PhD Studentship - Photoelectric artificial synapses for computer vision applications

Supervisory Team: Dimitra Georgiadou, Themis Prodromakis and Hansung Kim

Project description

This PhD studentship aims at exploring advanced materials and novel nanopatterning techniques to develop the next generation of flexible, ultra-thin, lightweight photoelectric sensors and memories. Single devices that emulate biological synapses in the human visual system, capable of detecting (in analogy to the retina in the eye) and memorising or even processing images (like the visual cortex in the brain), will be developed. They will then be incorporated in flexible/stretchable photodiode and/or photocapacitor arrays following the principles of neuromorphic engineering. This can be used in various computer vision applications such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices for visual data communication, human/environment detection/tracking, Augmented/Virtual Reality, etc. The PhD student will have the opportunity to join a multi-disciplinary team and to be trained and work in the world-class facilities of the Zepler Institute for Photonics and Nanoelectronics.

PragmatIC will provide both industry expertise to support the research and offer a 3-month internship at the company.

This project is funded through the UKRI MINDS Centre for Doctoral Training (www.mindscdt.ai). This is one of 16 PhD training centres in the UK with a unique focus on advancing AI techniques in the context of real-world engineered systems with a remit that spans novel hardware for AI, AI and machine learning, pervasive systems and IoT, and human-AI collaboration. We provide enhanced cross-disciplinary training in electronics and AI, entrepreneurship, responsible research and innovation, communication strategies, outreach and impact development as part of an integrated 4-year iPhD programme.

The MINDS CDT is based in a dedicated laboratory on Highfield Campus at the University of Southampton. The lab provides a supportive environment for individual research, ideas sharing and collaboration, and the wider campus provides access to substantial high-performance computing (including dedicated GPU servers), maker and cleanroom facilities. You will take part in our annual, student-designed innovation camps, be able to work with industry and government partners through our internship scheme and be able to take part in exchanges with international university partners.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact the MINDS CDT, Email: mindscdt@soton.ac.uk ,

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Funding: full tuition for UK Students an enhanced stipend £18,285, tax-free per annum for 4 years.

How To Apply

Applications should be made online. Select programme type (Research), 2021/22, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select iPhD Machine Intelligence for Nano-electronic Devices and Systems. (Full time). In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the project title and name of the supervisor.

Applications should include:

• Research Proposal
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts to date

Apply online here

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.