Spectroscopic signatures of frustrated magnets at Loughborough University on FindAPhD.com

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Dr I Rousochatzakis, Prof J Betouras No more applications being accepted Self-Funded PhD Students Only

About the Project

The idea that strongly interacting spins in a solid can evade ordering down to zero temperature by forming a quantum spin liquid (QSL) has a long history [1]. QSLs exhibit topological order and a range of remarkable quantum phenomena, including long-range entanglement, topological degeneracy, emergent Majorana fermions and gauge fields [2,3]. The control and manipulation of such properties in condensed matter systems holds promise for future quantum technologies [4].

The goal of the project is to address the central challenge currently in the field: How one can detect QSL signatures in real materials? The student will combine numerical and analytical techniques to extract dynamical response functions that are measured directly in experiments, such as inelastic neutron scattering, Raman scattering and electron spin resonance [5]. The ensuing predictions will be compared to ongoing experiments on available candidate materials (such as a-Li2irO3, NaLi2O3 and a-RuCl3), and will lay the ground for quantitative diagnostics and the broader phenomenology of QSLs.

The PhD student will endeavour into one of the most vibrant fields of condensed matter, acquire expertise in numerical and analytical methods, work on experimentally driven problems, and collaborate with theorists and experimentalists from around the world. The project is ideal for students with an interest in quantum magnetism, topological phases of matter and numerical algorithms. A background in solid state physics is desirable. Previous experience with computational algorithms will be advantageous.

Supervisors

Primary supervisor: Dr Ioannis Rousochatzakis

Email: [Email Address Removed]

Tel: +441509 223303

Secondary supervisor: Prof Joseph Betouras

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

Students should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 in Physics.

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Find out more about research degree funding

How to apply

All applications should be made online. Under school/department name, select 'Physics'. Please quote reference PH/SB-Un1/2022.

Applications will close when a suitable candidate recruited to the project.

Apply now

Funding Notes

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.

References

[1] P. W. Anderson, Mat. Res. Bull. 8, 153-160 (1973).
[2] X. G. Wen, Quantum Field Theory of Many-Body Systems. Oxford Univeristy Press (2010).
[3] I. Rousochatzakis, Y. Sizyuk and N. B. Perkins, Nat. Commun. 9, 1575 (2018).
[4] C. Nayak, et al., Rev. Mod. Phys. 80, 1083 (2008).
[5] I. Rousochatzakis, S. Kourtis, J. Knolle, R. Moessner, N. B. Perkins, Phys. Rev. B 100, 045117 (2019).

Where will I study?

Loughborough University

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