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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number EP/S024441/1
Title EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing
Status Started
Energy Categories Energy Efficiency(Residential and commercial) 5%;
Energy Efficiency(Transport) 5%;
Not Energy Related 90%;
Research Types Training 100%
Science and Technology Fields PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics) 50%;
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) 50%;
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 75%;
Other (Energy technology information dissemination) 25%;
Principal Investigator Professor PM Smowton
No email address given
Physics and Astronomy
Cardiff University
Award Type Standard
Funding Source EPSRC
Start Date 01 July 2019
End Date 31 December 2027
Duration 102 months
Total Grant Value £6,870,689
Industrial Sectors Electronics; Manufacturing
Region Wales
Programme Non Theme Specific
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Professor PM Smowton , Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University (99.993%)
  Other Investigator Dr T Wang , Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Sheffield (0.001%)
Professor H Liu , Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University College London (0.001%)
Professor M Missous , Electrical & Electronic Engineering, University of Manchester (0.001%)
Dr S Mokkapati , Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University (0.001%)
Dr PD Buckle , Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University (0.001%)
Dr DM Beggs , Physics and Astronomy, Cardiff University (0.001%)
Professor K Elgaid , Engineering, Cardiff University (0.001%)
  Industrial Collaborator Project Contact , Plextek Ltd (0.000%)
Project Contact , National Physical Laboratory (NPL) (0.000%)
Project Contact , Airbus UK Ltd (0.000%)
Project Contact , Toshiba Research Europe Ltd (0.000%)
Project Contact , Hitachi Cambridge Laboratory (0.000%)
Project Contact , Oclaro (0.000%)
Project Contact , LUX-TSI (0.000%)
Project Contact , National Instruments Corp (UK) Ltd (0.000%)
Project Contact , IQE Plc (0.000%)
Project Contact , Oxford Instruments plc (0.000%)
Project Contact , pureLiFi Ltd (0.000%)
Project Contact , Compound Semiconductor Centre (0.000%)
Project Contact , Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult (0.000%)
Project Contact , Huawei Technologies (UK) Co. Ltd (0.000%)
Project Contact , IconicRF Ltd (0.000%)
Project Contact , Linwave Technology Limited (0.000%)
Project Contact , Lumerical Inc. (0.000%)
Project Contact , Newport Wafer Fab Limited (0.000%)
Project Contact , The Rockley Group UK (0.000%)
Project Contact , Seagate Technologies (0.000%)
Project Contact , Stratium (0.000%)
Project Contact , Photon Design Ltd (0.000%)
Project Contact , SPTS Technologies (0.000%)
Web Site
Objectives
Abstract TOPIC: "Semiconductors" are often synonymous with "Silicon Chips". After all Silicon supported computing technologies in the 20th century. But Silicon is reaching fundamental limits and already many of the technologies we now take for granted are only possible because of Compound Semiconductors (CS). These technologies include The Internet, Smart Phones, GPS and Energy efficient LED lighting!CSs are also at the heart of most of the new technologies expected in the next few years including 5G wireless, ultra-high speed optical fibre connectivity, LIDAR for autonomous vehicles, high voltage switching for electric vehicles, the IoT and high capacity data storage.To date CSs are made in relatively small quantities using fairly bespoke manufacturing and manufacturers have had to put together functions by assembling discrete devices. But this is expensive and for many of the new applications integration is needed along the lines of the Silicon Integrated Chip.CDT research will involve: the science of large scale CS manufacturing (e.g. materials combinations to minimise wafer bow, new fabrication processes for non-flat surfaces); manufacturing integrated CS on Silicon and in applying the manufacturing approaches of Silicon to CS. The latter includes using generic processes and generic building blocks and applying statistical process control. By applying these approaches students will address and invent new ways to exploit the highly advantageous electronic, magnetic, optical and power handling properties of CSs and generate novel integrated functionality for sensing, data processing and communication.NEED: This CDT is a critical part of the strategic development of a CS Cluster supporting activity throughout the UK. It is part of the development of a wider training portfolio including apprenticeships and CPD activities, to train and upskill the CS workforce.Evidence of the critical need for a CDT, has been identified in a survey and analysis conducted by UK Electronics Skills Foundation highlighting the specific skills required in this rapidly growing high technology industrial sector."We are looking for PhD level skills plus industry experience. We don't have the time to train up new staff.""There are no 'perfect employees' for CS companies, as this is effectively a new area. Staff, including those with PhDs, either have silicon skills and need CS-specific training, or have CS skills and need training in volume tools and processes, either in the cleanroom or in packaging." - quotes from CS Skills Survey - Report UKESF July 2018.We have worked with the CSA Catapult utilising the skills need they have identified as well as companies across the spectrum of CS activities and are confident of the absorptive capacity: the expected PhD level jobs increase for the existing cluster companies alone would employ all the students and the CDT will support many more companies and academic institutions.APPROACH: a 1+3 programme where Year 1 is based in Cardiff, with provision via taught lectures using university approved level 7 modules and transferable skills training, hands on and in-depth practical training and workshop material supplied by University and Industry Partner staff.A dedicated nursery clean room to allow rapid practical progress, learning from peer group activity and then an industry facing environment with co-location with industry staff and manufacturing scale equipment, where they will learn the future CS manufacturing skills. This will maximise cross fertilisation of ideas, techniques and approach and maximise the potential for exploitation.Y2-Y4 consist of an in depth PhD project, co-created with industry and hosted at one of the 4 universities, and specialised whole cohort training and events, including communication, responsible innovation, entrepreneurship, co-innovation techniques and innovative outreach.
Publications (none)
Final Report (none)
Added to Database 15/08/19