PhD Studentship: Sustainable Manufacturing of AI Hardware

Project title: Sustainable manufacturing of AI hardware  

Supervisory Team: Dr Dimitra Georgiadou

Project description:

AI is entering our everyday lives at an enormously growing pace but at a huge environmental cost. The energy required to run the AI algorithms that are used, for example, for image generation consume large amounts of energy. It is necessary to introduce alternative approaches with lower environmental impact.

Neuromorphic engineering offers a solution to this problem. The development of electronic devices that can realistically emulate biological neural networks holds promise for significantly reducing the energetic footprint and lowering the CO₂ emissions generated by current AI hardware.

The aim of this project is to develop a new form of neuromorphic systems that merge photonic, electronic and ionic effects, bringing new prospects for in-memory computing and artificial visual memory applications. This will be achieved upon developing photoelectric memories fabricated with more sustainable processes and greener materials. First, you will develop single devices that emulate biological synapses in the human visual system, capable of detecting (in analogy to the retina in the eye) and memorising or even processing images (like the visual cortex in the brain). Then, you will design and implement a novel neuromorphic optoelectronic array that will perform certain neuromorphic functionalities, e.g., pattern recognition tasks. Finally, you will assess the sustainability of this approach by applying life-cycle assessment techniques to each step of the fabrication process.

This novel electronic technology can effectively emulate synaptic weights and may be programmable both via light and voltage. This provides additional flexibility for implementing both synaptic weight updates as well as homeostatic effects. Furthermore, the technology relies on low-temperature processes and can thus be integrated on flexible substrates, which paves the way to incorporation of AI functionalities to wearable devices.

The outcomes of your research can have various applications, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices for visual data communication, human/environment detection/tracking, Augmented/Virtual Reality, etc.

This is a 4-year integrated PhD (iPhD) programme and is part of the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Sustainability (SustAI). For more information about SustAI, please see: https://sustai.info/

In addition to the training and networking opportunities offered through the CDT, you will join the multi-disciplinary diverse team of Flexible Nanoelectronics Lab in ECS and will be trained to work independently in the world-class Zepler clean room facilities in close collaboration with the Optoelectronics Research Centre.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact us. Email: sustai@soton.ac.uk or d.georgiadou@soton.ac.uk.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 8 April 2024. Later admissions may be considered depending on funds remaining.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships.  For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton 

How To Apply

Apply online:  HERE Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD iPhD AI for Sustainability (Full or Part time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should include the name of the project in the Area of Research.

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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