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Advanced Technology Institute

www.surrey.ac.uk/ati

Welcome to the ATI

The ATI celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2012, and we have much to be proud of in terms of our achievements over the last decade. Our ideals in setting up the ATI were outlined by Lord Sainsbury, then Minister for Science and Technology, in his speech at the ATI’s inauguration:

• to build the university’s science and engineering infrastructure, underpinning the quality of science in the UK which is a major national asset,• to stimulate cross-disciplinary research within a multi-purpose facility capable of rapid redirection of use,• to train more scientists and engineers as a means to increase wealth creation and the quality of our lives,• to encourage young people in universities to work with schools and provide them with role models.

The overwhelming evidence suggests that these ideals have not only been met but surpassed by our dedicated staff and student comprising over 160 at present. I leave it to you to decide by which margin we have surpassed these goals, but it is sufficient to say that I am thankful and very proud of all of the efforts of our current and past ATI members in achieving these ambitions.

Over the last four decades, the research groups who now make up the ATI have been contributing to societal change through technology. We were the first to introduce rapid thermal annealing together with

Professor Ravi Silva FREng

SIMOX wafers to the world to maintain the unrelenting drive of CMOS integrated technologies. We have given birth to the now ubiquitous strain layer laser diode, which sits at the heart of every CD player, optical communication system and bar code reader. We have made important contributions to the nascent fields of silicon photonics and meta-materials, which have applications in optical chips and invisibility cloaks. We introduced the concept of low temperature growth of carbon nanotubes and low k dielectrics, which could form the basis of next generation integrated circuits.

Innovation and excellence is at the heart of everything we do. The ATI was set up to cultivate the best talent in science and technology in a high-quality research environment with access to state of the art laboratories. This is exemplified by the output at all levels by ATI colleagues who are transforming the science and technology knowledge base in the UK. We have been fortunate to have excellent support from our industrial partners, Research Councils UK (RCUK), FP7 programmes and the learned societies. Staff have helped to define the Key Stage 4 Nanotechnology syllabus at schools and run a highly successful MSc in Nanotechnology and Nanodevices.

The world around us is changing rapidly, and the grand challenges facing humanity require teams of critical mass able to redirect efforts equally rapidly. Whether it is energy, IT, healthcare or manufacturing, the ATI has the depth and breadth of expertise to provide real world solutions.

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The Advanced Technology Institute was formed in 2002 to create a one-stop institute housing all of the University of Surrey research activities in materials and devices for future electronics and photonics. Major facilities in fabrication and characterisation of electronic devices, previously dispersed around the University, were co-located, substantially enhanced, and complemented by new capabilities notably in nanoscale fabrication, plastic electronics, nanobiology and biomedical sensors, and modelling,. The ATI is an example of ‘under one roof’ multidisciplinary research, housing some 160 researchers made up of engineers, physicists, materials scientists, biologists and chemists. Approximately half of these researchers are PhD students who will drive the next generation of innovation and technology. The ATI also supports a large number of undergraduate research projects and a taught MSc programme in Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronic Devices.

The ATI’s research portfolio has broadened considerably since the outset in terms of

Introduction

and faculties, and cross-campus collaborations, such as a link with FHMS where a joint nano-biotechnology laboratory has been established. New collaborations on distributed and self-powered large area sensor networks are being pursued.

The application-oriented ATI research spans the range of experimental and theoretical investigations, from fundamental science to the demonstration of prototype devices for applications. There is strong collaboration with industry, providing access to industrial expertise and routes to exploitation of the research. Four companies have spun out of the ATI, contributing to the University’s aims of generating employment and benefiting the local and national economy. The ATI can count over 150 PhD graduates, over 1000 archival papers and over 1200 conference presentations since its inception.

the materials and phenomena studied. We are considered a centre of excellence in the UK in the fields of Microelectronics and Photonics. The ‘grand challenges’ in energy (in particular photovoltaics and LEDs), healthcare, information technology, sustainable technology and more generally technologies associated with ‘quality of life’ have been used as focal points to assemble critical mass team which can have real impact. The ATI’s activities are divided into four research groups: Nanoelectronics, Photonics, Ion Beams and Theory and Computation. Science and technology on the nanoscale, technological applications of quantum science and engineering, and conversion of energy are some of the cross-cutting themes uniting the groups.

Research at the ATI is multidisciplinary. Research group members are members of either the Department of Electronic Engineering or the Department of Physics, with academic staff taking full teaching and administrative roles in both departments. There are also joint appointments with other departments

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In 2002 the University of Surrey was awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for the pioneering work of Professor Alf Adams, Professor Brian Sealy and their respective research groups in recognition of its outstanding work over three decades in the fields of ion beam applications and optoelectronic devices. In collaboration with industry, the University’s work has led to the development of many technologies now regarded as commonplace in the modern world, such as CD and DVD players, the internet, printers, microwave circuits for satellite communications and light-emitting devices for aircraft displays.

The UK is world-leading in carbon electronics. Many new carbon-based materials have been discovered, but their

Highlights and Achievements

In November 2008 our Ion Beam Centre opened the world’s first vertical scanning focussed nanobeam which is used to analyse how radiation affects living cells. This £1.5m project, underpinned by a prestigious grant from The Wolfson Foundation and supported by EPSRC, is being carried out in collaboration with the Gray Institute, Oxford University and the Addenbrookes NHS Trust, University of Cambridge. The activity is central to two prestigious Basic Technology Grants for which the IBC is a partner.

Educating the public, government and future generations of researchers is an essential duty of a publicly funded institute. For example, ATI researchers worked with the Science Museum in London (2006) on their popular Nanotechnology exhibit, using advanced nanofabrication facilities to write messages on a single grain of pollen. A mixed group of UK and Japanese school students spent a week at the ATI learning about nanotechnology and its potential impact (2006 and 2008). Our Outreach Officers, Dr Simon Henley and Dr Vlad Stolojan, were involved in a variety of activities including a very strong presence at the British Science Festival (2009) with tours, demos and experiments set out during the week-long event. We also had a strong presence at the Cheltenham Science Festival (2011 & 2012), with events organised through the ATI.

The remarkable ability of an electron to exist in two places at once was controlled in the most common electronic material – silicon - for the first time. The research findings - published in Nature by a UK-Dutch team from the University of Surrey, University College London, Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, and the FOM Institute for Plasma Physics near Utrecht - marked a significant step towards the making of an affordable “quantum computer”. Professor Ben Murdin and co-workers used a far-infrared, very short, high intensity pulse from the Dutch FELIX laser to put an electron orbiting within

exploitation has not taken place in the UK. The UK has a history of conducting the initial work and its exploitation and impact driven output being realised overseas. We are changing this in the field of low temperature growth of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and low-k dielectrics. Our spinout business Surrey NanoSystems Ltd, based around key patents invented by Prof. Silva and his team, began in 2007. Within the last 5 years, Surrey NanoSystems has raised tens of millions of dollars to commercialise carbon based technologies, scaling-up the growth of CNT and low temperature deposited low-k dielectrics to meet the international semiconductor roadmap. Surrey NanoSystems is working with semiconductor multinationals to include the technology within the next-generation IC manufacturing production lines, which have a 2 year qualification cycle.

Our researchers have generated high profile results across a range of activities. Below are some of the highlights over the years and our contributions to the wider community and society.


silicon into two states at once - a so-called quantum superposition state. They then demonstrated that the superposition state could be controlled so that the electrons emited a burst of light at a well-defined time after the superposition was created. The burst of light is called a photon echo; and its observation proved full control over the quantum state of the atoms. This work was exhibited at the Royal Society Summer Exhibition 2011 which attracted over 42,000 visitors.

Negative refractive index metamaterials offer the possibility of revolutionary applications, such as subwavelength focusing, invisibility cloaking and ‘trapped rainbow’ stopping of light. At optical frequencies, these materials suffer from high dissipative losses due to the metallic nature of their constituent metamolecules. Researchers from the Theory and Computation group at the ATI showed that these obstacles can be overcome but placing the gain medium in an area where the field is maximum and exciting and probing the metamaterial with ultrashort optical pulses to avoid detrimental noise. These results were published in Physical Review Letters (2010) and Nature (2007).

ATI researchers at all levels, from PhD student to Professor, have received international awards for their research. Professor Ravi Silva was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering for his outstanding contributions to nanotechnology (2008). Professor Stephen Sweeney was awarded an EPSRC Leadership Fellowship (2009). This Fellowship is the key step in bringing together electronics and photonics, reducing their carbon footprint, and enabling radically new technologies. The research will be highly collaborative working with groups in North America, Europe and Asia. Dr David Carey (2002) and Dr Steven Clowes (2007) were appointed EPSRC Advanced Research Fellowships, while Dr Ross Hatton (2007) and Dr Kosmas Tsakmakidis (2008) were awarded Royal Academy of Engineering EPSRC Fellowships. Dr Jeremy Sloan (2000) and Dr Goran Mashanovich (2008) held prestigious Royal Society Fellowships. Two RCUK Fellows were appointed in 2006

Highlights and Achievements

in the area of nanodevices (Dr Simon Henley) and nanocharacterisation (Dr Vlad Stolojan). Dr David Cox is supported by an NPL Strategic Fellowship. In 2011 Dr Radu Sporea was awarded a Royal Academy of Engineering Academic Fellowship. Dr Lara Barazzuol won the Mercier award for the best postgraduate student (2012) in Biomedical Engineering (Worshipful Company of Engineers).

We are particularly proud of the prizes won by our PhD students and young researchers. Wei-Mong ‘John’ Tsang was awarded the biennial E.W. Muller ‘Outstanding Young Scientist’ Award of the International Field Emission Society in 2006, while Andrew Smith won the ‘Young Scientist Award’ of the European Materials Research Society in 2005. Nanditha Dissanayake and his colleagues were ‘runners-up’ for the Obducat Prize (2006), and collaborative PhD student Ling Liao was chosen as one of the ‘TR35’ top innovators under the age of 35 by MIT’s Technology Review magazine. Iskandar Yahya won the Best Student Presenter Award at the 2010 IEEE International Conference on Semiconductor Electronics in Malaysia, where he presented fabrication and measurements of Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistors (CNTFETs). Nadir Hossain won a Royal Academy of Engineering Student Development Fellowship (2009) and also a SPIE education scholarship. Michail Beliatis won a best poster award for his poster at the E-MRS Spring Meeting in Strasbourg (2009 & 2011). His work was titled “High precision laser direct writing of nanoparticle vapor sensors.”

Professor Ravi Silva delivered the Kang Tong Po Visiting Professorship public lecture titled “Nanotechnology for Green Energy” in 2009 and the Royal Society Clifford Patterson Lecture on “Carbon Based Electronics” in 2011.

The ATI was awarded a £3.8m Knowledge Transfer Account (KTA) grant; the Nanotechnology and Photonics Platform brought together a number of departments sharing knowledge and expertise to solve some of the complex industrial challenges, namely Energy Generation and Supply,

Information Communication Systems and Healthcare and Medical Diagnostics.

Professor Alf Adams gave a lecture entitled “Semiconductor lasers take the strain” at the Royal Society on February 2012. It’s the first in a series of lectures named after Professor Adams, a Distinguished Professor of Physics at Surrey.

Professor Ben Murdin was awarded a prestigious Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award for his research on quantum computing with atoms encased inside a silicon chip (2012).


Facilities

1. Theory and ComputationThe Theory and Computation group provides insights in materials at the nanoscale, through fundamental modelling at the atomic, molecular and nano-particle level. This predicts interactions and especially aids understanding of the complex light–matter interactions critical to performance in electronic devices such as solid-state lasers, OLEDs, or organic photovoltaic cells.

The work of the Theory and Computing group guides and informs the understanding of the physics of the materials and devices that are developed by the other groups in the ATI. From ab-initio calculations to the simulation of plasmonic waveguides to the development of quantum electrodynamic theory for future quantum information processing, we have a variety of advanced computational tools used on dedicated high performance computing platforms to understand the nanoscale systems.

ContactFor further information on the capabilities in the Theory and Computation group, please contact Professor Michael Kearney, [email protected]

2. The Ion Beam CentreFacilitiesThere are three accelerators, two of which are used primarily for ion implantation and the third is used primarily for analysis. Together with the unique vertical scanning nanobeam these form the core of the Ion Beam Centre (IBC). The centre is a recognised European Centre of Excellence and an EPSRC National Facility.The accelerators are complemented by

A core strength of the ATI is the wide range of facilities and capabilities that are co-located and shared by a closely knit group of researchers who bring knowledge gained in one application domain to bear on another. Some of the major facilities are described below.

extensive facilities for thermal processing, extensive computer modelling and simulation, and for electrical / optical characterisation including inter alia CV/IV, differential Hall effect carrier profiling, 4-point probe resistivity mapping, electrical and optical spectroscopy.

SpectroscopyFor surface analysis we differ from SEM-based tools because many of our tools can use an externally scanning microbeam so that samples can be analysed in air, giving the capability to analyse objects, or objects that are too large, valuable or fragile to be put into a vacuum system. A new molecular mapping facility is in development to allow ambient pressure Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) with sub-micron resolution. This will enhance our existing capabilities (RBS, EBS, PIXE, NRA and ERD) for ion beam analysis.

Cell biologyThe unique vertical ion-beam allows irradiation of live biological cells with sub-micron targeting accuracy. This is providing invaluable information on the effects of radiation on cells, for example informing the deployment of beam therapies in cancer treatment.

Ion implantationFor ion implantation we cover the energy range from 2keV to 4MeV (2MeV H) with over 70 ion species being available. For small samples we can implant at temperatures as low as 20K or as hot as 1300K. We have full wafer implant capability in the temperature range from 77K to 900K, wafer end stations can be configured up to 200mm wafer and

are located in a class 100 clean room environment. Larger samples of up to 40cm × 40cm can be implanted. Ion implantation is provided as a service to UK researchers under the EPSRC ticket scheme, and to the wider community on a commercial basis. The service includes supporting small volume production and routinely services wafer batches.

ContactFor further information on the extensive facilities and services in the Ion Beam Centre please contact Professor Russell Gwilliam, [email protected]

3. Nanoelectronics CentreThe ATI has wide expertise in nanotechnologies and carbon electronics. This includes:

Materials ProductionThe ATI has capability in several areas of materials production.

We are especially well-known for patented process for Optically-driven CVD of novel carbon materials. This gives capability to grow materials at relatively low bulk-substrate temperature compared with competing CVD processes. This enables growth of vertically-aligned forests of carbon nanotubes at CMOS compatible substrate temperature. It has also resulted in a novel low-k dielectric material that is gaining considerable interest in commercialisation by Surrey NanoSystems.

The future prospect of applying our capabilities to large-area graphene growth is especially exciting to us.

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Facilities

In our Chemistry facility we work to produce functional nanomaterials, such as graphene-linked chemistries, decorated nanotubes with interesting magnetic properties, and engineered molecules for enhanced electron or hole transport.

Nanoscale PatterningPrecise three-dimensional structuring using our focussed ion beam (FIB), which can be driven from CAD files to facilitate sculpting of surfaces, such as paraboloic microlens templates.

For two-dimensional patterning, in collaboration with the Quantum Detection group of NPL, the FIB has been used to make the world’s most sensitive sensors (low noise, dc nano-SQUIDs). The nano-manipulation stage has been used to place a single nano-particle of iron in proximity to the nano-SQUID loop, enabling fundamental studies of magnetic properties.

Analytical toolsUHV multiprobe technology has been used to image at atomic resolution, to obtain precise surface chemical analysis and to determine the electronic properties of surfaces. AFM, ESEM and TEM are used for nanoscale imaging and characterisation alongside optical measurement techniques, see Photonics section.

Applications (devices)The aim of our research is ultimately to produce technologies that lead to sale of manufactured product.

We have particular interest in the application of nanotechnology to energy generation and storage and to the efficient generation of light. For example, we have developed organic photovoltaic devices that have efficiencies that are comparable with the best reported anywhere. We have a newly developed photocatalyst material that does not rely on rare materials and is giving world-class result, similar to performance of other catalysts that rely on scarce materials.

We also employ nanoscale properties in our Photonics research.

ContactFor further information on working with the Nanoelectronics Centre group please contact Professor Ravi Silva, [email protected]

4. Photonics

As the birthplace of the strained layer laser, the Photonics group has a proud history of innovation.

LasersThe group operates a high-pressure centre devoted to study of strained layer devices under applied hydrostatic stress. This stress is sufficient to modify the layers, and so allows efficient optimisation of grown multi-layer structures.

Recent highlights include pioneering work in energy transfer using lasers; in telecommunications lasers designed for better system power efficiency; and in detection of cryptosporidium in water.

Spintronics and Quantum ComputingThe ATI’s Professor Ben Murdin leads the multi-centre COMPASSS project investigating atomic-scale spintronics in silicon. This is a stepping post towards the development of Quantum Computing devices that offer the prospect of achieving computational power that is inaccessible to traditional architectures.

The COMPASSS team has demonstrated quantum superposition of electron orbits in phosphorous doped silicon. In the process they have also provided insights on the behaviour of materials in the extreme magnetic fields on the surface of certain white dwarf and neutron stars.

Ultra-fast studiesThe ATI has particular interest in the studies of the behaviour of excitons — that is bound electron–hole pairs. Understanding the generation of excitons, the separation and transport of the electrons and holes, and recombination processes is fundamental to the production of efficient photovoltaic and light emitting devices.

Optical characterisationA wide range of equipment is available for studying materials using optical technologies. This includes bench top equipment such as UV–visible–near-infrared spectroscopy and micro Raman and also dedicated laboratories for specialised studies of photoluminescence and electroluminescence.

ContactFor further information on working with the Photonics group please contact Professor Stephen Sweeney, [email protected]

If you wish to explore any of options for collaborating with the ATI or using our facilities please contact Tony Corless, our Business Development Manager at +44 (0)1483 689848 ([email protected]).


Research at the ATI is supported by competitively secured grants in excess of £40m since its inception. We have won many grant awards funded by EPSRC, EU, the Royal Society, the Royal Academy of Engineering, Leverhulme Trust, Wolfson Foundation, industry and charities.

The Ion Beam Centre (IBC) won a Marie Curie ITN FP7 grant for training the next generation of ion beam researchers (SPRITE). This builds a I3 strong consortium, which connects the top ion beam labs in Europe and provides expertise and access to facilities to the European Community and associated member states. The IBC is finalising the world’s first scanning ambient pressure secondary ion mass spectroscopy (MeV-SIMS) facility to be built, sponsored by EPSRC. It will be capable of imaging with sub-micron spatial resolution. The IBC has been subcontracted by the Natural History Museum to analyse selected impact craters on a section of the Hubble telescope to determine their origin as orbital debris or micro-meteorites. The IBC also has won contracts from the EU with other metrology labs in the BIOQUART project and with NPL and the Royal Surrey County Hospital with a NIHR grant looking at radiation treatment.

Professor Ben Murdin is leading the largest EPSRC photonics grant awarded in responsive mode. In a joint Surrey-UCL programme entitled Coherent Optical and Microwave Physics in Atomic-Scale Spintronics in Silicon (COMPASSS), they will develop methods for encoding information in a single electron, orbiting

a single impurity atom in a silicon crystal. The technology for manipulating that information with terahertz speed by its magnetic connection with adjacent impurity electrons will also be developed. The experiments will be carried out using the Free-Electron Laser FELIX facility in The Netherlands. The EPSRC recently conducted a mid-project review and strongly recommended the continuation of funding of the programme grant.

Professor Stephen Sweeney has been awarded funding as part of the National Science Foundation (USA) Materials World scheme and EPSRC. The project brings together leading researchers from Surrey with partners in the USA, Canada and Germany to investigate a new class of semiconductor materials which incorporate Bismuth. His EU-funded FP7 BIANCHO project, develops dilute nitride and nitride-bismide alloys for the development of temperature insensitive telecommunications components. This project is in collaboration with partners in the UK, Ireland, Germany and Lithuania.

Working with colleagues in the Robens Institute and DelAgua Ltd., Professor Sweeney is developing photonics-based technology for the detection of water and

food-borne contaminants such as e.coli and cryptosporidium in a Technology Strategy Board funded programme.

Professor Ravi Silva and colleagues are working with energy giant E.ON as part of their world wide competition ‘Application of Nanotechnology in the Energy Business’. The three year project aims to utilise the nanotechnological expertise of the institute in the design, fabrication and characterisation of the organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells. Further progress on organic-graphene-nanocarbon hybrids for device applications are being pursued, funded by DSTL. The scaling up of organic electronics to industry acceptable processes will be undertaken as part of the SMARTONICS FP7 project.

We have also been successful in being awarded prestigious research fellowships: EPSRC Leadership Fellowship (Professor Stephen Sweeney), EPSRC Advanced Research Fellowship (Dr Steven Clowes), Royal Academy of Engineering Academic Fellowship (Dr Radu Sporea), Royal Society Wolfson Merit Award (Professor Ben Murdin) and EPSRC Doctoral Prizes (Dr Juerong Li, Dr Imalka Jayawardena and Dr Michail Beliatis).

Grants and Awards

Industrial and collaborative:

Collaborative activities on solar energy transfer (Astrium, £277k) Global modelling of LDMOS devices (Freescale Semiconductor Inc, £150k)

Evaluation of Novel Surface Modified Semiconductor Nanowire (Merck Chemicals Ltd, £70k)

Hybrid Photovoltaics of the Future: Inorganics-in-organics (E-On, £900k)

GaN SSPA Development Programme (Astrium SAS, £158k) TSB QuickTest project (with DelAgua, £841k)

Modelling of Delta Doped Diamond Transistors (Diamond Microwave Devices Ltd, £110k)

Extended Temperature Optoelectronics 1 & 2 (TSB, £370k)

Moisture Barrier Layer Coatings (EADS, £142k)Advanced Nanofabrication Techniques (National Physical Laboratory, £350k)


Grants and Awards

Research Councils

The Surrey Ion Beam Centre (£4.17m) MeV Ion Nanobeams: Nanotechnology for the 21st Century (£256k)

COMPASSS (£2.6m)The Non Scaling Fixed Field Alternating Gradient (NS-FFAG) Accelerator (£383k)

European Metrology Research Programme: Solid-State Lighting (£100k)New Developments on ToF-SIMS Surface Mass Spectrometry with AFTIR (£227k)

Light-matter systems out of equilibrium: from random lasers to circuit quantum electrodynamics (£256k)

Ambient Pressure Mass Spectrometry at the Sub Micron Scale (£1.25m)

Laser Induced Beams of Radiation and their Application (LIBRA) – (£385k)

Near Infrared Single Photon Detection using Ge-on-Si (£252k)

Silicon Emission Technologies Based on Nanocrystals (£273k)Amorphous Chalcogenide-Based Optoelectronic Platform for Next Generation Optoelectronic Technologies (£403k)

CDT-LIte Applications of Next Generation Accelerators (£1.9m)Exploring Short Wavelength Limits for High Performance Quantum Cascade Lasers (£174k)

Silicon-based Nanospintronics (£160k) From Nanowires to Printed Electronics (£100k)

New High-performance Avalanche Photodiodes Based on the Unique Properties of Dilute Nitrides (£232k)

Materials Engineering to Optimise the Spin Dependent Transport between Ferromagnetic Metals and Narrow Gap Semiconductors (£221k)

Optical Orientation of Spins in Semiconductors Using the FELIX and FELBE Free-Electron Laser Facilities (£178k)

Irradiation Damage Technology for Manufacturable Superconducting Devices (£161k)

Materials World Network: III-V Bismide Materials for IR and Mid-IR Semiconductors (£251k)

KTA Platform grant (£3.8m)

Nanotube Nonlinear Waveguides for Next Generation Electrophotonics (£224k)

CDT Applications of next generation accelerators (NIHR, £250k)

Non-Magnetic Semiconductor Spintronics (£595k) EPSRC First Grant (£120k)

EU:

Support of Public and Industrial Research Using Ion Beam Technology (SPIRIT) – (EU-FP7, £1m)

Metrology for Solid-State Lightning (EU-EURAMET, £260k)

SMARTONICS (EU, £450k) MCITN PARTNER (EU-Marie Curie, £356k)

SILAMPS (EU-FP7, £1.43m) SPRITE (EU, 997 euros)

BIANCHO (EU-FP7, £303K)

Independent Charities:

Direct magnetic measurement of excitonic induced magnetization in colloidal nanocrystals (Leverhulme)

Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award

Partnership Grants:

Extended Temperature Optoelectronics 1 & 2 (TSB, £370k)Advanced Nanofabrication Techniques (National Physical Laboratory, £350k)

Research Fellowships:

Royal Academy of Engineering Academic Fellowship (£450k) EPSRC Postdoctoral Prize Fellowship (£120k)

EPSRC Leadership Fellowship (£1m) RCUK Academic Fellowships (£250k)


Research at the ATI Photonics

Historically our great successes have centred around improvement of the performance and wavelength coverage of semiconductor laser devices, and developing new materials for lasers. The invention and development of strained layer semiconductor lasers, now ubiquitous in information technologies, made by our Emeritus Professor of Physics Alf Adams, FRS, has been recognised as being one of the top 10 UK scientific discoveries in the last 60 years. The focus of our research now is firstly on improving real-world devices such as lasers for optical communications, which is essential hardware for ultra-high speed optical communications; secondly on finding new applications for these technologies; and thirdly on research and development on next generation materials and devices with new properties.

The Group’s work now includes investigations into the microscopic physics of electrons and photons in new, but technologically relevant, structures where the electronic and optical properties of ‘designer semiconductors’ are engineered on the length scale of an electron or photon wavelength. We investigate ‘electron boxes’ (from quantum wells to quantum dots), ‘optical boxes’ (microcavities and vertical-cavity lasers), and new materials such as dilute nitride and bismide semiconductors. Major advances have been made by the Group in measuring the energy bands of key ‘photonic’ semiconductors, and then in designing, characterising and optimising optoelectronic devices.

Research at the ATI is grouped into four research groups/centres, focusing on nanoelectronics, photonics, ion beams, and theory and advanced computation. Of course, many projects span these boundaries and include participants from more than one group.


spin related phenomenon. Recently, we have demonstrated magnetic field control of electron spin relaxation mechanisms in a number of semiconductor heterostructures.

We have demonstrated that the quantum spin of the electron can be controlled in semiconductors on a terahertz time-scale at room temperature for the first time. In addition to our own ultrafast laser, we are major users of the short pulse laser facility FELIX in the Netherlands. Using FELIX, we are investigating quantum coherence effects in candidates for ‘quantum bits’, the building blocks for ‘quantum computing’. A £7m EPSRC grant COMPASSS has been awarded to a consortium led by Surrey to develop methods for encoding (and manipulating) quantum information in a superposition state of a single electron, orbiting a single impurity atom in a silicon crystal. The preliminary work has been published in Nature.

The group is actively involved in Photonics activities focussing on energy generation and reduction. The £2 million EU-FP7 BIANCHO project aims to reduce the energy demands of internet hardware (lasers, amplifiers and modulators) through the development of high temperature stable and efficient new materials containing bismuth and nitrogen. Our work with EADS-Astrium on high efficient photovoltaics or laser-based energy delivery has attracted much attention and offers an interesting method of delivering energy where it is most needed.

Research at the ATI Photonics

Recent highlights:• Research covers the wavelength range

from UV to THz• State-of-the-art facilities for modelling

and characterisation of III-V and group IV photonics devices

• Prestigious EPSRC Advanced Research and EPSRC Leadership, Research Fellowships awarded to Photonics group members

• Quantum superposition of electron orbits in phosphorous doped silicon demonstrated for the first time (results reported in Nature)

• Development of efficient photovoltaics for laser power transfer applications

• Development of entirely new classes of photonic materials containing bismuth and nitrogen.

Our interest in group IV photonics covers both near- and mid-infrared wavelength regions. Taking advantage of Surrey expertise in ion implantation allowed us to demonstrate the first room-temperature silicon-based light-emitting diode (published in Nature).

The Group has had a long and very successful collaboration with companies including Intel, QinetiQ, Philips, EADS-Astrium, CIP, Infineon and IBM. Also, the first silicon photonics company in the world, Bookham Technology Plc (now Oclaro), was founded by a former Surrey student, Dr Andrew Rickman, OBE, and Bookham’s work for the first several years was based on the original work at Surrey.

A Surrey specialty is the use of hydrostatic pressure as a diagnostic tool to vary the lattice constant of crystals in a controlled manner, mimicking the effect of changing composition. Using this system we have learnt how to improve new mid-infrared antimonide laser diodes for chemical sensing and pollution monitoring. The first high pressure investigation of the quantum cascade laser has been performed and we identified the main factors affecting efficiency.

Another major activity uses the ultrafast laser facility at Surrey to study dynamics on the femtosecond (10-15 s) time scale, a regime where important physical, electronic, chemical and biological processes occur. The spectral-temporal dynamics of optical gain and coherent pulse propagation in semiconductors, and optical nonlinearities in carbon nanotubes, are amongst the phenomena studied. Coherent and incoherent control of pulsed emission from semiconductor laser diodes has been studied theoretically and experimentally, with potential applications in optical clocks. Femtosecond measurement of the dynamics of excitons in carbon nanotubes led to predictions of how well these nanotubes would perform as light sources and optical switches. The ultrafast laser as well as other laser systems withi the ATI can be used in conjunction with an optical access 7 Tesla magnet for the study of


ResearchNanoelectronics

The Nanoelectronics Centre (NEC) takes a twin-track approach towards this goal using both fundamental and applied research placing it at the forefront of those taking innovative technology into the future. Leading experts from a diverse range of scientific backgrounds, backed by state-of-the-art research equipment and facilities, are currently designing materials, devices and systems based on and using nanotechnology to address the grand challenges faced by society.

An example of our leading materials-based research is in the use of carbon nanotubes (CNT) for a wide range of applications such as the next generation of field emission displays, inexpensive high efficiency fourth generation solar cells, and in biological systems as sensing elements for healthcare applications.

We have also developed the concept of hybrid “inorganics-in-organic” systems that are opening a plethora of applications in large area solution processable electronics, including photovoltaics, LED, TFT, transparent conductors and functional inks. Our key technology drivers for these projects are scalability and improving efficiency. We are also making solar cells using laser crystallised amorphous silicon which could provide a cheap alternative to high efficiency but expensive silicon-based devices presently on the market. Such devices will help harness the 165,000 TW days of energy that reaches the Earth’s surface from the sun and help to meet the ~10 TW day global demand for energy by accessing part of the sun’s radiation not normally accessible to crystalline silicon.

The energy agenda continues further with the use of organic-CNT composites for the fabrication of prototype solid state lighting devices, which concentrates on the efficiency of electrodes and charge injection in these structures. Related

Nanotechnology is about the design, manipulation and fabrication of mechanical, biological, optical and electronic devices/systems utilising the smallest building blocks available: atoms and molecules.


materials-based work includes the filling of carbon nanotubes, inorganic nanotubes and liquid crystal materials. Our processing facilities have allowed us to produce a whole range of materials from using pulsed laser ablation including diamond-like carbon films with flat mirror smooth finishes, to highly nanostructured carbon films with large surface to volume ratios suitable for super and ultra capacitors and hydrogen storage type applications. The latter material has been shown to be an excellent scaffold for noble metals, such as silver, which have found applications in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. We have also developed a low-cost self-assembled fullerene system decorated with palladium that acts as a nanocatalyst thus increasing the range of materials available from which next-generation devices may be realised.

Some of the fundamental understanding we have gained on the growth of nanomaterials has now been transferred to a spin-out company, Surrey NanoSystems Ltd., who are supplying bespoke and production tools to the market via the first commercially available turnkey system that incorporates the catalyst tool and the CVD growth chambers on the same platform.

www.surreynanosystems.com

The undertaking of fundamental characterisation has revealed the hidden complexity at the nanoscale enabling advances in understanding and utilization of the physics. In additional to self-assembled systems we can create nanoscopic 3D structures and devices using a focused ion beam, probe atomic energy levels using photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as taking images of nanostructures at atomic resolution using scanning tunnelling microscopy, scanning tunnelling spectroscopy and high resolution electron microscopy using a STEM. Examples of this include probing the internal structure of double wall carbon nanotubes that have significant ramifications for quantum wire transportation and interconnects based

on this material as well as for novel crystal structures that can be formed within them with unique phase-change properties.

In terms of devices, we are unique in leading the way in nanomanipulation of nanoscale objects. Working with the NPL we have developed this capability further, allowing us to undertake fundamental studies of magnetic field changes in nanometre objects through the development of single nanowires sensors for a variety of applications. This key partnership is an example of the significant benefit to be gained by such collaborations.

We have also demonstrated significant advances in the development of macroscale devices based on nanoscale functionality. The use of screen printed organic semiconductors to enable a new generation of low-cost transistor devices for electronics has proved to be highly successful. Likewise, the use of inorganic semiconductor nanocrystals in organic systems has demonstrated significant advances in the ability to utilise the available solar spectrum beyond the visible for energy generation. In all of these devices controlling the arrangement of the components on the nanoscale has proven to be critical for their operation.

In terms of systems research, we are using our knowledge base in materials and fabrication capability to produce RF and mm-wave devices using novel substrates and processes. These include components using thick-film multi-layer processing for new designs in passive components and antennas. Using the techniques developed, we have been able to characterise materials at frequencies up to 220 GHz, including the characterisation of carbon nanotubes, their composites and bundles of nanowires. This can potentially lead to a significant reduction in component size in nanotube-composite filters. Work within the activity is attracting an interest in wireless communication at higher frequency microwave bands, and the technology developed is leading to new microwave structures.

Research Nanoelectronics

Research within the NEC spans a vast range of activities and uses a wide variety of fabrication and characterisation techniques, all conducted by leading interdisciplinary scientists and we have only been able to give a few example above. The NEC has made a huge impact on the global roadmap of nanotechnology in some of these areas and will continue to do so as we move forward.


ResearchIon Beam Centre

The Surrey Ion Beam Centre (IBC) is recognised as one of the world’s leading laboratories in the field of ion implantation, ion beam applications and ion beam analysis. The IBC is a UK national facility sponsored by EPSRC and conducts its research with academia and industry nationally and internationally. Although the IBC can trace its origins back to the microelectronics revolution of the twentieth century, its remit is now far broader, where ion beams promise to have as much impact in the twenty-first century as the silicon chip did in the twentieth. Cutting-edge research in silicon nanoelectronics and photonics is closely allied with industry. The work in nanoelectronics is closely tied to the International Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) and has devised

During the twentieth century, the silicon chip transformed the world. Ion implantation and much of the work conducted at the Surrey Ion Beam Centre (IBC) was fundamental to this silicon revolution.


a number of innovative solutions for the faster, cleverer silicon chips of the future. In the field of photonics, nano and micro-engineering have enabled novel superconducting and optoelectronic devices to be fabricated. Research on defect engineering has yielded a spin-out company – Si-Light Technologies Limited – to capitalise on the research achievements that have been made.

Research on ion beam optics underpins the development of two new nanobeams. These beamlines can precisely position single ions within a 10 nm spot and can be focussed, in full current mode, down to below 20 nm. The horizontal beamline is being designed for high aspect ratio nanoscale lithography with applications in fluidics, sensing, biotechnology, lab on a chip, to name but a few. The vertical beamline is a collaboration with the Gray Cancer Institute, now part of the new Radiation and Oncology initiative funded by MRC and CRUK at the University of Oxford. This beam line is being used for cell irradiation experiments and allows precise numbers of ions to be placed at precise locations within living cells. These experiments are conducted to study cancer induction mechanisms and to understand the effects of environmental exposure to radiation as well as to underpin the new developments in proton beam therapy soon to be installed in the UK. Both beamlines will also be capable of performing ion beam analysis on the nanoscale and, in the case of the vertical beamline, this can also be conducted in air or liquid. The IBC’s ion beam analysis capabilities allow a number of different techniques to be carried out simultaneously, enabling a three-dimensional quantitative image of the elemental and density distributions within a sample to be elucidated.

Developments at the IBC allow very thin <5 nm films to be profiled and have also enabled the identification of the precise number of metal atoms in liquid or crystalline protein samples to be determined. The IBC is also carrying out pioneering research on the next generation of software for analysing the

data from different ion beam analysis techniques. This software, named DataFurnace, is being developed in collaboration with the University of Lisbon and is now being used in laboratories across the world.

All of the IBC’s research is underpinned by a strong simulation and modelling activity. Recent research on cluster beams is providing unique insights into subjects as diverse as the way such clusters can be used to form very shallow junctions in silicon and their use as an analysis probe for biomolecules. It is also showing the similarity between the sputtering of organic materials caused by MeV heavy ion bombardment and keV cluster impacts. These simulations have been able to demonstrate that keV clusters and MeV heavy ions can cause strong pressure waves to pass through the surface of the struck material. This causes substantial intact molecular ejection as well as impaction of the target and can result in local amorphisation in the case of silicon, in much the same way as a nano-indenter. Other studies have demonstrated impact induced polymerisation in certain materials. These simulations provide insight to the SIMS community who need to understand about these potential problems when analysing these types of materials.

As part of the IBC’s continuing commitment to provide a quality service it first received ISO9001 accredited in 2007 and successfully renewed this each year since then.

The IBC is an active member of a European integrated infrastructure initiative (I3) grant for ion beam facilities, supported under the EU grant “Support of Public and Industrial Research using Ion Beam Technology (SPIRIT)”. This connects the top ion beam labs in Europe and provides expertise and access to facilities to the European Community and associated member states. Furthermore, in addition to providing transnational access and participating in joint research activities, the IBC is responsible for the networking within the project and

Research Ion Beams

co-ordinates the quality assurance and training programmes.

In 2009 the IBC hosted the 19th biennial International Conference on Ion Beam Analysis at the University of Cambridge to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Rutherford Backscattering experiment (undertaken by a doctoral student Ernest Marsden at the University of Manchester in 1909). The meeting attracted over 400 abstracts and scientists from more than 20 nations around the globe.

In 2010 the IBC hosted the 12th triennial International PIXE conference at the University of Surrey, with talks ranging from applications in art and archaeology to forensic studies and materials science and nanotechnology.

In the year 2010/11 the IBC delivered a record 3,500 hours of beam time to internal and external users who applied for it via EPSRC or EU grants (including SPIRIT) or who paid commercially to use its facilities. Projects ranged from the analysis of gun shot residue for forensics and cow dung for archaeology to the manufacture of state of the art semiconductor devices.

The IBC is a partner in two Basic Technology projects, CONFORM and LIBRA and led by Professor Roger Barlow from the University of Manchester and Dr Marco Borghesi of Queens University Belfast.

The IBC won two new grants recently. The first is to support a Centre for Doctoral Training to support Accelerator Science based around the two Basic Technology Applications above. The second is to build the world’s first scanning ambient pressure secondary ion mass spectroscopy (MeV SIMS) facility which will be capable of imaging with sub micron spatial resolution. This equipment will be built over the next two year period and then will be open for external users who will be able to apply for access to the use the new equipment.


ResearchTheory and Computation


The remarkable progress towards the very small has allowed the conception of metamaterials, with exciting new properties such as a negative refractive index, quantum dot nanomaterials, carbon nanotubes, graphene and functional photonic crystals, as well as the controlled manipulation of single biological molecules. Just as revolutionary has been the progress towards harnessing the quantum nature of electrons and photons on ultrafast timescales, heralding the new field of lightwave electronics. The Theory and Computation group is the focus of theoretical and computational modelling activities in the ATI, bringing together a large variety of advanced computational tools used on dedicated high-performance computing platforms.

Since its establishment the Theory and Computation group has recently presented a novel scheme in which negative-refractive-index metamaterial heterostructures are used to efficiently slow down light and eventually bring it to a complete standstill. In such a tapered metamaterial, each frequency component of a wave packet may be stopped at a different thickness, leading to the spatial separation of the packet’s spectrum and the formation of a ‘trapped rainbow’. Such macroscopic control of photons may conceivably find applications in optical data processing and storage, and in the realisation of quantum optical memories. The Theory and Computation group has employed advanced modelling approaches to explore the fundamental aspects of nano-photonics, as well as the application of plasmonic waveguides. More generally, new possibilities are available to engineer structural colours (iridescent, prismatic, multi-hue or luminescent) which are universally attractive in competitive marketplaces such as mobile electronics, fashion and automotive/airline industries. Research within The Theory and Computation

group aims to study new polymer opal films with embedded nanoparticles, which have the appealing structural colours of photonic opals.

When conceiving new generations of electronic or photonic micro-processors with structures on the order of tens of nanometres, heat management becomes amongst the most important aspect to consider. We employ a quantum thermodynamical approach to study the transport of heat on the nanoscale. The Theory and Computation group explores, in particular, the exploitation of excess heat in nanodevices for the generation of coherent light, and has proposed the concept of a ‘thermal laser’ that could prove useful in a range of nanophotonic devices. More conventionally, new and exciting developments in semiconductor lasers aim to directly control and manipulate light–matter interaction, light emission and propagation, and to engineer the optoelectronic properties of the semiconductor gain media. The Theory and Computation group models the ultrafast dynamics of advanced laser devices such as the semiconductor disc laser, and explores the physics of (sub-) femto-second laser light sources. We have developed an original approach to calculating the electronic structure, material and optical properties of semiconductor quantum dots where the electrons are confined in all three dimensions – analogous to artificial atoms. Physical processes in semiconductor quantum dots may be used as the basis for a quantum computer. Further work includes studying the spatio-temporal dynamics of quantum dot lasers, optically pumped semiconductor lasers, finite-difference time-domain modelling of coherent control in semiconductor nanostructures, and modelling the dynamics of complex nanostructured non-Newtonian fluids.

The Theory and Computation group’s nanofluidics activity employs state-of-the-art computational methods to perform simulations and calculations in order to better understand molecular interactions with nanotubes. Amongst these are quantum studies of the interaction of a water molecule with a nanotube, as well as molecular dynamics simulations to allow the study of continuously flowing water through and around carbon nanotubes. There is a strong biological driver also. Nature offers a large variety of systems that very efficiently transform energy or fulfill a specific function. Examples are photosynthesis in plants and molecular motors performing specific tasks in the human body. Theory and computational modelling help us to understand these complex nanosystems and to learn how to replicate the underlying processes for applications in novel biotechnological systems.

Research Theory and Computation

Research and technology has embarked on a journey into nanospace and the ultrafast world of attosecond dynamics. The Theory and Computation group explores these frontiers by means of analytic theory and advanced computer simulation.


PhD Awards

The list of recent (from 2010) thesis titles shows the range of research undertaken at the ATI. We have graduated over 150 PhD students in the last 10 years:

Title Student

Exciton Dynamics in Carbon Nanotubes Muhammad Tariq Sajjad

Efficient, High Performance Photonic Devices for Optical Fibre Communications and Related Applications Sayid Sayid

Slow and stopped light in negative refractive index waveguides Edmund Kirby

New approaches to improve Thermocouple Thermometry to 2000oC Oijai Ongrai

Combined Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy for High-grade Brain Tumours Lara Barazzuol

Laser Fabrication of Plasmonic Metal Nanoparticles for Optoelectronic Devices Michail Beliatis

Growth and electrical properties of chemical vapour deposited low dimensional sp2 carbons Yee Yuan Tan

Compuer Modelling and Simulation of the Interaction of keV Clusters with Molecular Solids Jaydeep Mody

Pulsed laser synthesis of nanostructures for large area nanoelectronics Imalka Jayawardena

Efficiency of Small Loop Antennas Marc Harper

Physical Properties of Interband Cascade Edge- and Surface-Emitting Mid-Infrared Lasers Barnabas Ikyo

Spin Dependent Electron Transport in Nanoscale InSb Quantum Well Devices Nicole LI

The Growth and Characterization of Silicon Nanowires/ Carbon Nanotubes for Heterojunctions Parul Sharma

Fabrication and Tailoring of Silicon Photonic Devices via Focused Ion Beams Simon Howe

Comparative Study of Boron Activation in Silicon, Silicon-on-Insulator and Silicon-Germanium Substrates Masamba Kah

Investigating single cell growth dynamics of mycobacteria with microfluidics Solmaz Golchin

miniature Planar Components for Microwave Applications Nural Huda Osman

Improving Organic Photovoltaic Device Efficiency through Nanoimprinting Joseph Emah

Polysilicon Thin-Film Source-Gated Transistors for Mixed Signal Large Area Electronics Radu Sporea

Electronic Structure of Quantum Dot : Tight-binding Approach Worasak Sukkabot

Physical Properties and Efficiency Limiting Processes in Nitride Based in Optoelectronic Devices Sucheta (Lisa) Ahmed

Erasable Bragg gratings in Silicon On Insulator Renzo Loiacono

Improvements to Organic Light Emitting Devices with Carbon Nanotubes and Fluoropolymer Li-Wei Tan

Design, Development and Fabrication of a New Generation Semiconductor X-ray Detector Shada Kazemi

Proton Beam Writing: A novel tool for Silicon Waveguides Fabrication Kevin Yang

Functionalisation of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Proteins: A Comparison of Methods and Efficiency Kathy Sharpe

A Theoretical Investigation of the Next Generation of MeV Ion Nanobeams Michael Merchant

Modelling the electronic properties of Si-based quantum structures in external electric and magnetic fields David Grocutt

Optical & structural properties of ion beam fabricated amorphous and polycrystalline iron disilicide Lewis Wong


Profile

Nicole Li

I completed my PhD within three years with a thesis entitled “Spin Dependent Electron Transport in Nanoscale InSb Quantum Well Devices”. I have been an EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellow since May 2012. This Fellowship was won after a competitive review of the proposal I wrote based on a scientific case and based on my track record in research.

I am a focused and self-driven researcher as well as an expert in the combination of magneto-optical spectroscopy with electrical spin-sensing in InSb. This material system is rather specialized, and in my PhD Prize fellowship project I am now broadening my expertise to include organic materials, since low-cost devices made from these materials with self-

organization have been proved extremely powerful in other areas of (molecular) electronics. The materials are being produced by Surrey’s Global Partnership Network collaborators at North Carolina State University (NCSU).

Imalka Jayawardena

I obtained a first class BSc (Hons) in Engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka majoring in Materials Engineering in 2008. On completing my undergraduate studies, I was given the opportunity to pursue a PhD in the Nanoelectronics Centre at the ATI. On completing my PhD in March 2012, I was fortunate enough to be awarded the EPSRC Postdoctoral Prize Fellowship which has allowed me to pursue my research interests in organic electronics working with Professor Ravi Silva. As of present, I am actively involved in integrating inorganic nanostructures to “plastic” solar cells based on high performing organic materials with the aim of achieving performances that will allow this cheap, environmentally friendly technology to be brought to the masses. I am also looking forward to increasing my involvement in outreach activities that will help raise public awareness on the importance of the research carried out in Universities.

Lara Barazzuol

I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering in 2006 and a Master’s degree in Bioengineering in 2008 awarded with cum laude, both at the University of Padua in Italy.

I completed my PhD in the Ion Beam Centre under the supervision of Professor Karen Kirkby and within the framework of the Particle Training Network for European Radiotherapy (PARTNER), a Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher training network. My research explored novel treatment options for patients with high-grade brain tumours, with a particular focus on using novel targeted agents combined with conventional radiotherapy and particle therapy.

Since my PhD graduation, I have been carrying on my research within the Ion Beam Centre. I am currently looking into getting a more independent research post, which will

provide me with an opportunity to take an independent role as a research scientist.

Industries engaged in nanotechnology and nanomaterials research and development are no different, with numerous surveys of companies having pointed to the need for graduates with a strong background in engineering or in the physical sciences, supplemented with specialised skills. It is because of this specialised skills shortage that within the ATI we have developed a one-year full time MSc degree in Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronic Devices. With a recognised and established record of high quality postgraduate level teaching, the degree programme, which began in September 2006, takes an intentional emphasis on the applied nature of nanotechnology, the development of new materials and their use in the electronics industry.

Taking recent graduates from electronic engineering, physics and materials science as well as those with industrial experience, participants study a total of eight modules over two semesters. Two of these modules can be chosen from our suite of optional modules and allow students to tailor their studies to their particular interests. The first semester consists of three core modules. The first acts as an introduction to nanotechnology and discusses common nanomaterials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes and quantum dots as well as the effects of quantum confinement and electron diffraction. A second module concentrates on the area of molecular electronics, a topic that the UK has repeatedly demonstrated international leadership in and also covers organic materials for solar cells and energy generation. The third compulsory module is a module devoted to the tools of nanotechnology and covers advanced experimental techniques and is taught part in lectures and part in small group projects where students perform experiments themselves. Optional module in the first semester could be in the field of silicon technology and processing for advanced transistors or RF electronics for communications.

MSc in Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronic Devices

In the second semester, advanced nanoelectronic materials and devices, including spintronic and memory devices are taught. There is also a module on photonics on the nanoscale covering such topics as plasmonics and metamaterials. Reflecting the diversity of nanotechnology, there is also an opportunity to learn about MEMS and NEMS and the needs of the energy economy. The fourth module in this semester is optional and participants can choose to study high frequency devices or optoelectronics.

In the final semester over the summer, students perform a full-time research project building upon the taught material of the previous two semesters. This project can be performed using our cleanroom facilities for both advanced device fabrication and characterisation or using our supercomputing facilities.

Industry needs graduates with up-to-date skills and the ability to expand and develop their products.

Accreditation comes from the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Participants are also eligible for Professional Membership of the Institute of Nanotechnology which will enable the use of the letters MIoN after their name. Not only will this enhance professional standing, it may be useful for further continuing professional development and used in the application process for Chartered Engineer or Chartered Scientist status.

http://www.surrey.ac.uk/ati/msc/

Further information can also be obtained from the Programme Director [email protected]


Schools Outreach Activities

The ATI works closely with Surrey SATRO and their STEM Ambassador programme by hosting many Nuffield Bursary students who spend four weeks on hands-on science and technology projects. For example in Summer 2012, Dr Simon Henley and Dr David Cox supervised Matt Hall, a sixth form student to work on a four week project to investigate the self-assembly of metal nanostructures. In this project, Matt helped develop a new technique to produce very small metal particles (nanoparticles) in well-defined patterns by introducing minute holes in thin films, before melting them with a high power laser. These nanoparticle coatings have important applications in sensing and as coatings to improve future solar cells.

The ATI also regularly hosts school students for summer work placements, as well as students from other nearby schools and colleges for week-long projects. For example, Dr Simon Henley and Dr Jose Anguita recently worked with Josh Kellie from St Paul’s School, on a one week work experience placement, developing new low-weight, high-strength materials for aerospace applications by reinforcing conventional materials with carbon nanotubes and Harry McCulloch from George Abbot School spent a week growing zinc oxide nanowires with Dr Simon Henley using a new seeding method Harry helped develop. Our focus with these short projects is to give visiting students a real “hands-on” experience, rather than just making tea!

“I have greatly enjoyed my time with the ATI and feel as though I have learned valuable things about how ‘real science’ works. I relished the chance to get hands-on and attempt my own project in such a dynamic field.” Josh Kellie – St Paul’s School.

Researchers also run regular laboratory tours for school groups and run open days for children from local schools to gain an insight into the world of nanotechnology. The ATI also participates in the outreach activities of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, such as the Headstart course, where A-level students spend a week at the University for an intensive experience of Electronic Engineering.

Staff and students in the ATI also contribute to external public awareness of science and school science programs. For example Radu Sporea, Charles Opoku, Samantha Shaw, and Andrew Pye were seen in events at the 2011 Times Cheltenham Science Festival.

In the ATI we believe that it is vital to make our research accessible to the general public. This is especially important in order to inspire the younger generation to seek careers in science and technology. Researchers here run a variety of Schools outreach activities, many themed around the general area of nanotechnology.

If you would like more information regarding possible school visits or workshops please contact the ATI’s Outreach Officers:

Dr Simon Henley [email protected]

Dr Vlad Stolojan [email protected]



Contacts

Professor Ravi SilvaDirector of ATIHead of Nanoelectronics Centre T: +44 (0)1483 689825 E: [email protected]

Mrs Lynn Tumilty PA to Director of ATIT: +44 (0)1483 686080E: [email protected]

Professor Roger Webb Director of Surrey Ion Beam CentreT: +44 (0)1483 689083E: [email protected]

Mrs Karen ArthurIBC Centre Secretary & PA to Director of Surrey Ion Beam CentreT: +44 (0)1483 686090E: [email protected]

Dr David CareyCourse Director MSc in Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronic DevicesT: +44 (0)1483 686089E: [email protected]

Dr Steven ClowesPostgraduate TutorT: +44 (0)1483 689827E: [email protected]

Professor Stephen SweeneyHead of Photonics GroupT: +44 (0)1483 689406E: [email protected]

Mrs Julie FletcherCentre SecretaryT: +44 (0)1483 689859E: [email protected]

Professor Michael KearneyHead of Theory and Computation GroupT: +44 (0)1483 689410E: [email protected]


Academic Staff and Advanced Research Fellows

Jeremy Allam

David Carey

Steven Clowes

David Cox (NPL Strategic Research Fellow)

Richard Curry

Neil Emerson

Marian Florescu

Eran Ginossar

Geoff Grime

Russell Gwilliam

Simon Henley

Kevin Homewood

Peter Jarowski

Chris Jeynes

Michael Kearney

Karen Kirkby

Ben Murdin

Maxim Shkunov

Christopher Snowden, FRS

Radu Sporea (RAEng Fellow)

Vlad Stolojan

Stephen Sweeney (EPSRC Leadership Fellow)

Roger Webb

Emeritus Professors

Alf Adams, FRS

Peter Hemment

Brian Sealy

Staff

Technical Staff

Mark Browton

Chris Buxey

Adrian Cansell

Vijayalakshmi Krishnan

Kostis Michelakis

Alex Royle

John Underwood

Administrative Staff

Karen Arthur

Tony Corless

Francine Elson-Vining

Julie Fletcher

Lynn Tumilty

Visiting Staff

Aleksey Andreev (Hitachi)

Tim Ashley (QinetiQ)

Markys Cain (NPL)

Andrew Carter (OCLARO Inc)

Jonathan Coleman (Trinity College Dublin)

Manjit Dosanjh (CERN)

Robert Elliman (Australian National University)

Richard Forbes

Charles Free

Sajad Haq (BAE Systems)

Ortwin Hess (Imperial College London)

Kamal Hossain (NPL)

Michael Kelly (University of Cambridge)

David Lancefield (Charterhouse)

Goran Mashanovich (University of Southampton)

Momir Milosavljevic (Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences)

Graham Reed (University of Southampton)

Mervyn Rose (University of Dundee)

Hidetsugu Shiozawa (University of Vienna)

John Shannon (Phillips)

Research Staff

Jose Anguita

Lara Barazzuol

Michail Beliatis

Julien Colaux

Ben Crutchley

Isabel Franke

Keith Heasman

Konstanze Hild

Nadir Hossain

Mark Hughes

Achakpa Ikyo

Imalka Jayawardena

Charlie Jeynes

Shirong Jin

Khue Tian Lai

Juerong Li

Konstantin Litvinenko

Daren Lock

Manon Lourenco

Willy Ludurczak

Igor Marko

Michael Merchant

Chris Mills

Jayanta Mukherjee

Vladimir Palitsin

Nianhua Peng

Andrew Prins

Rhys Rhodes

Lynn Rozanski

Remi Wache

Pengyuan Yang

Advanced Technology InstituteFaculty of Engineering and Physical SciencesUniversity of SurreyGuildford, Surrey GU2 7XH UK

T: +44 (0)1483 689859F: +44 (0)1483 689404

E: [email protected]/ati

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this brochure at the time of going to press. The University reserves the right, however, to introduce changes to the information given.

Useful Website Addresses

ATIwww.surrey.ac.uk/ati

Photonics Groupwww.surrey.ac.uk/ati/photonics

Nanoelectronics Centrewww.surrey.ac.uk/ati/nec

Ion Beam Centrewww.surrey.ac.uk/ati/ibc

Theory and Computation Groupwww.surrey.ac.uk/ati/tc

MSc Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronic Deviceswww.surrey.ac.uk/ati/msc

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