PhD Studentship: Fermi surfaces in metallised 2D materials

Primary Supervisor:  Dr C R S Haines 

To realise the potential applications of 2D magnetic materials we must be able to manipulate both their magnetic and electronic properties. You will add electrons to a family of semiconducting 2D magnetic systems thereby tuning them into the metallic phase. You will then use measurements of the electronic properties to definitively characterise the nature of this metallic phase – crucial understanding for future application that has so far proved impossible to determine. This metallic state may well be novel due to strong electron correlations - in fact preliminary data strongly suggests this is the case. The nature of the magnetism in this metallic state remains an open question. There is evidence that this metallic state gives way to superconductivity at low temperatures. So far studies have focussed on accessing these states at extreme pressures. By using intercalation of alkali metals, you will access these states at ambient pressure (or low applied pressure) allowing definitive characterization and then exploitation of them. Understanding the metallic state is crucial for understanding the magnetism and superconductivity reported in these compounds. Furthermore, it will allow us to determine the way in which the Mott insulator state is destroyed and what kind of metallic state it gives way to when confined to two dimensions – a phenomenon which is widespread. 

Entry Requirements:

The minimum entry requirement is 2:1 in Physics.

Mode of Study: Full-time

Start date: 1 October 2027

Additional Funding Information

This PhD project is in a competition for a Faculty of Science funded studentship. Funding is available to UK applicants and comprises ‘home’ tuition fees and an annual stipend for 3 years. The current UEA / institutional PhD stipend rate is £21,805 and will be subject to any agreed inflationary uplift for 2027/28.