(UoM - A* STAR) Combining twisted 2D Materials and metaoptics for mid-far-IR & THz light matter interaction

The electromagnetic radiation is one of the prime tools to investigate matter and its properties. This is made possible by the existence of efficient and compact sources and detectors in the whole spectrum, with the crucial exception of the low-THz/far IR range (between 3 and 30 THz). This fact, commonly referred to as the “THz gap”, has slowed down technological developments in, e.g., nondestructive imaging, biosensing, and spectroscopy of materials. Two dimensional (2D) materials like graphene or transition-metal dichalcogenides offer a potential solution to this problem. Contrary to three-dimensional systems, they can support gapped or ungapped collective excitations (i.e. excitons or plasmons) which can be coupled to electromagnetic radiation and whose dispersion encompasses a broad range of frequencies down into the THz-gap.

The frequencies of these collective excitations, and in general the whole optical response of 2D materials, can be strongly influenced by both the nearby environment and the geometry of the device. Controlling the twist angle between stacked 2D materials to produce moiré superlattices also opens the possibility of engineering bespoke optical properties. These can potentially be further tuned by combining metallic gratings or antennas, dielectric structures (all of which are commonly referred to as “metaoptics”) and moiré superlattices induced by twisting stacked 2D materials. Metaoptics has been widely studied for enhancing the light matter interaction and manipulating the light field property in terms of amplitude, phase, polarization and orbital angular momentum from ultraviolet to visible and THz spectral range.

In this project we will combine moiré superlattices with metaoptics made by metallic or dielectric subwavelength structures to engineer the optoelectronic properties of twisted 2D materials. In this way, we aim at controlling their complex optical response. For example, resonances can be tuned to match frequency ranges where detectors or emitters are scarce or for sensing of specific molecules or, on the contrary, gaps can be engineered to make the device transparent in other intervals.

The project has both a theoretical/computational and an experimental component, whose relative weight can be adjusted depending on the student’s interests and skills.

Expected Start

October 2025

Before you Apply

We recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project on [Email Address Removed] and [Email Address Removed]

How to apply

To be considered for this project, you will need to complete an application here. Please read this page carefully before starting your application.  

When you apply you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents: 

• Personal Statement 
• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications 
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress 
• CV 
• English Language certificate 
• 2 details of academic referees 

In your application, include the project title (UoM - A* STAR) Combining twisted 2D Materials and metaoptics for mid-far-IR & THz light matter interaction, supervisor Dr Alessandro Principi, and funding source Split Site ASTAR and University of Manchester Select the PhD Physics in the programme detail section.

Applications missing required documents won’t be considered. If documents are unavailable or for further application question please email, email [Email Address Removed].

Eligibility

1. Hold (or expect to achieve) a First Class or 2:1 UK honours degree (or international equivalent to be checked with The University of Manchester admission team).

2. Ideally hold a master’s-level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent to be checked with The University of Manchester admission team).

3. Demonstrable excellent communication skills, including in English language, a proficiency in which should be demonstrably indicated by meeting the requirements as indicated on the University's English language requirements page and in particular securing a minimum IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and listening, and 5.5 in all other sub-tests OR securing a TOEFL iBT score of at least 90 with no sub-tests below 20 OR equivalent. Project supervisor teams may recommend a candidate who has excellent English language skills but otherwise has not formal certification of such. Please note that a timely demonstrable minimum English language level is a requirement of the UK Home Office for the issue of student visas to the UK. For some projects an ATAS certificate may also be required by them.

4. Demonstrate willingness to travel to two partner institutions to complete the programme.

5. Demonstrate to reflect the Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Researcher person specification.

* Educational background matches research project.

* Potential to form effective working relationships with a diverse range of people, including working inclusively and as part of a team.

* Potential to take the initiative, lead on projects, and be proactive in prioritising a dynamic, agile and diverse workload.

* Potential to develop understanding of complex problems, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a given scenario, and apply in-depth knowledge to address them.

* Potential to develop expertise in new areas of the subject.

* Evidence of an understanding of the proposed area of research, including knowledge of current challenges and opportunities.

* An interest in continuous personal and professional development.

* Potential to communicate ideas and conclusions, verbally and in writing, clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

* Preliminary knowledge of research techniques/track record of engaging with research.

* Commitment to principles of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in teaching, research, or experience.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to The University of Manchester’s success. Diversity strengthens our research community, enhancing creativity, productivity, quality, and impact. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, or transgender status.

We also welcome those returning from a career break. Flexible study arrangements (part-time: 50%, 60%, or 80%, depending on the project/funder) may be considered.

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