Strongly correlated states in designer two-dimensional moiré heterostructures

Two-dimensional semiconductors offer unique opportunities to engineer and tune the interactions between particles at the quantum level to give rise to emergent phases and states of matter. This project aims to design, fabricate, and characterize novel quantum devices based on highly tunable moiré heterostructures to investigate the phase diagrams of strongly interacting Bosons (excitons) and Fermions (electrons or holes).

Suitable applicants will have a 1st class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a physics or engineering course. This experimental PhD project offers a rare opportunity to gain a wide spectrum of experience with semiconductor device design, nano-optics, laser spectroscopy, cryogenics, and sophisticated electronics. The research is multi-disciplinary, involving condensed-matter physics, quantum optics, materials science, and quantum information processing. We offer a world-class laboratory and a strong network of international collaborators

The research project is based within the thriving Quantum Photonics Laboratory which is engaged in research covering solid-state photonics, coherent light-matter interaction, and strongly correlated particles using quantum materials and devices. The group consists of about 20 members and has well-equipped laboratories for quantum optics and high-resolution laser spectroscopy of quantum nanostructures at cryogenic temperatures as well as newly refurbished cleanroom facilities for the fabrication of two-dimensional devices. It collaborates with a number of research groups both academic and industrial, within Heriot-Watt, the UK, and internationally. Heriot‑Watt is based on a modern campus on the outskirts of Edinburgh (Scotland, UK), with excellent transport links to the centre of one of Europe’s most exciting cities.

Please contact Prof. Brian Gerardot for further details.