Supervisors: Prof. Michael Fuhrer, Mark Edmonds and Dr. Iolanda di Bernardo
Two-dimensional topological insulators (such as ultrathin Na3Bi, Bi2Se3, Bi2Te3, WTe2 etc.) and transition metal dichalcogenides (MoS2, WSe2, etc.) belong to a remarkable class of new materials with unique quantum mechanical properties. They possess a large spin-orbit interaction, that couples their electron momentum and spin. In the case of topological insulators this results in a peculiar band structure that is gapped throughout the 2D layer, but exhibits symmetry-protected metallic edge states. These states are protected against perturbations such as scattering by non-magnetic impurities or crystalline defects and can lead to exciting phenomena such as quantum spin Hall effect or Majorana fermions that can be exploited towards the creation of dissipation-less electronic currents.
This project consists in the growth of new, atomically thin layers of topological insulators and transition metal dichalcogenides materials via molecular beam epitaxy in ultra-high vacuum in the facilities of Monash University. Their electronic properties will be investigated in situ with a combination of low temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) and transport measurements. This will allow the study of the electronic structure of the materials near the edges of the 2D layer with atomic precision, and the unequivocal identification of topological edge states and edge-based electronic transport.
The ideal candidate is expected to hold a Master or Honours degree in Physics, Material Science or similar, and have some experience in experimental physics. The PhD candidate will gain expertise in surface science, condensed matter physics, low-temperature physics, scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy, and will perform experiments as well as analyse data and compare them with models and literature. The work will be conducted in a research team as part of the FLEET Centre of Excellence (fleet.org.au), under the supervision of Prof. Michael Fuhrer and Dr. Iolanda di Bernardo.
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.
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.
) 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.