Advancing the frontier of non-equilibrium plasma enabled semiconductor manufacturing: laser-spectroscopy measurements of non-equilibrium molecular plasmas

Semiconductor technologies are foundational to our experience of the modern world, enabling computers, mobile phones and cutting-edge medical breakthroughs.

The global semiconductor market has an estimated value upwards of 500bn USD. Critical to this, almost 50% of all steps involved in the production of semiconductor devices, e.g. computer ‘chips’, depend upon our harnessing the physics of non-equilibrium plasmas. 

Next generation devices, which are manufactured using cutting-edge machines known as ‘tools’, demand increasingly tight tolerances on hardware, sensing and plasma control to produce the required energy and flux of chemically reactive species at the substrate. This required performance can only be achieved through new understanding of the physical and chemical-kinetics processes that synergistically combine in plasma-enabled manufacturing.  

In this project, our overarching objective is to increase our understanding of the foundational plasma physics and chemistry that underpins the necessary control of reactive species flux and energy. 

The project forms part of an existing collaboration between the University of York and Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology (OIPT). Our research will be based around the development of cutting-edge laser diagnostics, in particular laser spectroscopy, of relevant non-equilibrium plasma sources. 

Work will be primarily undertaken at University of York during the early stages of the project, and transition to be based at OIPT, Bristol, as determined by the progress of the research.

This project presents exciting opportunities in the development of technical and professional skills in the following areas:

• Experimental: design campaigns, operate plasma sources and undertake advanced optical diagnostics, in particular laser spectroscopy.
• Computational: Opportunities to operate state-of-art plasma simulations to complement the experimental measurements.
• Communication: lead the preparation of peer-reviewed journal articles, present results at national and international conferences, and develop national and international networks across academia and industry.

The successful applicant will have excellent oral and written communication skills. 

For further information please contact erik.wagenaars@york.ac.uk

How to Apply:

Applicants must apply via the University’s online application system at https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/apply/. Please read the application guidance first so that you understand the various steps in the application process. To apply, please select the PhD in Physics for January 2025 entry. Please specify in your PhD application that you would like to be considered for this studentship.

Applications for this studentship will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable applicant is identified.

Privacy notice:

In addition to the data sharing outlined in the University’s Privacy Notice – student applicants, applications will be shared with the industrial partner for the shortlisting process and interview panels. The industrial partner will delete details of unsuccessful applications once the selection process is complete.