About the Project
An exciting opportunity to work on an interdisciplinary 4-year PhD studentship, fully funded by EPSRC Industrial Doctorate Link Award (IDLA) in collaboration with BAE Systems, open to Home (UK) applicants. We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to develop advanced electrochromic thin-film coating technologies on spherical glass surfaces, enabling dynamic light control with fast response time for critical applications.
The future of active light management requires smart systems that can dynamically control light transmission/reflection/absorption with a fast response time on non-planar surfaces. Current light management techniques based on photochromic technology are not sufficiently fast or precise to support critical applications. Electrochromic technology, where light modulation is electrically triggered by an external power source, provides a pathway to reliably and precisely control the response time and degree of light transmittance. However, current electrochromic materials and manufacturing techniques are heavily optimised for flat glass substrates. This research addresses the critical technological challenges of developing smart and robust multi-layer electrochromic thin-film stacks, along with the application processes and manufacturability required for curved or spherical glass substrates.
This research combines fundamental and applied investigation into materials science, coating deposition process technology, and device engineering for non-flat optics. The main objectives and tasks are as follows:
- Materials Engineering: Critically review literature on electrochromic technologies and their requirements for spherical surfaces. Evaluate current capabilities, strengths, and areas for enhancement (e.g., response times, optical modulation range, and controllability). Develop model systems of transparent electrodes, electrochromic active materials, and solid-state electrolytes compatible with non-planar geometries.
- Process Development: Develop process methods and optimise large-area deposition techniques (e.g., physical vapour deposition) for the manufacture of multi-layer electrochromic thin-film stacks with uniform thickness, microstructure, and composition across highly curved and spherical surfaces. Develop test prototypes and models to demonstrate response times, optical clarity, colour modulation performance, thermal resilience, and ruggedness. The engineering team at BAE Systems Electronic Systems will provide the industrial support with requirements, modelling, and testing of prototype solutions.
- Device Characterisation: Rigorously characterise the prototypes, focusing on switching speed, the quality and range of optical modulation, cycling stability, and the uniformity of colouration and bleaching across the entire curved surface. Employ complementary materials characterisation and electrochemical test techniques (e.g., electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, optical spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry/amperometry) to holistically assess the relationship between device properties and performance.
- Field test and data analysis: Conduct field tests and real-world evaluations of prototypes at both Cranfield University and BAE Systems Electronic Systems. Develop design rules and operating principles for the optimisation and validation of the deposition techniques and device performance. Establish conclusions regarding effectiveness of developed prototypes and their manufacturability.
This 4-year PhD studentship is funded by EPSRC Industrial Doctorate Link Award (IDLA) in collaboration with BAE Systems and is open to Home (UK) applicants.
- An annual stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26).
- Full coverage of PhD tuition fees.
- Cutting-edge foundational research at Cranfield University.
- Opportunities to develop core and transferable skills through workshops and conferences.
- Structured industrial placements of up to 4 weeks per year at BAE Systems Electronic Systems, offering exposure to mechanical and electronic design, along with the manufacture of current and next-generation monitoring systems.
Start date: 28 September
Entry requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to have, a Master’s degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, such as materials science, solid-state physics, chemistry. Experience with coatings deposition techniques (e.g., physical vapour deposition, sol-gel), electrochemical voltammetry/amperometry and impedance spectroscopy, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, or UV/Vis/IR spectrophotometry is desirable.
How to apply
For further information please contact: Name: Prof Krzysztof Koziol Email: k.koziol@cranfield.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1234 758302
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