PhD position: Circuit quantum electrodynamics to probe strongly interacting electronic phases in atomically thin

PhD position:
Circuit quantum electrodynamics to probe strongly interacting electronic phases in atomically thin nanoelectronic devices (P2601)

100% position for 4 years, earliest starting date: 1 January 2027

Atomically thin layers of various materials can be combined - almost at will - into novel artificial materials, with graphene structures being the most prominent examples. If two (or more) layers are combined at a certain twist angle between the crystal orientations, an additional periodic modulation of the atomic lattice potential can emerge, often referred to as moiré superlattice. At specific, gate tunable electron fillings, various emergent electronic phases have been identified, most notably superconductivity, ferromagnetism, or Mott insulators, all driven by the Coulomb interaction between the electrons.

Similar electronic phases were recently discovered in twisted bilayer structures of atomically thin semiconductors, especially in transitionmetal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), investigated mostly by optical spectroscopy, with the drawback that optical excitations alone are already complicated many-particle states, while low-frequency transport experiments are often not directly related to fundamental properties.

In this project, we exploit circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED) techniques based on high-impedance superconducting resonators in the GHz regime to probe electron‑electron interactions in layered 2D materials. This method gives direct access to certain material properties, especially the quantum capacitance, or to the kinetic inductance of a superconductor. In more complex interacting systems, we expect other, more exotic relations that we aim to discover and explore.

In addition, we will aim to achieve the strong coupling regime, in which the quantum states hybridize with the photonic states, which we will probe with standard low-frequency transport experiments, and with pump‑probe experiments adapted from qubit experiments. This project allows the prospective PhD student not only to delve into modern nanofabrication and cutting edge material science, but also to actively engage in fundamental physics and quantum technology topics, in the uniquely collaborative effort to go beyond the standard experiments and strategies.

Applicants should have a Master's degree in Physics, Nanoscience, or related. Experience with radio‑frequency experiments, superconductivity, or layered materials, as well as Python programming (or similar) is a plus. Most importantly, an applicant should be driven by curiosity and should be motivated to work through a difficult long‑term (4 years) project. Proficiency in the English language is required.

• Excellent scientific and social environment in the Quantum Coherence Lab and in the Swiss Nanoscience Institute
• Very competitive employment conditions
• Membership in a very supportive and recognised community

The successful candidate will become a member of very active research groups and of the Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI) PhD school with ~30 currently supported scientists. The SNI covers a wide variety of topics, including cutting edge quantum physics and chemistry, material science, nanotechnology, biochemistry, cell biology, or medical research.