About the Project Correlated electron phenomena in solids are a major theme of physics in the 21st century.
They have the potential to change our understanding of fundamental physics phenomena, to impact the technology significantly, and to provide new solutions to energy problems. Kroemer stated at the beginning of his Nobel lecture, “Often, it may be said that the interface is the device”. Novel phenomena and functionalities at artificial hetero-interfaces have been attracting extensive scientific attention in both material science and fundamental condensed matter physics for decades. Recently, a lot of studies suggest that complex oxide interfaces provide an even more powerful route to create and manipulate multiple degrees of freedom and suggest new possibilities for various applications. In this project, we will play a new twist to the traditional hetero-interface – inserting a monolayer of transition metal oxide to be sandwiched at the hetero-interfaces, which can exhibit even more intriguing phenomena and properties. Since the monolayer is a physically defined 2-D layer of atoms, differing from an interface region at the border of two layers, the sandwiched monolayer has its own intrinsic properties, which adds additional degrees of freedom and functionality to the system. The materials employed to sandwich the monolayer can be engineered to create certain electronic/magnetic/strain environments to the monolayer in between, which in turn can affect or induce new properties or novel functionalities to the monolayer. In this project, we aim at designing and investigating the emergent novel physics phenomena and properties at a monolayer of transition metal oxide (e.g. MnO2, NiO2, CoO2, etc.) sandwiched in various perovskite and brownmillerite complex oxide heterostructures (e.g. SrTiO3, LaAlO3, SrCoO3-x, SrFeO3-x, etc.). Laser-molecular beam epitaxy and pulsed laser deposition will be employed to grow and construct the oxide heterostructures. We will study the topography and possible ferroelectric properties of the heterostructures with scanning probe microscopy-based techniques. To directly and specifically investigate the electronic and magnetic structure of the sandwiched monolayer, we will carry out our synchrotron soft x-ray absorption-based spectroscopy and microscopy techniques in multiple synchrotron facilities all around the world. For more information about the condensed matter physics section at Durham University please see here . Sponsor: EPSRC Name of supervisor(s) : Dr. Qing (Helen) He 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 qing.he@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. Start date and duration October 2027 (3.5 Years)
