PhD Studentship: Dimensionality Tuning and Quantum Engineering in Exotic 2D Materials

University of Birmingham - School of Physics & Astronomy

Experimental low-temperature physics involving nanofabrication, high pressure measurements, extreme magnetic field and milliKelvin temperatures to tune exotic low dimensional materials. Hands-on experiments & development and opportunities for travel to international facilities.

This project is supported by the large investment of a URKI Future Leaders Fellowship to identify, synthesise and explore new 2D materials, searching for exotic quantum functionalities to form new sustainable electronics and new types of computing. Tuning nanostructures of these materials with extreme pressure will unlock entirely new physics and new applications in this space.

2D materials are the future. Graphene was just the beginning, and the possibilities before us now are endless. Our group aims to identify new unstudied new 2D materials, synthesise them and understand the full range of their properties. This means subjecting crystals of interesting new compounds to ultra-high pressures and magnetic fields, all at temperatures orders of magnitude below those of interstellar space and studying their magnetic, structural and electrical properties.

As a student, unusually for the field, you will experience all parts of this wide endeavour: synthesis of single crystals and of nanoscale devices in a cleanroom environment, advanced characterisation using pressure cells and cryogenic equipment developed in-house, and visits to large-scale facilities for neutron and X-ray diffraction. This range of experience will give you flexibility and independence in a future research career, whether within the academic system or outside. You will gain experience in laboratory skills, hands-on design and manufacture of components, advanced data analysis and programming skills. You will work as part of a cohesive friendly team and as a part of the wider condensed matter group here at Birmingham, with a close-knit structure and exposure to other groups and ideas.

Email Dr Matt Coak at m.j.coak@bham.ac.uk

Funding notes:

Fully funded for domestic (UK) candidates, options exist to support exceptional overseas candidates.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic.