PhD position: Light transformed materials

Topological materials – with their unique electronic properties dictated by the topology of quantum mechanical states – are on the verge of revolutionising the fields of advanced materials, electronics and spintronics. For example, some of these materials can transport charge at very low resistance, potentially leading to future applications in low-power electronic technologies.

The project here consists of probing and manipulating – at ultrafast femto and picosecond timescales – the topological phases of matter using quasi-single-cycle, ultrashort electromagnetic waveforms (e.g., a terahertz, infrared or optical pulse). Systems of interest will consist of 2D and 3D topological insulators (e.g. Na3Bi, Bi2Se3, WTe2, MnBi2Te4), transition metal dichalcogenides (e.g. MoS2, WS2), Dirac semimetals (e.g. graphene), etc. These systems will be prepared via chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and molecular beam epitaxy (MBE).

The PhD candidate will gain expertise in experimental nonlinear optics, pump-probe spectroscopy, ultrafast lasers, condensed matter physics and surface science. The candidate will perform experiments, analyse and interpret experimental data, compare these experimental data with theoretical models (developed by theoretical collaborators (e.g. with expertise in density functional theory) or the PhD candidate her/himself, time permitting). They will conduct their own research project independently and will collaborate with other members of Schiffrin’s research group to manage the ultrafast laser system and acquire relevant expertise in the aforementioned fields of research. They will also have the opportunity to participate in experiments at collaborating international institutions. The PhD candidate will be supervised by Schiffrin and Beane, with help from Schiffrin’s research group members.

Applicants should hold an Honours or Master’s degree, and have a strong background in experimental physics.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr Gary Beane at [email protected] or Agustin Schiffrin at [email protected]

Interested applicants must meet Monash Universities PhD entry requirements. See following link: http://monash.edu/science/about/schools/physics/postgrad/apply-postgrad.html