Available Positions

There are two classes of quantum materials that take the condensed matter community by storm, topological materials, and van der Waals heterostructures. In these systems specific electronic band structures, magnetic properties, and confinement of electrons to two dimensions lead to new states of matter with huge potential for future applications. Our group specializes in the synthesis and in-depth study of these materials, using the facilities of our recently established quantum materials laboratory. The project focuses on transition metal dichalcogenides, which are a rich playground for new types of topology protected surface states in bulk crystals, as well as important building blocks for van der Waals heterostructures when exfoliated down to few-layer or monolayer crystal sheets. The candidate will engage in synthesis and detailed experimental study of high purity single crystals, develop advanced synthesis methods, and closely collaborate with our ab-initio materials simulation group, as well as our nano-probe microscopy groups. Our infrastructure offers a wide range of facilities for chemical, structural and physical property analysis, and state-of-the-art tools for device fabrication. Synchrotron x-ray scattering at international facilities, high pressure experiments, and involvement in nano-probe microscopy experiments are further options, depending on background and inclination. The candidate should have extensive experience in materials synthesis and characterization, device fabrication, and the physics of topological materials or van der Waals heterostructures. The initial contract is for one year with possibility of extension up to three years pending on progress. Interested candidates should send a CV and list of publications to markus.huecker@weizmann.ac.il.

Study of quantum and topological states of matter using novel scanning probe microscopy tools. We have recently developed a nano-SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) that resides on a very sharp tip and allows imaging of local magnetic fields with single electron spin sensitivity and of current flow patterns. This device provides also a unique tool for cryogenic thermal imaging with 1 ?µK sensitivity and scanning gate microscopy allowing imaging electron scattering and dissipation mechanisms on the nanoscale. The project will focus on utilizing these novel techniques for microscopic investigation of topological and quantum states of matter including investigation of local topology, superconductivity, magnetism, strongly correlated electronic states, and dissipation in graphene, moiré superlattices, and van der Waals heterostructures.