Inspired by nature, Australia & Germany seek to transform semiconductors
The ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science and the University of Bayreuth will jointly host a new International Research Training Group (IRTG) aimed at enhancing the functionality of semiconductors.
IRTGs are established by the German Research Foundation for an initial period of five years, with a total of €69 million allocated to eleven new groups in the latest round of funding.
The theme of the new IRTG is ‘Optical stimuli in organic and inorganic semiconductors: Understanding and control through external stimuli’.
The group will investigate how the function of a semiconductor can be changed and follows an approach inspired by nature - different functions in light-active systems are achieved by adapting the local environment of the semiconductor.
The aim of the group is to use external stimuli to define the functionality of the semiconductor without changing its chemical composition. Light, local electromagnetic fields and self-organization processes will also be used as external stimuli.
The German-side of the IRTG will be led by Exciton Science Associate Investigator Professor Anna Köhler of the University of Bayreuth.
In Australia, leading roles will be taken by Exciton Science Director Professor Paul Mulvaney (University of Melbourne) and his fellow Chief Investigators Professor Trevor Smith (University of Melbourne), and Monash University’s Dr Alison Funston, Professor Udo Bach and Professor Jacek Jasieniak.
They will work in collaboration with:
- Monash University materials scientists Professor Chris McNeill;
- ANSTO’s Dr Valerie Mitchell, a beamline scientist at the Australian Synchrotron;
- Associate Professor David Jones, a solar energy researcher at the University of Melbourne;
- and University of Melbourne theoretician Dr Lars Goerigk, who is also an Exciton Science Associate Investigator.
Professor Mulvaney said: “We’re delighted by this expression of confidence in the productive, collaborative relationship between Australian and German universities, and between the University of Melbourne and the University of Bayreuth in particular.
“The establishment of this new IRTG will help us answer fundamental questions about innovation in light-active systems that are of great importance in the race to create a clean energy future.
“I’m looking forward to seeing many Exciton Science and University of Melbourne PhD students receiving the benefits of this new exchange program between Australia and Germany.”
For more information about the IRTGs, go to: https://www.dfg.de/service/presse/pressemitteilungen/2022/pressemitteilung_nr_47/index.html
