Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could use a sensor as small as a single electron? We are offering a PhD project on a unique instrument, that uses the spin of a single electron in diamond as a tiny quantum sensor, to investigate open problems in condensed matter physics and materials science. The position is funded by the Centre for Doctoral Training in "Applied Quantum Technologies" (https://www.aqt.ac.uk/).

The project

We have recently installed in our labs the first commercial low-temperature scanning spin-based quantum sensor worldwide. The sensor uses the spin of a single electron on a diamond cantilever to map magnetic fields (and magnetic noise) with nanoscale spatial resolution, on a wide temperature range (1.6-300K).

Our goal is to apply this new technique to investigate the physics of novel 2D quantum materials and devices. Since the discovery of graphene, obtained by peeling off sheets only a single atom in thickness from graphite, researchers have discovered remarkable properties in a variety of 2D materials, including semiconductors, insulators, metals, superconductors, etc. These 2D layers can be re-assembled, atomic layer by atomic layer, into myriad configurations of different “heterostructures”, enabling tailoring of specific quantum properties at will. We will use our unique quantum sensing facility to map novel physics, in particular magnetic textures and superconductivity, in such heterostructures. The quantum sensor will for example enable explorations of how strong particle interactions lead to emergent macroscopic physical effects that may lead to next-generation “beyond-silicon” electronic devices. This project capitalises on unique 2D fabrication capabilities at Heriot-Watt University, which enable us to create very complex 2D heterostructures.

Please contact Dr Cristian Bonato (c.bonato@hw.ac.uk) for inquiries (as soon as possible), sending a cover letter, a CV and a transcript of your marks. Some experimental expertise on photonics or quantum technology is required.

References:
1. F. Casola et al, “Probing condensed matter physics with magnetometry based on nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond”, Nature Reviews Materials 3, 17088 (2018)
2. J. Rovny et al, “New opportunities in condensed matter physics for nanoscale quantum sensors”, arXiv:2403.13710 (2024)
3. R. Budakian et al, “Roadmap on nanoscale magnetic resonance imaging”, Nanotechnology 35 412001 (2024)