Research work Plan

The project aim is to explore the employment of two types of memristors as part of reflect-array tunable antenna elements for the first time. Memristor concepts have been previously considered for the purpose of achieving tunability in microwave components, e.g., tunable filters, phase shifters and RF switches. Applying a memristor-based switch improves energy-efficiency, since it requires zero hold voltage for the operation.

In the scope of the current research proposal, the candidate will be involved closely with project team members to design and implement experiments to optimize the deposition and patterning processes of non-volatile RF switches.

Main subject of the first research grant (Scholarship nº1) is research on 2D material-based memristors. Project tasks start with the fabrication of 2D materials via solution processing. Layered materials, such as MoS2 and graphene, will be processed by liquid phase exfoliation. Furthermore, to improve uniformity, device-to-device and cycle-to-cycle variations, elaboration of inks, using printing techniques will be also explored in the scope of application of 2D materials.

The second scholarship (Scholarship nº2) is related to explore conductive bridge resistive switching memories (CBRAMs). In this regard, oxide multi-layer systems will be engineered taking advantage of the layer-by-layer growth of atomic layer deposition (ALD).

Next, the films will be characterized by means of FTIR, TG-DSC, UV-Vis absorption. Interface reactions will be studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). To pattern devices at the nanoscale, conventional photolithography will be used. Optimization of devices especially by reducing the device area will tremendously improve cut-off frequency. The target maximum frequency aims to surpass the 300 GHz barrier.

The electrical, and radio-frequency characterization of devices will be done by using probe stations, parameter analyzers, and Vector network analyzers.

Workplace:

The work will be carried out in CENIMAT|i3N labs at Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (FCT-NOVA).

• Research grant 1 (2D material memristor) under the scientific supervision team of Dr. Asal Kiazadeh, Dr. João Coelho and Dr. Emanuel Carlos. (Scholarship nº1)
• Research grant 2 (CBRAMs) under scientific supervision team of Dr. Asal Kiazadeh, Dr. Pedro Barquinha and Dr. Jonas Deuermeier. (Scholarship nº2)

Fellowship duration:

The fellowship contract is for 12 months, renewable during the project duration, starting on February 15, 2023.

Application deadline and form of application submission:

Candidates can apply from 1/12/2022 to 15/1/2023.

Documentation to be provided upon application: the following documents attached in a single pdf file: (a) Curriculum Vitae, (b) certificate of qualifications (during the application phase, it can be replaced by a declaration of honor as stated in point n. 2) (c) Cover letter or other supporting documents relevant to the final assessment.

The selected candidate must be enrolled in a doctoral program or be eligible to enroll in them, having only to prove enrollment in the contracting phase.

Documentation to be provided under contract: Applications must be submitted by email to “cenimat.secretariado@fct.unl.pt, CC: a.kiazadeh@fct.unl.pt (Dr. Asal Kiazadeh) indicating Application for TERRAMETA project” in the subject area. In case only one scholarship is fitted with the candidate profile, it can be mentioned in the subject (Scholarship nº1 or 2). If no, the candidate will be evaluated for both grant positions.

Applicable legislation and regulations:

Law No. 40/2004, of August 18, amended and republished by Decree-Law No. 202/2012 of August 27 (Statute of the Scientific Research Fellow) and amended by Decree-Law No. 233/2012 of October 29, by Law No. 12 /2013 of 29 January, by Decree-Law No. 89/2013, of 9 July and Decree-Law No. 123/2019, of 28 August; Regulation of Research Grants of NOVA.id.FCT – Association for Innovation and Development of FCT; Regulation of Research Grants of the Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P. in force (https://www.fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/regulamento.phtml.pt);