend is at the standard EPSRC levels. More details on facilities and computing equipment are available
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| − | [http://ngcm.soton.ac.uk/facilities.html here]
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| − | If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Marcus Newton, Email: M.C.Newton (at) soton.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) 2380 597548
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| − | This project is run through participation in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Next Generation Computational Modelling (http://ngcm.soton.ac.uk). For details of our 4 Year PhD programme, please see [http://www.findaphd.com/search/PhDDetails.aspx?CAID=331&LID=2652 here]
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| − | To apply, please complete an online application form. Further information can be found [http://www.southampton.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgstudy/howdoiapplypg.html here].
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| − | === PhD studentship on Photoresponsive nanocomposite coatings for anti-laser dazzling in aviation safety ===
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| − | Reference: 870217F2
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| − | Laser attacks penetrating aircraft windshields at pilots are incredibly dangerous which could cause hazardous and potentially lethal distraction, posing a significant and increasing threat in aviation safety. The Department for Transport estimates there are around 1,500 laser attacks on aircraft per year in the UK, while last year through October 22 the US Federal Aviation Association noted 5,564 reported laser strike incidents took place nationwide.
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| − | The aim of this project is to develop a nanocrystal quantum dot (QDs) based photoresponsive nanocomposite coating which will respond to and adsorb laser illuminations at selected wavebands with high input intensities, whilst the normal visible light transmission at low input intensities is not obstructed, leading to an energy dependent blocking of laser light. Due to quantum confinement effect, the fluorescence emission wavelength is also dependent on the dot size, that will allow us to mitigate laser in different colour.
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| − | The specific objectives of the project will be: (i) to synthesise nanocrystal QDs with desired size and corresponding optical properties, by using the advanced continuous-flow reactor technology developed in our research groups; (ii) to design and functionalise QDs surface; (iii) to embed such produced QDs into polymeric matrix to form nanocomposite coatings; and (iv) to characterise the coatings in terms of laser intensity mitigation. This project will be supervised by a multidisciplinary supervisory team across engineering, materials chemistry, and industry, based on the established collaboration.
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| − | Candidates will have a first class or upper second class degree (or its equivalent) in relevant disciplines, e.g. chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering and/or relevant nano science and technology. The successful candidate will work with a group of highly motivated, first class research students in the areas of engineering materials, chemistry and bioengineering.
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| − | If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Xunli Zhang, Bioengineering research group, Email: XL.Zhang@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 2380 59 5099.
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| − | To apply, please click [http://www.southampton.ac.uk/engineering/postgraduate/research_degrees/apply.page here]
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| − | === PhD studentship on Nanoscale Piezoelectric Materials for Energy Harvesting (2 posts available) ===
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| − | There is growing economic and social need to transition to renewable energies to meet the impending challenges of climate change. Renewable energy will contribute to safeguarding energy security and help to reduce fossil fuel dependency. Our everyday environment has an abundance of energy sources, the choice of which depends on accessibility, implementation and conversion efficiency. These include solar, geothermal, mechanical, magnetic, chemical and biological. Due to the potential benefits of nanostructured materials, there is currently a vibrant research effort for their utilisation in low cost and robust devices. With the drive to device portability and miniaturisation beyond the nanoscale, development of robust renewable power sources as an alternative to batteries is an attractive prospect. The aim of this project is to develop low cost solution processable mechanical and vibrational energy harvesting technologies based on low cost and environmentally friendly nanomaterials. The objective will be to deliver functional devices with energy densities sufficient for remote applications. The scientific challenge is to develop the materials and methods for integration into a range of energy harvesting device structures. We have identified a class of nanomaterials that are an ideal choice for device integration due to their unique properties that can lead to enhanced functionality. A key theme in this project is to investigate the optimal choice of nanomaterial-polymer composite that provides the optimal energy conversion efficiency. Another key aspect is the evaluation of the material in a practical energy harvesting application. In this project, you will focus on either (1) the fabrication and optimisation of nanostructured materials and their application onto an energy harvesting structure for use in a real application scenario or (2) materials design using coherent X-ray imaging at the Diamond Light Source. Both aspects will use the state-of-the-art facilities within the Southampton Nanofabrication Centre. This project is a collaboration with the Electronic Systems and Devices Group (Prof. Steve Beeby) in the faculty of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS).
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| − | Applications are invited from bright and highly motivated students with a background in physics, materials science, inorganic chemistry or a related field. The successful candidates will need to be UK nationals and have obtained either a First or Upper Second class honours degree. | |
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| − | Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr. Marcus Newton ( M.C.Newton(a)soton.ac.uk ).
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| − | To apply, please complete an online application form. Further information can be found [http://www.southampton.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgstudy/howdoiapplypg.html here].
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| − | === PhD studentship on Ultra-fast X-ray Imaging of Nanoscale Structures ===
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| − | A long standing dream of chemical physics is to directly observe atomic motions during the event of a chemical transition from one state to another. The ability to quantitatively observe atomic motions within the transition state region where atoms exchange nuclear configurations would greatly facilitate our understanding of the physical process. This is particularly true for strongly correlated electronic materials where the interaction between the valence electrons can strongly influence the materials properties. Such materials are interesting as their unique properties are of considerable utility for device physics, functional materials and the study of fundamental condensed matter physics.
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| − | The aim of this project is to understand the initial stages of the femtosecond structural phase transition in strongly correlated electronic materials such as vanadium dioxide. The candidate will become proficient in the use of femtosecond coherent X-ray diffraction imaging (CXDI) for studying femtosecond structural dynamics in nanometre scale self-assembled structures.
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| − | To investigate strongly correlated phenomena the student will focus on one or more components to this multidisciplinary project. They include (1) nanoscale materials fabrication and characterisation; (2) time-resolved femto-second coherent X-ray diffraction imaging (CXDI); and (3) supercomputing based finite element materials modelling of light matter interactions.
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| − | The successful candidate will work with an international team of research scientists with a broad range of skills. The successful candidate will also visit a number of research facilities across the world including the SACLA XFEL facility in Japan and the Diamond Light Source to perform experiments.
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| − | Applications are invited from bright and highly motivated students with a background in physics, materials science, inorganic chemistry or a related field. International students are required to provide evidence of their proficiency in English language skills. Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Dr. Marcus Newton via email at M.C.Newton at soton.ac.uk.
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| − | Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr. Marcus Newton ( M.C.Newton(a)soton.ac.uk ).
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| − | To apply, please complete an online application form. Further information can be found [http://www.southampton.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgstudy/howdoiapplypg.html here].
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| − | <!-- === Diamond Light Source Summer Placements 2015 – Open for Applications === -->
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| − | The Diamond Student Summer Placement scheme allows undergraduate students studying for a degree in Science, Engineering, Computing or Mathematics (and who expect to gain a first or upper-second class honours degree) to gain experience working within a scientific environment at Diamond. These 8-12 week placements are paid positions and will provide successful students with an opportunity to work on a research or development project within Diamond. The placements will be paid at a rate of £14,069pa on a pro-rata basis. They are available to students within the European Union, who are registered as undergraduate students at the time of the placements – typically during the summer following their penultimate year.
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| − | In addition to working on a specific project, the students will have an opportunity to visit research teams based at Diamond and other facilities on site. Training will be provided to allow the students to give a short presentation on their work and to summarise their activities in a poster.
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| − | Short-listed candidates will be invited to a student day on 1st or 2nd of March 2016, where they will visit Diamond to be interviewed for one or more projects and find out more about our scientific and technical activities.
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Vacancies:
Imaging Multifunctional Nanomaterials in Three-Dimensions with Coherent X-rays
Multifunctional materials that simultaneously exhibit more than one ferroic property including ferromagnetism, ferroelectricity, ferroelasticity or ferrotoroidicity are of great interest because the different properties may work together in different ways and lead to exciting new potential applications, if we could understand this better. For example, the coupling between magnetic and ferroelectric ordering can be utilised to develop low power magnetoelectronic devices (such as non- volatile magnetic computer memory) where the spin polarised transport of electrons can be used to flip magnetic memory bits. As a result there is a vibrant effort to understand the underlying mechanisms at work in bulk and thin film materials. Often the role of crystal defects and other topological structures remains unclear as (to date) no reliable means exists to image in three-dimensions and observe such effects in real-time.
In addition, common Li-ion battery cathode materials such as LixCoO2 (LCO) allow high capacities and reliable cyclability, but suffer from structural degradation over repeated charging cycles.
The aim of this project is to image time-varying correlated phenomena in a range of multifunctional materials. The results will (1) facilitate in identifying new and potentially novel applications for the materials of interest, (2) provide insight into scale-invariant properties of correlated material systems and (3) provide improved performance of battery materials.
To better understand these materials we will use a technique called Bragg coherent X-ray diffractive imaging (BCXDI) without lenses to reveal how novel phases emerge and influence the material properties. The application of BCXDI to the study of multifunctional materials will enable a wide range of next generation technologies that otherwise are inaccessible due to an incomplete understanding of their properties.
Applications are invited from bright and highly motivated students with a background in physics, materials science, inorganic chemistry or a related field. The successful candidates will have obtained either a First or Upper Second class honours degree.