PhD Student

Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork invites applications for a PhD Student.

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship in the Photonics Theory group to work on a recently funded SFI project which aims to investigate the unusual electronic structure of two types of novel semiconductor materials: SiGeSn alloys and dilute bismide III-V alloys, as well as the consequences of their electronic structure for future electronic and photonic devices.

Given the growing demands of the information society, there is a strong need for new energy-efficient electronic and photonic devices. Metastable group IV and III-V semiconductor alloys offer the opportunity to combine new elements with well-established materials, thereby leveraging existing mass-production approaches to enable new functionality and capabilities. Because of the chemical and size differences between the new elements and the established materials, accurate description of their electronic structure is not straightforward. We aim to develop and validate multiscale models for their electronic and optical properties. The developed methods and models will then be applied, in collaboration with leading experimental groups and two industry partners, to demonstrate the potential of these alloys for future device applications.

With III-V semiconductors, we have shown that bismuth-containing alloys open wide opportunity for band structure engineering in photonic devices; we target here their potential to dramatically improve photovoltaic efficiency and to open wide opportunities in sensing and diagnostics.

Informal enquiries concerning this position can be made to Professor Eoin O’Reilly ' http://research.ucc.ie/profiles/D006/eoinoreillyor Dr. Stefan Schulzhttp://research.ucc.ie/profiles/E029/sschulz;emaileoin.oreilly@tyndall.ie;stefan.schulz@tyndall.ie
Group webpage:www.tyndall.ie/node/1920.

Responsibilities

The position seeks to investigate the electronic structure of dilute bismide alloys and its consequences for mid-IR optical sources and detectors, and for multi-junction solar cells. It is expected that much of the work will be carried out in close collaboration with experimental groups at University of Sheffield, University of Surrey and University of Marburg.

Requirements

Applications are invited from students who have, or expect to gain, a first or second class masters or honours bachelor’s degree in physics or a similar discipline.

Please apply viahttp://www.tyndall.ie/career/search, selecting reference number EOR-35 and following the instructions to complete the associated application form, attaching yourCV and motivation letter.