Metrology and Process Integration for Defect Mapping of Next Generation Semiconductor Materials and Devices at Swansea University

Project start date: 

• 1 July 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-June)
• 1 October 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-September)

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering or Computer Science 

Project description: 

This PhD project will harness the power of Artificial Intelligence for application in semiconductor technologies.

The automotive semiconductor market, valued at $35 billion in 2020, is thriving due to the surge in Electric, Hybrid, and Autonomous Vehicles. To sustain this growth, achieving defect-free semiconductor devices with yields exceeding 90% is imperative. The industry anticipates a 98% efficacy boost through AI adoption, particularly in automated inspection and defect recognition. Over the next decade, AI is poised to revolutionize the semiconductor sector, enhancing quality control and yield.  

Critical to this transformation is KLA, the global premier metrology company specializing in chip and substrate manufacturing applications. KLA’s systems, encompassing design-manufacturability verification, new process characterization, and manufacturing process monitoring, ensure precise measurement of various parameters, enabling tight process control for improved performance and yield. The collaboration with KLA aims to integrate wafer production and metrology for advanced semiconductor materials like Silicon Carbide and Gallium Nitride. Device manufacturing, using these materials, comprises processes including wafer production, photolithography, insulator growth, deposition, etching and metal deposition). Each process step has variables, which can lead to defects.  

This PhD project requires a highly motivated student with a Physics, Computer Science or Electrical Engineering background (or similar discipline). 

Please visit our website for more information about the project.

Eligibility

Candidates must hold 1) an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level in Computer Science, Mathematics or a closely related discipline, or an appropriate master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University), OR 2) an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship (i.e. a student who is eligible to pay the UK rate of tuition fees) but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry. Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency.

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations.

Additional Funding Information

This scholarship covers the full cost of UK tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £18,662 for 2023/24).

Additional research expenses will also be available.