Electronic and Electrical Engineering: Fully Funded Swansea University and Silvaco PhD Scholarship: New quantum transmitting boundary method code for transport device simulations

Funding providers: EPSRC and Silvaco Group, Inc. 

Subject areas: Electronic and Electrical Engineering 

Project start date: 

• 1 October 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-September)
• 1 January 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-December)

Supervisors:

• Professor Karol Kalna (Primary supervisor- k.kalna@swansea.ac.uk)
• Dr Antonio Martinez (Secondary supervisor)
• Mr Roberto Grassi (Silvaco – external supervisor)

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering

Mode of study: Full-time 

Project description: 

This postgraduate research studentship is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of a novel quantum simulation device technique. This project is a collaborative effort with Silvaco Group, Inc., a leading global company specializing in EDA and TCAD software. The primary objective of this scholarship is to devise a quantum simulation technique capable of solving Schrödinger and Poisson equations in open systems, such as semiconductor devices, in a self-consistent manner. This will be achieved through the application of the Quantum Transmitting Boundary Method (QTBM). The silicon nanowire transistor will serve as the test device for this project. The ultimate goal is to develop a 3D QTBM code with dissipative scattering, which will be instrumental in predicting the performance of multi-gate nanoscale transistors. These include FinFETs, nanowire, and nanosheet FETs, which are pivotal for future sub-3 nm technology nodes. The approach will also be tested for the inclusion of electron-photon scattering and applied to the simulation of optoelectronic devices such as quantum well LEDs and photodetectors. This studentship presents a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of quantum simulation technology and contribute to the future of semiconductor devices. 

If you hold a degree in physics, computer science, or electrical engineering and are keen on advancing your career with a globally recognized TCAD software company, we encourage you to apply as directed below. 

Eligibility

Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements. Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency. 

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations.