Spectroscopic signatures of topological quantum matter
Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom
Course overview
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. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Key highlights
- Research diagnosing emergent Majorana fermions and gauge fields in materials
- Training in coupled cluster methods and large-scale exact diagonalisation
- Uses modern statistical sampling based on typicality and thermalisation
- Predictions compared with ongoing experiments on candidate spin liquid materials
- Links theory to neutron, Raman and electron spin resonance spectroscopy
- Develops expertise in both numerical and analytical methods
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:1 — 2:1
Scholarships
Alumni Bursary
10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 10% of feesAlumni Discount
UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.
Care Leaver's Scholarship
Excellence Scholarships
UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary
Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).
Up to £12,000London 10th Anniversary Award
£5,000 off tuition fees.
Up to £5,000Loughborough Business School Scholarship
£1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship
50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 50% of feesQatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship
Careers this course leads to
- Postdoctoral research associate in condensed matter physics
- Computational physicist
- Quantum technology research scientist
- Quantum computing researcher
- University lecturer in physics
- Scientific software developer
Cost of study
UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £29,500
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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