PhD position: Understanding the electronic properties of twisted 2D semiconductors

When atomically thin van der Waals materials are stacked together, the interference between the two distinct lattices can give rise to an entirely new, tuneable pattern known as a “moiré” pattern. This moiré pattern can be a result of either (1) a difference between lattice constants between two different 2D materials stacked together or (2) a rotation of the two layers of material by a twist angle relative to one another (see Figure 1 below). Such moiré patterns can be used to apply a periodic potential that can give rise to new physics not present in the same stacked materials that lack a moiré pattern i.e. zero twist angle such as superconductivity in magic angle graphene.

Twisted bilayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are also expected to host exotic correlated insulator phases including Mott insulator and Wigner crystal states due to the induced moiré superlattice, and are particularly promising due to their wide bandgap and broken inversion symmetry. They have potential electronic applications in realising a Mott field-effect transistor, where a gate turns off and on the collective electron transition from correlated Mott insulator to regular doped semiconductor.

In this project you will join a group working at the cutting edge of the field that are experts in the electronic properties of 2D systems. Your goal will be to fabricate van der Waals heterostructures of 2D semiconductors with controlled twist angle. Then depending on your project study their electronic properties using either low-temperature magneto-transport, scanning tunnelling microscopy or angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy.

Queries: Dr Mark Edmonds at mark.edmonds@monash.edu.

Funding Notes:
Applicants should hold a first class Honours or Masters degree (or equivalent) and should have a strong background in physics. In addition, the advertised position would suit applicants with experience in experimental physics, in particular surface science or condensed matter physics.
Applicants will need to apply for a Monash Graduate Scholarship see https://www.monash.edu/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/944471/RTP-Scholarships-Procedure.pdf.

Important Dates and scholarship amount: Four application rounds per year, with deadlines for International Students of 31 st March and 31 st August and Domestic Students on 31 st May and 31 st October. Students will receive a $29,500 per year scholarship, and top-ranked or exceptional candidates may also be eligible for top-up scholarships.