Mixed mode electronic components for hostile environments

Whilst silicon based electronics has become an essential part of life, it is limited to operation in benign environments. The maximum operating temperature of 125 ^oC is not sufficient for a large range of applications across aerospace, defence, industrial processes or nuclear power and so alternative technologies are required. The project is to focus on the development of silicon carbide technology that can operate at temperatures above 400 ^oC and in high dose radiation fields.

The work will involve a combination of simulation work understanding the operation of high performance semiconductor components, their role within circuits and the experimental characterisation of the devices in a range of hostile environments. The work will also involve the materials characterisation of devices to understand failure modes and working with commercial semiconductor companies to design the next generation of parts.

The circuits to be developed will build on existing analog and digital fundamental functions, such as logic gates, amplifiers and signal conditioning to realise the development of resilient mixed mode (i.e. both analog and digital functions on a single chip).

The project is funded for four years and is suited to applicants who have a good first degree in physics or electronic / electrical engineering with a good knowledge of semiconductor physics and transistor operation. Experimental semiconductor characterisation will be a significant advantage but is not necessary. In addition to the research work, the successful candidate will engage with the development opportunities through the University and have the opportunity to spend time working alongside the sponsoring company and with companies that are active in the supply chain for high performance silico carbide devices in the UK.

For informal enquiries please contact Alton Horsfall: alton.b.horsfall@durham.ac.uk

Eligibility Requirements:

A minimum of 60% in an MEng degree in Electronic Engineering, Physics or a closely related field with semiconductor physics knowledge.
Applicants cannot apply if they are already a PhD holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Durham or elsewhere.
Must be able to commit to campus-based full-time.

To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:

Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements) for the past ten years.

If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would not be eligible for consideration for the advertised project.

Modes of study

Full time

How to apply

For further details on how to apply, and the link to Durham’s Postgraduate Application portal, see

https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/how-to-apply/

In the Postgraduate Application portal apply for the PhD-Engineering Course, Course Code: H1A201. When completing the form on the application portal:

On the funding tab select ‘yes’ you are applying for a scholarship, select ‘Other’, write ‘Horsfall’ in the name of the scholarship, and select 1st October 2025 as the start date. No scholarship documents are required.
On the project course details tab write ‘Horsfall’ in Field of Study.

In addition to completing the form on the Postgraduate Application portal, ensure you upload the following additional documents to the portal:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV), maximum two pages.

2. Two satisfactory academic references.

3. Any other required documentation as listed on https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please ensure you follow all these steps to ensure your application is considered.

Deadline for applications: 1^st July 2025

Start date of course: 1 October 2025

Durham University

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Mixed-mode hostile environment electronics