At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and optimise a cutting-edge nanoplasmonic semiconductor light detector.
- Company: Join a leading research institute in physics and astronomy.
- Benefits: Gain valuable research experience and contribute to groundbreaking technology.
- Other info: Collaborate with industry partners and explore pathways to commercialisation.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of photonic sensing innovation and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Background in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials, or Nanotechnology required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Nanoplasmonic Semiconductor Light Detector — Device Design, Fabrication & Optimisation
This Ph D focuses on developing a working photodetector that uses a nanoplasmonic semiconductor composite as the active material.
Unlike conventional detector s, these composites offer extended spectral sensitivity beyond the semiconductor bandgap, enhanced responsivity (A/W) through localised surface plasmon (LSP) field amplification, and ultrabroad bandwidth for high-speed operation.
The core fabrication route—nanoporous silicon scaffolds with embedded plasmonic nanoparticles via electroless/immersion plating)— established, but now requires optimisation for photodetection.
You will engineer the composite to maximise responsivity, minimise noise, and enable fast, stable readout.
This involves tuning porosity, particle size, and plasmonic resonance to match target wavelengths, while integrating electrical contacts and low-noise readout electronics.
Your challenge is to translate the known composite process into a complete detector architecture, including optical and electrical interfaces, packaging, and rigorous performance testing.
The outcome will be a prototype device demonstrating the full potential of nanoplasmonic‑semiconductor technology for next‑generation photonic sensing.
- Aims & Milestones
- Design the detector stack: optical entrance window, nanoplasmonic absorber layer, carrier collection/contact scheme, and low-noise readout.
- Tune fabrication for detection: control porosity, particle size/density, and plasmonic resonance to match target wavelengths, while integrating electrical contacts and low-noise readout electronics.
- Benchmark performance: responsivity (A/W), NEP, detectivity (D*), bandwidth, linearity, dark current, stability.
- Iterate & optimise: materials/process adjustments; thermal/optical modelling; reliability tests; device packaging.
- Demonstrate applications: fast imaging/sensing and SERS-assisted detection variants.
- What You’ll Do
- Adapt the immersion‑plating np‑Si/Au process for device -grade uniformity.
- Pattern contacts and interconnects; develop low‑noise electronics/FPGA‑based acquisition (optional).
- Characterise spectral response and temporal dynamics (ultrafast pump–probe) and measure detector figures of merit.
- Model plasmon– semiconductor coupling and carrier transport; guide fabrication choices.
- Validate in lab demonstrators and prepare a prototype for user testing.
- Nanofabrication (cleanroom), porous silicon lab, SEM/TEM, optical spectroscopy, ultrafast lasers.
- Device testing: calibrated sources, lock-in techniques, bandwidth/linearity, noise measurements.
- Optional firmware/data: FPGA/System Verilog, Python signal processing.
- Collaborations with photonics/industry partners; pathways to commercialisation.
- Impact
Deliver a new detector class leveraging plasmonic enhancement for cost‑effective, fast, and sensitive light measurement, with extended spectral response and broadband operation.
Candidate Profile
Physics/EE/Materials/Nanotechnology background; interest in detector s and plasmonics.
Funding
Competition-funded Ph D project.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award.
We welcome applications from all qualified applicants and encourage applications from traditionally under‑represented groups in physics and astronomy, including women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic.
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Nanoplasmonic Semiconductor Light Detector — Device Design, Fabrication & Optimisation in Birmingham employer: Postgraduate Studentships
Postgraduate Studentships provides unique opportunities for students to engage in groundbreaking research projects. The collaborative environment fosters professional growth and encourages contributions to significant advancements in various fields.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Nanoplasmonic Semiconductor Light Detector — Device Design, Fabrication & Optimisation in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Engineering Societies
Join local engineering societies or student chapters; they often have networking events and workshops tailored for internship seekers. It's a great way to meet professionals and get insider tips on which companies, like Postgraduate Studentships, are hiring!
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We think you need these skills to ace Nanoplasmonic Semiconductor Light Detector — Device Design, Fabrication & Optimisation in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
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Tailor Your Motivation in the Cover Letter:This internship is all about learning and growth, so let us know why you're excited about this opportunity at Postgraduate Studentships. Your cover letter should reflect your passion for engineering and willingness to learn — share what makes us the perfect place for you to dip your toes into the industry!
Include Relevant Academic Projects:If you've completed any engineering projects, whether in class or on your own time, showcase those in your application. We love to see practical experience, even if it’s from school! Detail what you did, what techniques you used, and any challenges you faced. This shows us you can apply your knowledge in real-world situations.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Postgraduate Studentships
✨Brush Up on Technical Fundamentals
For an engineering internship like the one at Postgraduate Studentships, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of core principles. Expect technical questions that test your understanding of basic engineering concepts. We recommend revising key topics relevant to the role and finding some example problems to solve ahead of time.
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Internships often involve collaboration, so we should be prepared to discuss our experiences working in teams. Have examples ready where you've worked as part of a group on projects, whether in a school setting or during co-curricular activities. This will show Postgraduate Studentships that we understand the importance of collaboration in engineering.
