Plasma Research Laboratory | School of Physical Sciences

Plasma Research Laboratory (PRL)

Plasma Research Laboratory (PRL) Research Director: Dr. Bert Ellingboe, PhD

The Plasma Research Laboratory researches the engineering‑physics of plasma sources and diagnostics for basic understanding of the physical operational principles and their applications. We are interested in RF plasma sources, especially using a physics description of the plasma to inform the engineering of the RF power system and/or experimental design to operate the application or demonstrate the phenomenon. 

The PRL is also commercialising its technologies, engaging with world-leading manufacturers and equipment providers, and focusing on the application of high‑VHF plasma sources for advanced display and semiconductor manufacturing. Recent applications include barrier coatings for Organic LED displays on plastic; growth of thin-film silicon solar cell active layers; surface modification of carbon-fibre panels used in aircraft manufacturing; and RF power systems for high-VHF power transport and matching.

PhD Research Opportunities:

The PRL is looking for two Post-Graduate students to start immediately (summer, 2024).

We are looking for students who will be well-suited to compete for (the successor to) IRCSET GOIP [see for comparison http://research.ie/funding/goipg/ which was a highly-competitive, highly-prestigious (up-to) 4-year grant in support of pioneering research.]

Students wishing to be considered for these opportunities should send an email to Albert-dot-Ellingboe at dcu-dot-ie with their CV, the names of two suitable referees, and a description of their personal interest in *one* of the projects listed below.  

1. Plasma surface treatment of thin flexible electronics.  The PRL has developed novel, forward-looking solution to coming problems in nano-scale manufacturing in flexible electronics, initially to be applied to next-generation solid-state battery advanced anodes. The candidate will characterize the novel plasma-source topology both through materials processing and analysis (SEM, XPS, nano-profilometry) and plasma characterization (Hairpin-probe, Energy-resolved Mass-spectrometry, Voltage-probes) to advance flexible-electronics manufacturing capabilities.  Expectation of a Physics-based degree (with Masters-level course-work and/or research.)  
2. Electro-Mechanical development of next-generation Flexible-Substrate manufacturing equipment. The student will be on the forefront of Engineering-Physics of plasma-system design for next-generation plasma-surface treatment of Roll-2-Roll Flexible Electronics. The challenge will draw on CAD/CAM, Fluid-flow, Thermal-modelling, and the development of Real-time feedback-control of Sub-systems developed within the PRL. Expectation of a Electro-Mechanical 4/5 year degree with strong CAD/CAM and electrical systems.