Electronic Properties of 2D Topological Materials

Topological materials, such as topological insulators and topological Dirac semimetals, are a new class of matter that possess new and exciting electronic properties. This allows a wide range of new physics to be explored including Majorana fermions and the Chiral anomaly to create 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 1 that paves the way towards a ‘topological transistor’ and the observation of ultra-low charge puddling in a topological Dirac semimetal2.

In this project we will grow new two-dimensional topological materials and intrinsic magnetic topological insulators 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 angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (ARPES) at the Australian Synchrotron and international synchrotrons such as Advanced Light Source, Berkeley to study the electronic bandstructure, as well as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at Monash University 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.