About the Project
From electric motors to advanced data storage devices, ferromagnetic materials have transformed the modern world. Building on this progress today, ‘spintronics’ promise a new paradigm of beyond-CMOS digital technology, whereby information is processed using the spin of an electron, as opposed to its charge. However, the net magnetic moment of ferromagnets imposes fundamental limits that curb potential exploitation. These limits can be circumvented if antiferromagnets are used instead, but then…
the absence of a net moment hinders both the ability to deterministically control microscopic domains, and the generation of a spin polarised current needed for signal processing. The recent discovery of altermagnetism marks a transformative leap in the potential application of antiferromagnets, as they may host a remarkable anisotropic spin polarisation of conduction electrons. There now remains one key scientific challenge; to find novel methods of deterministic altermagnetic domain control.
This PhD studentship will be supervised by Dr Roger Johnson, with experimental work performed in collaboration with the XMaS beamline at the large-scale European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France. The project will be further enhanced through collaborations with international and industrial project partners.
The PhD student will test fundamental magnetostructural coupling schemes to establish novel methods of altermagnetic domain control. Resonant X-ray diffraction experiments will be performed on selected materials at XMaS, complemented by group theoretical analyses of crystal and magnetic symmetry.
We are looking to recruit an outstanding student with a strong interest in condensed matter and computational physics. Ideally, the student will have completed Masters-level courses and/or a research project in related areas. There will be scope to tailor this project to the student’s interests.
For more information about the condensed matter physics section at Durham University please see here.
Sponsor: EPSRC
Name of supervisor(s): Dr. Roger Johnson
Eligibility Criteria: You must have or expect a First-Class honour bachelor's degree, or at least a 2:1 Integrated master’s degree or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject, from a recognised university (or equivalent).
Applications are open to Home, international and EU candidates.
If English is not your first language, you must have IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6 in all sub-skills) or equivalent evidence of English language proficiency.
How to apply
You must apply through the University’s admission system: How to Apply - Durham University. One application can be used for multiple projects.
You will need to:
- Provide the project title and supervisor’s name under the ‘Programme Related Information’ section.
- Provide details of any funding you have secured or intend to apply for under ‘Additional Information – Funding Information’. This may include CSC, DDS, STFC or EPSRC funding. Please select ‘Other Funding’ and enter the details in the text box provided. You can also include this information under ‘Programme Related Information’.
- Upload your CV under the ‘Experience’ section by selecting ‘Yes’ and uploading the document.
- Upload a personal statement/cover letter under the ‘Personal Statement’ section.
- Provide a short research proposal of a few paragraphs, no longer than one page, outlining your research interests under the ‘Research Proposal’ section.
- Upload your degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, evidence of your English language qualifications.
- Provide details for two academic referees, including their email addresses, so that we can contact them directly. Please ensure you consent to the University contacting your referees when completing your application.
Contact: For informal enquiries please contact nicholas.bristowe@durham.ac.uk (general) or Roger.d.johnson@durham.ac.uk (project specific).
Funding Notes
This EPSRC studentship will be awarded on a competitive basis between projects. Besides these EPSRC studentships, interested candidates may also consider external sources of funding which they may be eligible for.
October 2027 (3.5 Years)