Piezoelectric Nano-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems (NOEMS) resonators for neuromorphic computing

About the Project

Supervisory Team: Dr Yoshishige Tsuchiya, Dr Bruce Ou and Prof Jize Yan

Physical reservoir computing is attracting much attention as a simple and energy-efficient option of neuromorphic computing and our focus is to use Micro or Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS/NEMS) technologies to meet the system requirements of low-power consumption, high device density for high speed processing, and suitable nonlinearity and memory capacity at the same time.

The project is aiming to develop Nano-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems (NOEMS) Resonators by using piezoelectric MEMS/NEMS platform. Piezoelectric materials will contribute to improve the conversion of the electrical input to the mechanical displacement significantly, while the optical detection of the displacement via NOEMS can show the best sensitivity for the output. Design of the resonators will be optimised for the purpose of using for physical reservoir computing and the devices will be prototyped by using cleanroom facilities in Southampton.

The supervisory team has strong links with research institutions in Asia and will seek further collaboration opportunities during the project. Successful development of piezoelectric NOEMS resonators will make significant contribution to improve energy efficiency of neuromorphic computing hardware and to open up further opportunities to advance machine learning or artificial intelligence technologies to the next level.

Training to use Southampton cleanroom facilities will be offered.

Entry requirements

You must have a 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

Fees and funding

We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students. Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.

Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.

Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered. For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD Electronic & Electrical Engineering (7092)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application

Applications should include:

• research proposal
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)