Pulsed Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Effects Measurement and Mechanisms

Are you passionate about developing novel research and keen to shape the future of energy transfer technologies in areas such as engineering and RF technologies? We are recruiting a motivated PhD candidate to undertake an exciting project within the EPSRC Energy Transfer Technologies Doctoral Training Hub. As a student of the Hub, you will receive an enhanced stipend of £24,780 per year, plus additional funds of £7,000 a year for travel, conferences and research equipment. This project is co- funded by Horiba Mira Ltd. 

The successful student will focus on studying the effects and consequences of pulsed radio frequency (RF) fields on the operation of electronic systems. The project will develop methods to measure these effects, using these measurements to improve understanding of the underlying effects and root-causes. 

The main objectives of this project are:  

• Investigation of the effects of pulsed RF fields on electronic systems.
• Research into these effects, specifically the characteristics of RF signals and the underlying circuit vulnerabilities and system architectures of the electronic systems. We will also be looking at the impact of the materials, size and construction of the circuits on the consequences RF fields can have.
• Measurement of the effects of pulsed RF fields on the operation of electronic circuits. The outcomes will optimise exploration of the pulse parameter space, using these measurements to improve understanding of the underlying effects mechanisms and root-causes at silicon, component, and sub-system level, and identify effect test and monitoring methods at a range of levels, from component to platform level.
• Development of suitable methods for instrumenting circuits to measure the effects of pulsed RF fields on electronic systems.

The Hub

Our Doctoral Training Hub provides specialist training to our PhD researchers, aiming to shape the future of energy transfer technologies for applications in defence and related sectors.  The research is based in the School of Engineering and Sustainable Development with the industrial partner, Horiba Mira Ltd, a major international company, being number 1 in Europe and number 3 worldwide in the field. HORIBA-MIRA specialise in vehicle engineering, test and development consultancy. They will provide PhD supervision, a placement, and be part of the larger Hub community – benefiting in the diverse academic and industrial network offered by the Hub. You will also benefit from the support and expertise of our diverse academic community, a group of students working towards similar goals, as well as our specialist industrial network. 

Why Join Us?

• Industrial Collaboration: Each PhD student within the Hub is partnered with an industry collaborator, providing placement opportunities to work and train alongside industry experts
• Comprehensive Training: The Hub offers a blend of academic and industrial training, preparing you for diverse career pathways in research or industry
• Cohort Experience: Build your research network through inclusion in a vibrant cohort of PhD students that conduct research with academic leaders across leading UK institutions. Engage in online and face-to-face activities, including cohort-building events and collaborative learning exercises
• Funding: A generous fully funded studentship (no fees and a monthly personal payment) with additional support for conferences, travel, training, consumables and extended placement with industry collaborators.

Entry Requirements

PhD Candidates must hold a minimum of an upper Second-Class UK Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant science or engineering discipline. Candidates must be UK Nationals and be willing to apply for and able to obtain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance. 

Closing date: Monday 31 March 2025 

Starting date: There are three intakes a year at DMU and it is expected the successful candidate will start in October 2025. 

How to apply:

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor, before applying. Professor Alistair Duffy, Professor of Electromagnetics, De Montfort University, Email: apd@dmu.ac.uk. 

This is a two-stage application process. 

STAGE 1: Please send the following documents to PGRscholarships@dmu.ac.uk: 

• A completed DMU Scholarship Application Form
• A 2-page CV
• 2 Academic References