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The manufacturing and applications of nanoscale devices, particularly in the development of energy efficient nanoscale manufacturing, nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) and novel non-von-Neumann computing using phase change materials.

Peer Reviewed Journal Articles:

WHP Pernice and H. Bhaskaran, “Photonic non-volatile memories using phase change materials,” Applied Physics Letters, to appear (2012) (arxiv preprint PDF).

D. Garcia-Sanchez, KY. Fong, H. Bhaskaran, S. Lamoreaux and HX. Tang, “Casimir Force and in-situ Surface Potential Measurements on Nanomembranes,” Physical Review Letters 109, 027202 (2012). PDF - (PRL Editor’s suggestion, Physics Synopsis here).

H. Bhaskaran, M. Li, D. Garcia-Sanchez, P. Zhao, I.Takeuchi and H.X. Tang, “Active microcantilevers based on piezoresistive ferromagnetic thin films,” Applied Physics Letters 98, 013502 (2011). PDF

H. Bhaskaran, B. Gotsmann, A. Sebastian, U. Drechsler, MA.Lantz, M. Despont, P. Jaroenapibal, RW. Carpick, Y. Liu and K. Sridharan, “Ultralow nanoscale wear through atom-by-atom attrition in silicon-containing diamond-like carbon,” Nature Nanotechnology, 5, 181 - 185 (2010). PDF; Supplementary Information; Supplementary Video 1; Supplementary Video 2

H. Bhaskaran, A. Sebastian, A. Pauza, H. Pozidis and M. Despont, “Nanoscale Phase Transformation in Ge2Sb2Te5 using encapsulated scanning probes,” Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 80, 083701, 2009. PDF

H. Bhaskaran, A. Sebastian, U. Drechsler and M. Despont, “Encapsulated tips for reliable  nanoscale conduction in scanning probe technologies,” Nanotechnology 20 105701, 2009 PDF (rated as article of ‘exceptional interest’ by the editor).

H. Bhaskaran, A. Sebastian and M. Despont, “Nanoscale platinum silicide tips for Conducting Probe Technologies,” IEEE Transactions on Nanotechnology, vol. 8, no. 2, pp128-131, 2009. PDF

DPhil - Robotic nanoscale pick and place assembly of nanoparticles
H. Bhaskaran

We have an ambitious plan to deliver pick-and-place manufacturing at the nanoscale. To realize our ambitions, we are looking for a team member to pursue the doctorate on fundamental aspects of nanoscience, including the study of surface forces at the nanoscale and the ability to attract single nanoparticles reliably, and place them in a manner similar to automobile assembly - except this is at the nanoscale. Such a process would enable a host of novel device architectures, whilst being much more environmentally palatable. This project is in close collaboration with Asylum Research of Santa Barbara USA, IBM Research - Zurich, Switzerland and the Microelectronics iNets with potential opportunities to travel to partner sites. This project also allows for significant creative contributions and the right DPhil candidate will have the freedom to shape research directions.

The DPhil student working on this project will become an expert in advanced nanomanufacturing techniques, atomic force microscopy and nanoparticle assembly.

Your Profile:
Your profile will be one of a highly motivated undergraduate (evidenced by previous stints in Research laboratories), first class honors degree (or equivalent) earning undergraduate in Physics, Materials, Engineering or a closely related field with a deep desire to carry out independent experimental research. You must like working on hands-on laboratory experiments and have the desire to try out many novel ideas. Evidence (via references) of initiative and excellent people skills is required, as this is an experimental project involving many collaborations. A masters degree with a research component and/or previous co-authorship of peer-reviewed publications would be viewed favourably.

Also see homepages: Harish Bhaskaran

DPhil - Non von Neumann computing using Phase Change Materials
H. Bhaskaran

Our group is trying something new - creating a computing system where data storage and processing are closely linked using a materials science approach. In this exciting and pioneering project we aim to create nanoscale devices using phase change materials, and investigate arithmetic computations on these devices - this is our attempt to mimic biological computing processes (albeit at a very early stage).

This is difficult to achieve, and so we need very, very bright and motivated colleagues. People working on this project will have much scope to effect a large-scale impact in the future of computing. We also have several international academic collaborations for this project, and the student will have potential opportunities to travel to partner institutions in Germany and the USA.

The DPhil student working on this project will become an expert in phase change materials and memories as well as advanced measurement techniques.

Your Profile:
Your profile will be one of a highly motivated undergraduate (evidenced by previous stints in Research laboratories), first class honors degree (or equivalent) earning undergraduate in Physics, Materials, Engineering or a closely related field with a deep desire to carry out independent experimental research. You must like working on hands-on laboratory experiments and have the desire to try out many novel ideas. Evidence (via references) of initiative and excellent people skills is required, as this is an experimental project. A masters degree with a research component and/or previous co-authorship of peer-reviewed publications would be viewed favourably.

Also see homepages: Harish Bhaskaran

Also see a full listing of New projects available within the Department of Materials.