Supervisors: Drs Iolanda di Bernardo, Mark Edmonds and Prof Michael Fuhrer.
Topological materials, such as topological insulators and topological Dirac semimetals, are a new class of matter that possess new and exciting electronic properties. Allowing a wide range of new physics to be explored including Majorana fermions and the Chiral anomaly to creating revolutionary new electronic devices that have the potential to transport charge through one-dimensional edge modes without dissipation. Our group has made a number of breakthrough discoveries in this area, including the first experimental observation of an electric-field tuned topological phase transition that paves the way towards a ‘topological transistor’ and the observation of ultra-low charge puddling in a topological Dirac semimetal.
In this project we will grow new two-dimensional topological materials via molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). MBE is a technique that allows the precise growth and control of epitaxial large area films. After successfully growing these exotic materials, you will employ low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to study the atomic and electronic structure at the nanoscale.
Applicants should hold a first class Honours or Masters degree (or equivalent) and should have a strong background in physics. In addition, the advertised position would suit an applicant with experience in experimental physics, in particular surface science or condensed matter physics.
The FLEET Centre aims for inclusiveness of groups under-represented in STEM subjects. Applications from women, minorities including indigenous Australians, and people with disabilities are encouraged.
Funding Notes:
This project will include funds to travel to international synchrotrons in the USA for experiments.
Applicants will need to apply for a Monash Graduate Scholarship see https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/944471/RTP-Scholarships-Procedure.pdf.
Important Dates and scholarship amount: Two application rounds per year, with deadlines 31st March and 31st August for International Applicants. Students will receive a $27,872 per year scholarship, and top-ranked or exceptional candidates may also be eligible for top-up scholarships.
Collins, J.L., Tadich, A., Wu, W. et al. Electric-field-tuned topological phase transition in ultrathin Na3Bi. Nature564, 390–394 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-018-0788-5
M. T. Edmonds, et al., Spatial charge inhomogeneity and defect states in topological Dirac semimetal thin films of Na3Bi, Science Advances 3 (12), eaao6661
Liu, C., Culcer, D.,. et al. Signatures of Helical Edge Transport in Millimetre-Scale Thin Films of Na3Bi (2020). arXiv:1906.01214
Contact Prof. Michael Fuhrer (Michael.Fuhrer@monash.edu), Dr Mark Edmonds (Mark.Edmonds@monash.edu) or Dr. Iolanda di Bernardo (Iolanda.DiBernardo@monash.edu) for more information or to apply.
Interested applicants must meet Monash Universities PhD entry requirements. See https://www.monash.edu/graduate-research/future-students/apply for more information.