Nanoscale optoelectronic characterisation of locally-doped semiconductors for qubit development

Single dopants in semiconductor materials (e.g. phosphorus in silicon) are promising platform for development of qubits with long coherence times. Utilising donors in silicon enables current industrial fabrication methods to be utilised to provide a scaleable manufacturing route for quantum computing architecture. However, there are many challenges associated with achieving single ion doping in silicon. The Si29 isotopes found in natural silicon hinder electron spin decoherence times, requiring silicon enrichment; and there is a lack of non-destructive characterisation tools to validate deterministic single ion doping. In this interdisciplinary project, we will utilise the state-of-the-art near-field microscope systems within the CUSTOM facility to perform non-destructive optoelectronic characterisation on nanometre length scales of samples implanted by the p-NAME facility. Target samples will include: enriched silicon, implanted silicon (e.g. In/P in Si); implanted Ge (e.g. As in Ge) and implanted topological insulators (e.g. Mn in Bi2Se3). For all these samples, the dopant activation energies lie within the MIR or THz range. We will therefore exploit the unique capability of the CUSTOM facility to operate in this frequency range at cryogenic temperatures (<10K) to freeze out carriers within the implanted samples and selective activate the dopants using our MIR and THz sources to directly image the implanted ions within these samples. Alongside this, we will use other functionality within our systems (e.g. nano-FTIR, THz-TDS) to probe the electrical conductivity, chemical composition and dielectric permittivity of these samples on nanometre length scales. This will provide a direct feedback loop between material optimisation and qubit development. 

Entry requirements

The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project. 

How to apply

You will need to submit an online application through our website here: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When you apply, you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents: 

•  Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications

•  Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress

•  CV

•  You will be asked to supply contact details for two referees on the application form (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/ work email address as we may need to verify the reference)

•  Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it.

•  English Language certificate (if applicable). If you require an English qualification to study in the UK, you can apply now and send this in at a later date. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

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