This project focuses in the development of an electrospray ion thruster for micro spacecraft propulsion, and investigating it as an etching tool. We will develop such a system specifically for etching processes within focused ion beam columns.

Gallium Liquid Metal Ion Sources (LMIS) are the standard choice for ion beam material etching, facilitating ion beam lithography as the go-to technique for in situ microfabrication.

Many microfabrication applications would benefit though from a more flexible ion beam source, with different ion beam species significantly influencing the physical and chemical nature of the milling results, for example reducing ion implantation or enhancing etching through using chemically reactive ions.

One such option is Ionic Liquid Ion Sources (ILIS), where rather than extracting ions from a liquid metal such as gallium, molecular ions can be extracted from an ionic liquid. Through the use of ionic liquids, there is a far greater choice of ion type that can be emitted, across a much larger range, offering the ultimate flexible ion source.

Recently there have been great improvement in the operation of ILIS's through the development of their use for ion thrusters for spacecraft. Our research group at Southampton has developed an electrospray ion thruster for micro spacecraft propulsion, and have over the last several years investigated it as an etching tool, in a broad manner, as part of an EPSRC funded project.

This project will develop this concept further, where in collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific (the World lead in Focused Ion Beam systems) we will develop such a system specifically for etching processes within focused ion beam columns.

You will investigate the fundamentals of ion emission from an Ionic Liquid Ion Source, investigating the properties of the beam using various diagnostic techniques, using the excellent facilities at the David Fearn Electric Propulsion Laboratory .

You will focus on experimental, investigating fundamental aspects of ILIS's. Particular emphasis will be put on gaining insight into the ion emission process, the use of novel ion liquids, and greater understanding of the etching process.

Experimental training in ion beam development, and associated diagnostics

Co-supervisor: Dr Alex Wittig

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent , in a physics or engineering subject, preferably with knowledge of spacecraft/plasmas. Hands experience would be beneficial.

How to apply Ionic Liquid Ion Sources: detailed assessment towards Focused Ion Beam applications | University of Southampton

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• choose the relevant PhD in Engineering
• add name of the supervisor in section 2

Applications should include:

• personal statement
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts to date