A multidisciplinary research project in collaboration between the Department of Micro and Nanotechnology (DTU Nanotech) and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore) aims to develop miniaturized broadband energy harvesters.

Responsibilities and tasks
The objective of this PhD project is to design and fabricate miniaturized broadband vibration energy harvesters based on piezo electric materials and silicon nano and micro fabrication technology. The vision of the vibration energy harvester is to eliminate the need for batteries by harvesting energy on-site from a vibration source, thereby enabling fully autonomous wireless sensor systems.

Conventionally, vibration energy harvesters are designed to operate at the resonance frequency of a mechanical structure. This means that the energy harvester is only efficient in a narrow frequency range. Real vibrations, however, cover a wider frequency range and therefore conventional energy harvesters have limited performance.

This PhD project will try to overcome these restrictions by implementation of a bistable vibration energy harvester. Such a device uses an external non-linear force, for example a magnetic force, to widen the frequency range of operation. Implementing a bistable energy harvester will enable efficient power generation at low frequency vibration inputs. This will increase the application perspectives of small-scale energy harvesting units significantly.

In this project you will design, fabricate and characterize such broadband energy harvesters. The design will be based on both analytical and finite element modeling and you will fabricate the devices in the state-of-the-art cleanroom DTU Danchip.

The PhD studentship is part of collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore and part of the studies (6 months) will be performed at NTU in Singapore.

Qualifications
Candidates should have a master's degree in engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Erik V. Thomsen.

We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Erik V Thomsen, phone (+45) 4525 5766, e-mail: erik.v.thomsen@nanotech.dtu.dk.

You can read more about DTU Nanotech on www.nanotech.dtu.dk

Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.

Application
Please submit your online application no later than 20 October 2014. Apply online at www.career.dtu.dk.

Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Nanotech – the Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology – is situated in the northern part of Copenhagen. DTU Nanotech is a centre of excellence in micro- and nanotechnology exploiting sciences across the traditional boundaries of technology, thereby enabling innovative solutions for the benefit of society. DTU Nanotech has approx. 200 people on its staff. With 40 % non-Danes, the department constitutes an international environment.
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DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,700 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,000 students are educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.