Imaging nanoscale electronic structure at interfaces in molecular magnetic films

Molecular films exhibit emergent magnetic properties arising from the interface between the molecular film and the support material, properties of interest for next generation device technologies. The interfaces in these materials control the atomic and electronic structure and the resulting properties and performance characteristics. The targeted properties are typically evaluated for a film in its entirety. However, small-scale variations, such as those arising from step-facets in an imperfect support or defects in the molecular layer which introduce additional local electronic changes at the interface, remain invisible. This project will develop routes for experimental observation of electronic structure at the interface between molecular magnetic materials and topological insulators using advanced electron microscopy. Over the course of the project, the student will use and develop a combination of state-of-the-art materials approaches including focused ion beam milling as well as spectroscopy in the scanning transmission electron microscope to understand molecular magnetic ordering on the nanometre to atomic length scales.

This project is available as one of five PhD studentships with the Bragg Centre to tackle fundamental and applied problems to create new and improve existing materials. These will address fundamental and applied problems across design, characterisation, fabrication and modelling. The Centre comprises around 150 members from over ten Schools and has had continued investment in excellent facilities and infrastructure, including a new building opening in 2020, to ensure that our staff and students benefit from state-of-the-art, high quality equipment and laboratories. We are a founding partner of the Henry Royce Institute, the UK’s Institute for Advanced Materials.