A one-year MSc research project on the development of lead-free ferroelectric thin films is offered in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington.

Ferroelectrics are widely used in industry in their bulk form or as thin films, e.g. in motion sensors or high precision actuators. However, commonly used ferroelectrics contain Pb, which raises major environmental and health concerns. Replacing the established lead-containing ceramics, e.g. the perovskite Pb(Zr,Ti)O3, with non-toxic lead-free materials is an urgent topic in the scientific community today. So far the research has led to some progress in bulk lead-free ceramics, but only a little work has been done on thin films which are highly relevant for miniaturised devices.

The aim of the project is to first develop a processing route to manufacture lead-free bulk ceramics, optimising the reaction conditions for the solid state synthesis of the ceramic powders and sintering into the dense ceramics. These ceramics will then be used by the candidate as sputtering targets to deposit ferroelectric thin films, which will be optimised concerning their crystal quality. The candidate will analyse the strain states of the deposited films depending on the material/substrate combination and sputtering parameters.

This interdisciplinary research project is suitable for candidates with either chemistry or physics background. Previous knowledge on ferroelectrics is an advantage, but not required. The student should be highly motivated and be able to work independently.

The successful candidate will gain knowledge in a highly dynamic research field, extend their skills in scientific experiments and analysis, author publications and attend one international conference. The student will receive a MSc scholarship for one year of research and domestic tuition fees funded by a Marsden grant.

The project will preferably start in March 2015. For more information, please contact Dr. Eva Anton. To apply, please send 1) your detailed curriculum vitae, 2) letter of motivation, and 3) two names for request of recommendation letters via email to eva.anton@vuw.ac.nz.

Closing date: 15 December 2014.