Chemistry / Physics: Fully Funded EPSRC DTP PhD Scholarship: Towards Organic Quantum Memristors (RS606)

Funding providers: EPSRC Quantum Technologies DTP

Subject areas: Chemistry and Physics

Project start date: 

• 1 October 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-September)
• 1 January 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-December) 
• 1 April 2025 (Enrolment open from mid–March) 
• 1 July 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-June) 

Supervisors: 

• Dr James Ryan (Chemistry and CISM - j.w.ryan@swansea.ac.uk) 
• Dr Emrys Evans (Chemistry and CISM) 

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Chemistry 

Mode of study: Full-time 

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 Semiconducting 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.  

References 

1. Yang, J.J.,  Nat. Nanotechnol., 8, 13−24,  https://doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2012.240 
2. O’Kelly, C.J.,  ACS Appl. Electron. Mater., 2, 3088,  https://doi.org/10.1021/acsaelm.0c00652 
3. Pfeiffer, P., Sci. Rep., 6:29507,  https://doi.org/10.1038/srep29507 
4. Milano, G., Adv. Mater., 34, 2201248, https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202201248 
5. Norambuena, A, Phys. Rev. Appl., 17, 024056,  https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevApplied.17.024056 
6. Guo, Y.-M.,  Phys. Rev. Appl., 18, 024082,  https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevApplied.18.024082 
7. Spagnolo, M., Nat. Photon., 16, 318,  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41566-022-00973-5 
8. Ballarini, D.,  Adv. Optical Mater., 2, 1076,  https://doi.org/10.1002/adom.201400226 
9. Xiang, B., Chem. Rev., 124, 2512, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00662 

Ideally candidates will hold an MSc or equivalent in chemistry, physics or related subject. Candidates with a strong BSc degree will also be considered. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements (see country specific qualifications). Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency. 

English Language: IELTS 6.0 Overall (with no individual component below 5.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here. 

This scholarship is open to candidates of any nationality.

EPSRC DTP studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students, once the limit has been reached, we are unable to make offers to international students. We are still accepting applications from international applicants.  International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements. 

ATAS

Please note that the programme requires some applicants to hold ATAS clearance, further details on ATAS scheme eligibility are available on the UK Government website. 

ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process, successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with scholarship course offer. 

If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in. 

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at £19,237.

Additional research expenses will also be available.

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1. Course choice – please select Chemistry / PhD / Full-time / 3 Year / October (or January or April or July) 

   In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

2. Start year – please select 2024 (or 2025)
3. Funding (page 8) –

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS606 - Quantum Memristors’

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

We encourage you to complete the following to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University: 

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online form) 

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via e-mail). We strongly advise you to provide the listed supporting documents by the advertised application closing date. Please note that your application may not be considered without the documents listed:

• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.
• Two references (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Confirmation of EDI form submission (optional) 

Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Dr James Ryan (j.w.ryan@swansea.ac.uk).

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.