ICN2-3: Physics and Engineering of Nanodevices

Recent years have seen an unprecedented progress in the design and engineering of artificial materials using layered 2D materials and topological insulators. Such systems, dubbed van der Waal (vdW) heterostructures because of the characteristic weak interaction between its layers, comprise stacks of selected 2D materials to achieve specific functionalities. The improvement of the quality in the atomically smooth interfaces has further shown that the properties of the heterostructure can be fine-tuned by means of proximity effects.

The PROBIST fellow will investigate the growth and structural properties of van der Waals heterostructures comprising topological insulators. The fellow will further study topological quantum effects and spin-torque transport properties when combined with (2D) ferromagnets, in close contact with our collaborators at Spintec (Grenoble), and correlate the results with the interface properties within the heterostructure and possible proximity effects. A working knowledge of instrumentation development, growth of materials by molecular beam epitaxy, structural and magnetic properties characterization (XRD, XMCD, etc) and high-field and low temperature transport are required as well as of device nanofabrication and implementation of spin generation and detection methods.


Keywords:

topological insulators, 2D materials, 2D magnets, spin-orbit torque, molecular beam epitaxy