PhD Studentship: Ultrahigh Resolution Terahertz Near-field Microscopy for Moiré Materials

When light interacts with matter, two types of electromagnetic fields are generated: (i) a propagating component that reaches the far-field and can be measured with conventional optical equipment and (ii) a near-field component that decays exponentially away from the material, often referred to as an evanescent part of the electromagnetic field. Evanescent fields hold rich insights into the interaction between light and matter but are invisible to conventional optical measurements. By designing special ‘near-field’ microscopes, it is possible to measure these evanescent fields, with the bonus of nearly unlimited spatial resolution – many orders of magnitude below the free space wavelength. We recently combined this type of microscope with terahertz (THz) waves – a frequency range where there are many important material spectral fingerprints, such as phonons and plasmons.

This PhD project will further advance this terahertz near-field microscopy technique, by pushing the boundaries of spatial resolution towards the atomic scale. Then, it will be applied for imaging cutting-edge material systems, such as moiré superlattices – a highly tuneable system where the lattice period (and therefore energy structure) can be controlled precisely by simply altering the rotation angle of adjacent atomic layers. Moiré materials have the potential to revolutionise our understanding of quantum mechanics in materials, as well as potential to form the basis of future quantum communications and computation technologies.

The PhD candidate should have completed (or about to complete) their undergraduate degree in Physics or a closely related subject, with at least a 2:1. Ideally you will have an interest in developing new experimental techniques and investigating the physics of new and unusual materials using lasers and optics.

The project will take place in the group of Dr Tom Siday (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/physics/siday-thomas), part of the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics group (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/physics/quantum/metamaterials/index.aspx) in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham. There will also be opportunities to collaborate closely with several external universities such as Oxford, UCL and Regensburg (Germany).

The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic. 

Funding notes:

Funding is awarded on competitive basis, and it will cover tuition fees and living stipend for 3.5 years.

For details of the funding available, advice on making your application or any other informal enquiries, please contact Dr Tom Siday at: t.siday@bham.ac.uk

References:

M. Zizlsperger et al., Nat. Photon 18, 975–981 (2024)
D. Kennes et al., Nat. Phys. 17, 155–163 (2021)

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