Cohort 4 – EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing

Yangqian (Fiona) Wang

My name is Yangqian and I’m from China. I received my undergrad and master’s degree in electronic engineering in 2018 and 2021, respectively.Starting from p-n junction, I was obsessed with semiconductor-based technology since 2015. To me, this knowledge gives me opportunities to unveil the mystery of physics. Therefore, I investigated much more advanced devices known as GaN-based HEMTs during my master’s program, which was focused on studying their dynamic characteristics induced by charge-trapping effects within specific measurement waveforms I designed. Hence, additional rewards about my academic journey were 3 journal papers and 1 conference paper.

For my PhD project, I will be supervised by Prof. Huiyun Liu and Dr. Mingchu Tang to design and fabricate a long-wavelength InAs QD laser at UCL.

During my free time, I might go for dancing or exploring cities by myself.

Miguel Alvarez Perez

I have always been strongly bound to the world of natural sciences and technologies, mainly because I grew up in a family that’s always been professionally involved in different technologies-related areas.
I started reading and doing my research to learn about different technologies and physics topics such as nanotechnologies, semiconductors and microchips, and particle physics, amongst others, by reading books and articles on the internet.

This interest and passion led me to start a 4-years MPhys Physics degree at the University of Hertfordshire, where I specialised in those areas of interest such as Condensed Matter Physics with my 3rd-year project in Optical Tweezers and light-matter interaction, and Quantum Physics with my final year project in Symmetry Breaking and Higgs Mechanism.

Studies on a side, I am interested in cars and motorsport, and I like using my spare time to read, enjoy a trip or just a nice walk around the city.

Venkatesh Chakravartula

Hi, I’m Venkatesh. I’m from India and my masters degree was in Optoelectronic and Quantum Technologies at the University of Bristol, where my research project was studying the coherence times of electron spins in quantum dots. As part of the CDT, I joined the MSc in Compound Semiconductor Electronics at Cardiff University, and will be progressing for a PhD at UCL. I will be studying on-chip frequency combs for spectroscopy of greenhouse gases. Outside of research, I enjoy backpacking, wildlife documentaries, music and nonfiction.

Chris Dawe

My name is Chris and I am originally from Southampton but grew up in Cornwall. I received my MPhys degree from the University of Liverpool in 2022.

I have a keen interest in experimental physics which strengthened over the course of my master’s project, where I began to work with thin film solar cells. I explored the impact defects had on the performance of CdTe devices, which had been passivated with varying concentrations of selenium. This research was conducted using Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS) and Isothermal Transient Spectroscopy (ITS) to highlight the electrically active defects.

For my PhD project, I will be supervised by Professor Matthew Halsall at the University of Manchester with support from IQE. My preliminary project title is: Identification of point defects in GaN materials and their impact on device performance.

During my free time, I enjoy staying active and attending as many football games as possible – although this isn’t always fun being a Southampton fan!

Mark de Quidt

Hi I’m Mark, originally from Wokingham in Berkshire.

I studied at Cardiff 2018-2021 for a BSc in Physics, during this time I gained a strong interest in Condensed matter and Semiconductor Physics. I enjoyed completing a research project in my final year, working on characterizing the field effects and ferromagnetic properties of an electromagnet for use in semiconductor testing.

My PhD project is based in the Optoelectronics group at Cardiff University supervised by Dr Sam Shutts, I am developing a photonic interface for cryogenic quantum processors.

Outside of my studies, I’m an avid skier, I spent the Winter after graduating working as an instructor and backcountry guide in Revelstoke Canada. I also enjoy reading and cooking.

Max Goodwin

Hi, I’m Max, and I’m from Cheshire, just south of Manchester. I graduated from the University of Sheffield with a bachelors degree in Electronic Engineering where I fostered an interest in semiconductor materials, and their properties.

My final year project focussed on the photoluminescence characgterisation of In/GaAs quantum dots using different spectroscopy techniques. I also have experience in cleanroom processes, which I used to fabricate SAW filters for high speed communications.

Outside of university, I enjoy going out to see live music at the weekends and have a drink. I have also built a large sound system that I hope will see some use in Cardiff.

Mehdi Ahmadian

My name is Mehdi. I received my BSc degree in Electronic Engineering from the Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST). Chosen as an Exceptional Talent in the country, I directly entered the Master’s level in my favourite field and received my MSc degree in Micro and Nano-Electronic Devices. The outcome of my research is the eight publications in the IEEE Sensors Journal, Microelectronics Journal, etc. Furthermore, I served as a reviewer for various journals such as IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices and IEEE Transactions on Nanotechnology.

My PhD project topic is: “Engineering Epitaxial Quantum Dots for Future Scaling of Quantum Technologies”. I will be supervised by Prof. Richard Curry at the University of Manchester with support from the National Epitaxy Facility and Ionoptika.

In my spare time, I like to travel and spend time with my family and close friends. Also, I enjoy reading about the history of nations, civilizations and new technologies.

Kimberly Nicholson

Hi! For my undergraduate degree I studied Physics at University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. Specialising in the suitability of deep-ultra-violet micro-light-emitting diode for applications in optical wireless communication.

For my PhD project, I will be supervised by Dr Naresh Gunasekar looking at defect characterisation in III-nitrides materials and devices using multimodal micro-spectroscopy.

Franco Obuseli

Hello! My name is Franco, and I’m from Italy. I studied physics at the University of Nottingham. I consider myself an experimental physicist with a fascination for theory. My interest in physics stems from pop science books I read before starting university. My favourite is ‘Physics of the impossible’ by Prof Michio Kaku; he talks about the science behind sci-fi shows. He breaks down what makes these technologies possible and how close we are to achieving them. In the book, he also talks about the development of semiconductor technology. With this CDT, I hope to be part of this ever-changing industry.

My research project was on the mechanical properties of ultra-thin polymer films. These films play a key role in the semiconductor industry. Reducing the thickness of the films, allows us to make smaller structures.

Other than physics, I have a passion for fitness and Judo.

Kiran Sushil

Hello, I’m Kiran and I have completed a Masters (MEng) degree in Mechanical Engineering at Lancaster University.

I was first introduced to semiconductor science through my third year dissertation topic which revolved around novel III-V semiconductor materials and their applications and implementation in PV cells. In my fourth year I completed a group dissertation on the building of a characterisation system for solar panels. Both of these years were filled with both challenges and highly interesting topics.

I’m always looking to pick up new activities that I may find fun but outside work, I generally like to play guitar, tennis and basketball.