PhD student position on microscopic modeling of 2D materials

Information about the project
This project aims at a microscopic understanding of the strong light-matter coupling regime in van der Waals heterostructures consisting of vertically stacked, atomically thin 2D materials. The focus lies on gaining insights into the impact of the twist angle between two monolayers and the resulting moire exciton features on the strong coupling regime.

Strong light-matter coupling is a special regime of electromagnetic interaction, in which light and matter intermix to form new common quasi-particles called polaritons. These quasi-particles possess a set of intriguing optical and electronic properties. Specifically, polaritons may have much smaller effective mass than excitons due to partial light character, while at the same time they have much stronger interparticle interactions than in pure photonic systems due to the underlying exciton-exciton coupling. This interesting combination of properties of polaritons makes the strong coupling regime interesting both from the fundamental as well as technological perspecdtive.

The main goal of this PhD work is to develop a sophisticated theoretical approach based on the density matrix formalism, which allows us to microscopically model polaritons and their impact on optics, non-equilibrium dynamics and transport in van der Waals heterostructures. The aim is to explain exisiting experiments and to guide future experimental studies towards a better understanding of the moire exciton polariton physics in these technologically promising nanomaterials.

The position is part of the KAW project ”Plasmon-exciton coupling at the attosecond-subnanometer scale”, which involves a close collaboration between several groups in experiment and theory.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility is to pursue the goals of your research project. You are also expected to develop own ideas and find your own ways in tackling research challenges. The position may also include some level of teaching duties as well as taking part in the supervision of bachelor and master students. Another important aspect involves national and international collaboration with experimental research groups.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you should hold a Master degree in physics and have a strong interest and to a certain extent also experience in quantum mechanics and basic concepts of many-particle theory. You should already have some skills in programming. Finally, you should enjoy working in a collaborative environment including interactions with both theoreticians and experimentalists. The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

READ MORE AND APPLY HERE

Application deadline: 22nd July, 2020

For questions, please contact:
Professor Ermin Malic, Condensed Matter and Materials Theory
E-mail: ermin.malic@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 

The department of Physics at Chalmers
Stimulated by major needs and challenges in science and a sustainable society, the ambition of the department of Physics is to foster a creative environment for academic research, learning and outreach. We provide a competitive advantage by linking our top-level international and interdisciplinary academic performance in the areas of material science, nanotechnology and energy research with world-leading industrial R&D&I projects.

We address a wide array of experimental, computational, methodological and theoretical challenges, from fundamental physics research, through the development of new materials such as graphene to direct industrial projects generating new inventions. We have a strong learning commitment on all levels from undergraduate to PhD studies where physics meet engineering. We are situated in a stimulating and creative environment with newly renovated facilities. The department is the major part of Gothenburg Physics Centre – a collaboration between five departments at Chalmers and Gothenburg University.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter