Program Overview

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Introduction to the PhD Program

The PhD program in Reconfigurable Atomically Thin Memristors via Nano-Engineered Defects is a research-based degree that focuses on the development of novel memristive devices using atomically thin materials. The program is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of nanotechnology and memristor devices.

Qualification(s) Available

The qualification available for this program is a PhD in Physics.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for this program, applicants must have a minimum of a 2:1 honors degree in Physics, Materials Engineering, or a related field. Hands-on experience in nanofabrication techniques, 2D materials research, quantum transport measurements, and thin film deposition is beneficial but not required. Applicants must also demonstrate enthusiasm for scientific inquiry, hard work, resilience, strong communication abilities, collaborative skills, and the capacity to offer fresh insights.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for this program are as follows:

• UK fee: £5,006 per annum (full-time)
• International fee: £28,600 per annum (full-time)

Duration and Start Date

The program is available for full-time study, which typically lasts 3 years, and part-time study, which typically lasts 6 years. The start dates for this program are October 2025 and January 2026.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for this program is October 1, 2025.

Project Reference

The project reference for this program is PH/FD-SF1/2025.

Location

The program is located at Loughborough University.

Subject Area(s)

The subject area for this program is Physics.

Project Details

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 colors. Recently, color centers 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 behavior 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, students 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.

What We Offer

• 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 modeling 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.

Supervisors

• Primary supervisor: Dr. Fasil Dejene
• Secondary supervisor: Dr. Pavel Borisov

English Language Requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

How to Apply

All applications should be made online. Under the program name, select Physics. Please quote the advertised reference number: PH/FD-SF1/2025 in your application.

Selection Criteria

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application:

• CV
• Minimum supporting documents

Please note that this criteria is used for both funded and self-funded projects. Applications for this project are considered on an ongoing basis once submitted, and the project may be withdrawn prior to the application deadline if a suitable candidate is chosen for the project.