About the Project
Two-dimensional atomic crystals are a new class of atomically thin materials, with the first and most well-known representative being graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in hexagons [1]. Because of the reduced dimensionality, properties of two-dimensional atomic crystals often differ from those of their bulk counterparts. For the same reason, many of those properties are sensitive to the environment, e.g. the substrate, and can be modified via chemical functionalization.
A recent idea is to use two-dimensional crystals as building blocks and by stacking those in a desired sequence arrive with new artificial materials [2]. In this project, you will conduct theoretical investigations of the electronic band structure as well as optical and transport properties of two-dimensional atomic crystals. You will also explore the avenues to modify their electronic properties, for example by strain or chemical functionalization. Finally, you will study the phenomena arising when two or more two-dimensional atomic crystals are put together in a stack (such as graphene on hexagonal boron nitride [3,4]) and search for .combinations that might lead to new functional materials. The theoretical problems will be closely related to the experimental progress in the field and will require use of a mix of analytical and numerical methods.
The project will be realised within the group led by Dr Marcin Mucha-Kruczynski and might involve collaboration with other theoretical or experimental groups in the UK or abroad. For more detailed information on the research, please visit http://people.bath.ac.uk/mlmk20/.
The successful candidate should hold, or expect to receive, a first class or good 2.1 Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics (Theoretical Physics preferred) or Theoretical/Quantum Chemistry (or other closely related field). A keen interest in theoretical condensed matter physics and a strong work ethic are essential. Also required is basic programming experience as well as some knowledge of Matlab/Mathematica.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Marcin Mucha-Kruczynski ([Email Address Removed]).
Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Physics:
https://www.bath.ac.uk/samis/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RDUPH-FP01&code2=0012
More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found here:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-study/
References
[1] A. K. Geim, Graphene: Status and Prospects, Science 324, 1530 (2009).
[2] A. K. Geim and I. V. Grigorieva, Van der Waals heterostructures, Nature 499, 419 (2013).
[3] J. R. Wallbank, A. A. Patel, M. Mucha-Kruczynski, A. K. Geim, and V. I. Fal’ko, Generic miniband structure of graphene on a hexagonal substrate, Phys. Rev. B 87, 245408 (2013).
[4] C. Chen, J. Avila, S. Wang, Y. Wang, M. Mucha-Kruczyński, C. Shen, R. Yang, B. Nosarzewski, T. P. Devereaux, G. Zhang, M. C. Asensio, arXiv:1707.00184 (2017).