Nano-magnetism in atomically thin 2D quantum materials and their heterostructures

Following the discovery of graphene, a large family of layered crystals has attracted significant attention. The properties of these materials range from superconductors and metals, to semiconductors and insulators. Properties of such quantum materials in a few-atomic-layer form are strongly influenced by the quantum confinement of the electronic excitations due to the extreme crystal thinness. Surprisingly, a family of layered ferromagnetic materials exists, which preserve their ferromagnetic properties even in an atomic monolayer form. Such 2D materials will revolutionise electronics, memory devices, and will have broad applications in quantum technologies, particularly in combination with other layered semiconductors. In this PhD project you will discover novel ferromagnetic monolayer materials, work on advancing their fabrication, and will develop methods for combining such materials with other 2D monolayer crystals such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). The goal is to fabricate and explore novel types of opto-electronic devices taking advantage of very large local magnetic field generated by 2D ferromagnetic materials on the nano-scale. You will join an energetic team of 5 PhD students and 2 postdocs. You will perform advanced optics experiments in the state-of-the-art laboratories of the Sheffield group, work on novel device fabrication in the modern clean room and collaborate with leading groups around the world on 2D physics and technology. See further details at http://ldsd.group.shef.ac.uk/research/2d-materials/

Science Graduate School:
As a PhD student in one of the science departments at the University of Sheffield, you’ll be part of the Science Graduate School – a community of postgraduate researchers working across biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and psychology. You’ll get access to training opportunities designed to support your career development by helping you gain professional skills that are essential in all areas of science. You’ll be able to learn how to recognise good research and research behaviour, improve your communication abilities and experience technologies that are used in academia, industry and many related careers. Visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/sgs to learn more.