Research Fellow on low-dimensional spin dynamics Full-time

Research Fellow On Low-Dimensional Spin Dynamics

The London Centre for Nanotechnology is a UK-based multidisciplinary enterprise operating at the forefront of science and technology. Our purpose is to solve global problems in information processing, healthcare, energy and the environment through the application of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Founded in 2003, the LCN began as a joint venture between University College London and Imperial College London, based at the Bloomsbury and South Kensington sites; from 2018 King's College London joined the collaboration from its base on The Strand. The LCN occupies a purpose-built eight storey facility in Gordon Street, Bloomsbury (opened in 2006) as well as extensive facilities within different departments at South Kensington and The Strand. The Centre's experimental research is supported by leading-edge modelling, visualisation and theory through its access to state-of-the-art clean-room, characterisation, fabrication, manipulation and design laboratories.

Magnetic orders at the monolayer limit in van der Waals materials were discovered in 2017 and have been studied extensively since. However, their inherent dynamic responses, lying in the GHz (and even THz) frequency range, have been largely unexplored at the two dimensional (2D) limit. This presents a number of unanswered fundamental questions on crucial aspects of 2D magnetism, such as magnetic anisotropies, spin relaxation/fluctuation and impact from chemical/mechanical stability. This proposed project aims to develop sensitive probes for spin dynamics at the monolayer limit, following the novel approach of using superconducting micro-resonators. The functionality of these micro-resonators to study spin dynamics has already been established in proof-of-concept studies by the applicants, whilst their small mode volume is ideally suited to study 2D magnetism in vdW materials.

This post is funded by a new Leverhulme Trust grant on spin dynamics at the 2D limit in collaboration with Prof. John Morton's quantum spin dynamics group at UCL. The postholder will exfoliate and transfer 2D van der Waals magnetic flakes on purpose-built superconducting resonators to achieve strong photon-magnon coupling, through which dynamical responses of the monolayer flakes are measured at cryogenic temperatures. We will perform spectral analysis of the hybrid states and extract the device and material parameters to develop a working model to explain magnetism at the 2D limit. The postholder will be strongly encouraged to take the lead in writing up manuscripts for journal publication as well as participating scientific conferences for dissemination.

Essential and desired knowledge/experience for this role includes:

• A monolayer 2D materials exfoliation and transfer
• Understanding of magnetism, spin transport and spin dynamics
• Advanced magnetic imaging techniques
• Strong research publication record on 2D magnetism
• Communication and writing skills in English

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in physics, engineering or materials science. You should have in-depth knowledge of 2D materials exfoliation and transfer at the monolayer level. Also, knowledge of magnetism, spin transport and condensed matter physics is essential. Experience of manuscript writing will be a useful skill for this role.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme
• Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

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