EPSRC Core Equipment Award 2020
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Liverpool
Department Name: Faculty of Science and Engineering
Abstract
As outlined in our Strategy 2026, the University of Liverpool is committed to "enhance our environment so that all researchers can achieve research success. We will start by building the profile and recognition of research areas where we have established knowledge leadership, for example in Advanced Materials, Infectious Disease and Personalised Health." As such, the University of Liverpool (UoL) is committed to investing the EPSRC Capital Award for Core Equipment allocation in state-of-the-art equipment that will both foster ambitious multidisciplinary collaborative research, and provide a platform for new exciting research, particularly for our early career researchers.
Within the above disciplines, investigation of fundamental phenomena, device optimisation, and the testing of material performance metrics, must often be performed at reduced (nanometre) dimensions. The ability to fabricate devices and test properties from samples with nanoscale features is a priority, which is deeply embedded within the work of a large group of researchers at the University of Liverpool. Examples of lithographed samples range from tunnel diode devices, to plasmonic antenna arrays and lab-on-chip microfluidic channels, encompassing a vast range of research potential.
To complement existing capability in advanced materials development and (bulk) characterisation, we propose to purchase a stand-alone, R&D-level, multi-purpose nanofabrication system, for bespoke sample design and patterning. This will serve to bridge the gap between the fundamental material and device developments already underway at UoL, and the substantial investment otherwise needed to host an extensive lithography centre. The nanolithography tool will be supported by existing ancillary resist processing equipment, and an interchangeable wire bonder tool for electrically contacting samples.
We expect this infrastructure to be a step-change for UoL researchers, which will significantly lower entry barriers to engaging in nanoscience research, while also providing the ideal complement to the extensive capability available at Royce centres for scale-up of device production. We anticipate this will enable new, cutting-edge science at UoL, establishing wholly new areas of research which will also provide our early career researchers with significant research independence.
Within the above disciplines, investigation of fundamental phenomena, device optimisation, and the testing of material performance metrics, must often be performed at reduced (nanometre) dimensions. The ability to fabricate devices and test properties from samples with nanoscale features is a priority, which is deeply embedded within the work of a large group of researchers at the University of Liverpool. Examples of lithographed samples range from tunnel diode devices, to plasmonic antenna arrays and lab-on-chip microfluidic channels, encompassing a vast range of research potential.
To complement existing capability in advanced materials development and (bulk) characterisation, we propose to purchase a stand-alone, R&D-level, multi-purpose nanofabrication system, for bespoke sample design and patterning. This will serve to bridge the gap between the fundamental material and device developments already underway at UoL, and the substantial investment otherwise needed to host an extensive lithography centre. The nanolithography tool will be supported by existing ancillary resist processing equipment, and an interchangeable wire bonder tool for electrically contacting samples.
We expect this infrastructure to be a step-change for UoL researchers, which will significantly lower entry barriers to engaging in nanoscience research, while also providing the ideal complement to the extensive capability available at Royce centres for scale-up of device production. We anticipate this will enable new, cutting-edge science at UoL, establishing wholly new areas of research which will also provide our early career researchers with significant research independence.
