PhD for local sensing of collective spin phases

A central goal of modern condensed matter physics is to control magnetism at the nanoscale. Recently, a breakthrough platform for exploring this frontier has been brought by semiconducting moiré materials (SMMs) consisting of twisted or lattice-mismatched monolayers of van der Waals (vdW) crystals. With their flat electronic bands and excellent optical properties, SMMs embedded in gated heterostructures host a variety of collective spin phases, thus serving as artificial quantum materials that provide direct optical access to spin-physics and offer a tunability approaching that of cold-atom simulators.
The Quantum Opto-Electronics Group (QOEG; ), led by Prof. Dr. Tomasz Smoleński at the Department of Physics, University of Base, in collaboration with the group of Prof. Martino Poggio, is searching for a new PhD studentto develop a platform for local sensing of collective spin phases in SMMs by integrating optical spectroscopy with SQUID-on-tip (SOT) magnetometry. Our hybrid approach will uniquely combine the dynamical control offered by optical experiments with excellent spatial resolution provided by SOT, enabling simultaneous application of both techniques on a single device. Beyond fundamental impact, our studies will have far-reaching implications for emerging nanotechnologies.
Key requirements:

• MSc degree, either completed or expected soon, in Physics, Electrical/Optical Engineering, or a closely related discipline,
• A solid background in condensed matter physics and optics, supported by an excellent academic record,
• Experience with data analysis and familiarity with software tools for automated measurement, data acquisition, or data processing,
• The ability to work effectively in a team, with strong communication and collaboration skills,
• A high level of motivation, independence, creativity, and commitment to research,
• Very good written and spoken English.

Desirable:

• Track record of research papers or conference presentations,
• Experience in scanning probe experiments (STM, NV magnetometry, SQUID-on-tip etc),
• Experience in clean-room processing and/or handling van der Waals materials.

Thrive in an inspiring, international research environment with cutting-edge infrastructure, where your work will directly impact the future of quantum technologies. Get involved in all aspects of research, from engineering and fabricating electrically-tunable devices, through designing and assembling experimental setups, to performing magneto-optical measurements. The University of Basel stands for openness, diversity, team spirit, and scientific curiosity.
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