Novel metallic states in 2D transition metal sulphides at extreme conditions (HAINESC_U22SCIEC)

The nature of the metallic state and the existence of superconductivity on the border of the insulator-metal transition of the 2D Mott insulator will be investigated experimentally in this project. Diamond anvil cells will be used to reach megabar pressures and a variety of low temperature cryostats will be used to reach the millikelvin regime. At these extreme conditions the materials of interest (MPX3 M = Fe, Ni, Mn and X = S, Se) undergo an insulator to metal transition with dramatic changes in the structural, electronic and magnetic properties. In some cases, superconductivity has been observed. The metallic state is poorly understood and provides a test case for the breakdown of one of the cornerstones of correlated electron physics, the Mott insulator. The candidate will join Dr Haines at UEA and will be part of an international collaboration including other labs in the UK (Cambridge and Warwick) and international scattering facilities (Institut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble and Diamond Light Source and ISIS neutron facility on the Harwell site, UK). The work will involve experiments both in the lab and at these central facilities. There is significant scope for the candidate to shape their role in the project – sample synthesis and ab initio calculations being two of the other skills that could form a significant focus for the thesis alongside the high pressure and low temperature experimental techniques. 

For more information on the supervisor for this project, please visit Dr Sebastian Haines webpage https://research-portal.uea.ac.uk/en/persons/sebastian-haines

The start date is 1 October 2022

Acceptable first degree: 2:1 in Physics or Chemistry