PhD Study : Quantification and 3D Characterization of Nanomaterial Surfaces and Subsurfaces using Advanced Atomic Force Microscopy Techniques

Summary

Nanotechnology refers to the ability to manipulate and engineer structures and systems at the nano-scale.  The ability to solve engineering problems at this level requires precise and sophisticated measurement and manipulation systems and devices.  One such device is the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) where a fine tip scans the surface of interest in a raster-fashion. The unique ability of AFM to image, manipulate and characterize materials at the nanoscale, in vacuum, air and liquid environments, has made it one of the most valuable instruments in this discipline. This has, in turn, stimulated the development of new technologies and discoveries [1]. In order to analyse a wide range of nanomaterials such as biological samples, polymers, composites, semiconductors and other functional materials, a variety of AFM techniques have been developed [2].

The advances to date have been, firstly, on designing better experimental schemes, using high speed, multifrequency and multiparametric operation [1-6] and, secondly on developing better models to quantify the data [3-6]. These efforts are ongoing and permit to generate high resolution nanomechanical and electrical maps of the surface and subsurface of complex materials. Project goal: This project aims to further the development of novel quantification and characterization techniques for advanced AFM. This will provide fast, non-invasive and high-resolution characterization of samples at both the surface and sub-surface level. In the first instance, the dynamics of AFM cantilever will be analysed by numerical simulation to enhance the signal to noise ratio of higher eigenmodes and harmonics and increase the fundamental resonance frequency of the cantilever.

Feasible ‘model’ cantilevers will be fabricated by either Electron/Optical beam lithography and/or nano additive manufacturing techniques.  Following this, using both mathematical equations to describe the physics of tip/sample interactions and artificial intelligence methods (AI), an automated AI quantification approach will be designed to extract mechanical, electrical, chemical and physical properties of nanomaterials from AFM experiments. Finally, the proposed method will be applied to the 3D characterisation of cells, tissues, polymers, nanoparticles and semiconductors.

We offer:

Our AFM activities at NIBEC involves fundamental and applied research on AFM instrumentation, artificial intelligence and materials characterisation. This project offers the opportunity to perform interdisciplinary research with strong collaboration with industrial and world leading AFM research laboratories.

The successful candidate will be given the opportunity to visit of the external collaborating labs. Qualifications: Candidates should hold a Batchelors/Masters degree in Electrical/Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Biomedical Engineering, Physics or related/equivalent area.

Candidates should have a strong background in at least two of the following:

• mechatronics,
• programming,
• modelling,
• machine learning,
• instrumentation.
• Good communication skills and
• an interest in performing interdisciplinary research are required.

References;

1. N Pavliček & L Gross, Nature Reviews Chemistry 1, 0005 (2017).

2. YS Dufrêne, et al., Nature Nanotechnology 12, 295 (2017).

3. AF Payam, Applied Mathematical Modelling (2019).

4. CA Amo, AP Perrino, AF Payam & R Garcia, ACS nano 11 (9), 8650-8659 (2017).

5. AF Payam, D Martin-Jimenez & R Garcia, Nanotechnology 26 (18), 185706 (2015).

6. AF Payam, JR Ramos & R Garcia, ACS nano 6 (6), 4663-4670 (2012).

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living