Reference Number: ARL-SRP-00060

Project Description

Are you interested in exploring the physical hardware technologies that will power the future of microelectronics?

Next-generation ferroelectric devices, including Ferroelectric Field-Effect Transistors (FeFETs) and Ferroelectric Capacitors (FeCAPs), are at the forefront of solid-state research, offering transformative potential for low-power non-volatile memory and neuromorphic hardware.

Because characterizing these emerging technologies is a multifaceted challenge, this research opportunity is designed to be flexible. Depending on your academic background, technical strengths, and interests, your project will focus primarily on one or more of the following core areas:

1) Experimental Testing & Hardware Setup: Collaborating with research staff to develop, configure, and execute custom electrical test protocols across various wafer probe stations.

2) Data Analysis & Visualization: Designing and implementing automated Python or MATLAB pipelines to process, analyze, and visualize large, high-throughput experimental datasets.

3) Device Physics & Modeling: Fitting experimental laboratory data to physical models using numerical tools to assist with parameter extraction and help explain underlying device behavior.

The Universal Expectation: Regardless of which technical track your project focuses on, reproducibility and clear communication are key. You will be expected to author comprehensive technical documentation, detailed code comments, or standard operating procedures for the specific workflows, scripts, or test setups you develop during the summer.

This approach ensures a tailored, high-impact summer experience that aligns with your career goals, whether you are leaning toward experimental laboratory engineering, scientific computing, or device physics.

Technical Skills

• Computer Science
• Computer Modeling/Simulation
• Data Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronics
• Materials Engineering
• Physics
• Universal Requirement (Technical Writing): Strong communication skills with an interest in or experience with authoring clear technical documentation, user guides, or well-commented code
• Targeted Skills (You should have strength or interest in at least one of these areas):
  • Data Analysis & Modeling: Experience using Python or MATLAB for scientific computing, parameter extraction, physical model validation, or automated data visualization
• Experimental Hardware: Enthusiasm for hands-on, bench-level laboratory work and interest in developing, configuring, and troubleshooting semiconductor test setups
• Helpful (But Not Required) Hardware Exposure: Prior exposure to or interest in learning specialized hardware, such as:
  • Semiconductor parameter analyzers (e.g., Keysight B1500A with WGFMU)
  • Ferroelectric test systems (e.g., Radiant testers)
  • Wafer probe stations (including semi-automated, vacuum, or probe card setups)
• Comprehensive on-site training on all laboratory instrumentation and software tools will be provided

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