Reconfigurable atomically thin memristors via nano-engineered defects - PHD

Defects in materials are often perceived as detrimental to the performance of electronic devices. However, when these defects are introduced in a controlled manner, they can enhance a material’s properties. A notable example is the defects in diamonds, which give rise to distinct colours. Recently, colour centres in diamond and atomically thin layers of novel two-dimensional (2D) crystals, such as hexagonal boron nitride, have demonstrated the capacity to host various types of defects with functional properties suitable for quantum sensing, memristors and novel computing platforms. The crystalline structure and clean interfaces of these materials inhibit excessive leakage current in the memristors, thereby reducing the required programming current and power consumption. The memristive behaviour at extremely thin atomic scales remains largely unexplored, primarily due to the challenges in controlling the nonlinearity of the device response and ensuring stability under varying ambient conditions. This project proposes a novel method for creating reconfigurable two-dimensional materials with memristive properties that can be controlled by voltage, temperature, and ion beams without compromising their properties. However, creating and manipulating these defects at the atomic level presents a significant challenge that requires precision, control, and advanced characterization techniques. In this project, you will collaborate with a team of experts at the forefront of this field to develop mechanisms to create defects in a controlled manner, manipulate them, and design functional quantum devices relevant to future computing technologies that harness defects. As a doctoral candidate in the Department of Physics, you will be able to advance this novel technology into practical implementation at the device level utilizing state-of-the-art nanolithography, thin-film deposition (e-beam and sputter), and quantum transport facilities (0.3K and 9T closed cycle physical property measurement systems). What we offer you: Excellent and unique research infrastructure that enables the fabrication of nanodevices in inert environments. Bespoke training and development plan ranging from soft skills to advanced computational, experimental, and modelling techniques. A supportive research environment with a diverse research community that enables interaction with multidisciplinary researchers who share the goal of developing technology that impacts the future of computing, energy harvesting, and data storage technologies.