Near-Field Infrared and Terahertz Microscopy of 2D Materials

The interest in exploiting infrared and terahertz radiation lie in a fundamental nature of these wavelength ranges originating from the resonant vibrations and rotations of molecules. Thus a specific molecules present in a reasonable quantities can be detected and identified. However, this potential is significantly limited by the long wavelengths of radiation – from about 1µm, compared to the size of the molecules which is few nm. Near-field optical microscopy is a technique for nanostructure investigation that breaks this diffraction limit by exploiting the properties of evanescent waves. This is done by placing the probe very close (at a distance much smaller than wavelength λ) to the specimen surface. It allows for the surface inspection with high spatial, spectral and temporal resolving power: the resolution is limited only by the lateral dimensions of the probe, about 10 nm, rather than the wavelength of the light.
A particular challenge of the PhD project is to move from more established nearfield infrared imaging to terahertz imaging and spectroscopy with unprecedented resolution. An exciting application of this technology will be in investigation of novel materials, such as graphene – one atom thick layer of carbon atoms, and other two-dimensional materials. Near-field microscopy in combination with other nano-tools will enable better understanding of novel materials and engineering of devices with new functionalities. We are looking for a talented, creative, proactive, and strongly motivated individual to work on a new ground-breaking project with the potential of publications in high impact journals. A suitable applicant must have a first class degree in physics or other relevant subject in the physical sciences or engineering. The project will suit a student interested in combining experimental solid-state physics, advanced metrology and science of novel 2D materials.
Current PhD project is between the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and RHUL. NPL is the United Kingdom’s national standards laboratory, an internationally respected and independent centre of excellence in research, development and knowledge transfer in measurement science. Its resources include over 500 technical and scientific experts; 36,000m² of laboratories. A new facility at NPL is equipped with state-of-the-art near-field optical microscope and other unique nano-probes. The location of NPL (only about 13 miles from Royal Holloway) should allow the student and her/his NPL supervisors to be flexible about how their time is divided between NPL and RHUL though substantial blocks of experimental time at NPL are expected.