PhD-Spectroscopic signatures of topological quantum matter
PhD @Loughborough University posted 2 months ago in Physics Shortlist Email JobJob Detail
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Experience No Preference
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Qualifications Master’s
Job Description
Project details
The idea that strongly interacting spins in a solid can evade ordering down to zero temperature by forming a quantum spin liquid (QSL) has a long history [1]. QSLs exhibit topological order and a plethora of remarkable quantum phenomena, including long-range
entanglement, topological degeneracy, emergent Majorana fermions and gauge fields [2,3]. The control and manipulation of such properties in condensed matter systems hold promise for future quantum technologies and computing applications [4].
The goal of the project is to address the central challenge currently in the field: How one can diagnose emergent Majorana fermions and gauge fields in real materials? The student will combine numerical algorithms (such as coupled cluster methods, large-scale exact
diagonalization) and modern statistical sampling methods (based on typicality and thermalisation ideas) with the end goal to extract dynamical response functions that are measured directly in spectroscopic experiments, such as inelastic neutron scattering, Raman
scattering and electron spin resonance [5]. The ensuing predictions will be compared to ongoing experiments on available candidate materials (such as a-Li2irO3, NaLi2O3 and a-RuCl3), and will lay the ground for quantitative diagnostics and the broader phenomenology
of QSLs.
The PhD student will endeavour into one of the most vibrant fields of condensed matter, acquire expertise in numerical and analytical methods, and work on experimentally driven problems. The project is ideal for students with a strong interest in quantum condensed
matter physics, topological phases of matter and numerical algorithms. A background in condensed matter physics is desirable. The project will be mainly numerical, although analytical skills will also be useful.
References
[1] P. W. Anderson, Mat. Res. Bull. 8, 153-160 (1973).
[2] X. G. Wen, Quantum Field Theory of Many-Body Systems. Oxford Univeristy Press
(2010).
[3] I. Rousochatzakis, Y. Sizyuk and N. B. Perkins, Nat. Commun. 9, 1575 (2018).
[4] C. Nayak, et al., Rev. Mod. Phys. 80, 1083 (2008).
[5] I. Rousochatzakis, S. Kourtis, J. Knolle, R. Moessner, N. B. Perkins, Phys. Rev. B 100,
045117 (2019).
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Primary supervisor:Â Ioannis Rousochatzakis
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Students should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Physics or a related subject.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2025-26 entry
UK fee
£5,006 Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£28,600 Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2025-26 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2025, January 2026, April 2026 and July 2026.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select Physics. Please quote the advertised reference number: PH/IR-SF1/2025 in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit a CV and the minimum supporting documents.
The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application. Please note that this criteria is used for both funded and self-funded projects.
Please note, applications for this project are considered on an ongoing basis once submitted and the project may be withdrawn prior to the application deadline, if a suitable candidate is chosen for the project.
Required skills
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