About the project
This project will combine device simulations with electronic characterisation and optoelectronic measurement techniques to identify the resistance modulation mechanisms underlying memristive devices based on a wide variety of materials systems including hybrid perovskites, silicon-carbide, and vanadium (IV) oxide.
An opportunity has arisen within the School of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton to participate in cutting-edge research in the emerging field of neuromorphic electronic devices.
A memristor is a fundamental two-terminal passive electronic device, the resistive state of which depends on its history. Networking a set of memristors produces a hardware neural network capable of in-memory computing with the potential to realise neuromorphic chips with improved energy efficiency, real-time learning and greater fault tolerance as compared to the current silicon-based Artificial Intelligence accelerators. Notwithstanding, many challenges remain for the research field including understanding the various resistance modulation mechanisms, device stability, and state retention.
New device models will be developed to account for different resistance modulation mechanisms including ionic energy barrier modulation, filament formation, phase change, and Joule heating. Insights from the models will be used to design transient electronic and optoelectronic characterisation protocols, which will be tested on real-world devices.
The ultimate aim of the project is to establish a suite of advanced characterisation methodologies capable of unambiguously identifying the resistance modulation mechanism of individual memristive devices.
The outcomes will provide valuable insight for the design of next-generation neuromorphic technologies and energy-efficient AI hardware.
The School of Electronics & Computer Science is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
