PhD - Leuven | More than two weeks ago
Ferroelectricity: where physics meets future technology
When applying a large enough electric field the spontaneous polarization can change direction (or sign, P to -P), in doing so one can switch between the two memory states. A large field over the gate oxide will also change the oxide properties, it can for instance result in charge injection (trapping). The charge in the oxide will alter the device electrostatics and therefore the control over the polarization and memory states.
A better understanding of ferro materials and their interactions within future devices is critical for their technological advancement. This involves studying the ferroelectric response to non-idealities and external stimuli such as surface effects (nanoscale), temperature changes, phase transformations, charge trapping or ion exchange. As polarization changes can happen in the nanosecond range, one of the challenges is to study trapping on shorter (microsecond) timescales as well.
What will you do?
Who are you?
References: B. Truijen et al. IRPS 2022, B.J. O’Sullivan et al. IRPS 2022.
Required background: Physics or chemistry/engineering with a strong emphasis on physics
Type of work: 40% modeling, 40% experimental, 20% literature
Supervisor: Jan Van Houdt
Daily advisor: Brecht Truijen
The reference code for this position is 2023-014. Mention this reference code on your application form.