PRR Project

Summary

The research scientist will be required to plan, manage and conduct research projects in the Optoelectronics Area, to use silicon microfabrication technologies (e.g., physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques, microMLA, dicer, wire-bonding, lithography processes, and atomic layer deposition (ALD) system, in clean room environment, all available at CMEMS-UMinho laboratory), to train all personnel on equipment management requirements and responsibilities, and develop new scientific approaches and solutions that address industry challenges. Projects related to the development of new self-powered and high-performance MEMS photodetectors will be considered for the next generation of optical microdevices. With increasingly sophisticated imaging techniques, the electronic-based optical sensors need to be smaller, low-cost, low-power consumption, reliable and highly accurate. Thus, the need for innovative photodetectors with high responsivity (R), high detectivity (D*), fast response, as well complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) integration, is becoming more critical in miniaturized optical sensors. Particularly, the current infrared (IR) PDs (GaAs and InGaAs) performance is limited by the need of high driving voltages (higher than 40 V) and the need to be operated at very low temperatures (-20 ºC to -10ºC), resulting in high energy consumption, and a restriction for several potential applications. The IR detector market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.97% to reach USD 1.42 billion by 2028. Therefore, it is important to make IR detectors cheaper and more convenient to use. The combination of several nano-structures (such, as 2D semiconductor transition metal dichalcogenides, ferroelectric, metal and semiconductor oxide thin films) with their intrinsic effects (ferroelectric, photovoltaic, plasmonic and pyroelectric effects) will be performed to achieve low-cost and self-powered IR MEMS PDs. This project will contribute to boost the semiconductor microelectronics industry in Portugal, particularly by the development of innovative and competitive semiconductor technologies/solutions in the international market. Economically, these low-cost, room-temperature and self-powered PDs will be an alternative to the commercial IR PDs, reducing the overall cost of the integrated optoelectronics, and making it more suitable to a higher number of applications. The main focus of CMEMS-UMinho research unit is on micro/nano fabrication of MEMS devices for two major domains: industrial and biomedical applications. CMEMS-UMinho has a highly intense laboratory activity (fabrication and characterization), in which the complexity of the nano/micro devices developed requires the use of specialized personal to manage all existing equipment, coordinate scientists and technicians, create mechanisms that strengthen the academia-company connection, and have capacity to attract new funding and collaborate with new recognized investigators at international level. Therefore, it is required that the research scientist have a strong background in silicon microfabrication technologies in clean room environments, on micro and nano fabrication of new designed structures for photodetection, and on understanding the relationship between structure and functionality of semiconductor and ferroelectric oxide thin films to enhance photodetection in nano/micro MEMS photodetectors for industrial and biomedical applications.The research scientist will: - Fabricate new products, methods or systems for applying research findings. - Perform structural, micro-structural, chemical composition, optical, ferroelectric, pyroelectric and ferro-pyro-phototronic characterizations of developed nano/microdevices. - Plan, coordinate and propose measures to address issues or deviations. - Integrate and test the developed devices into optical microsystems. - Publish in high ranked journals and disseminate findings by writing reports, presenting at conferences, workshops and open-days at schools/universities. - Participate in programs dedicated to the Optoelectronics sector at European level. - Prepare research proposals and apply for funding. - Review proposals and articles. - Develop patents to protect and exploit intellectual property. - Promote new synergies/collaborations with international partners. - Promote/tight the academia-industry link to strengthen business capacity through the elaboration of collaborative projects. - Start an optoelectronics research group line at CMEMS-UMinho research unit, and support or lead a team of engineers, scientists and technicians. - Supervise junior, master and doctoral students to consolidate independency and leadership skills, and attract new investigators for this research field. - Teach course units for dissemination of knowledge and development/consolidation of teaching skills (such as, Introduction to Microtechnologies in Silicon and Project in Industrial Electronic Engineering and Computers).