Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Physics and Astronomy programme. The starting date of the position is August 1, 2024.
Title:
Quantum Edge Topology
Research area and project description:
The successful applicant will carry out numerical simulations to explore topological phases of quantum mechanical systems. While physical properties typically change continuously as a function of relevant parameters, such as the volume of a crystal changing continuously with temperature, topological properties remain exactly the same. Topology gives rise to several interesting effects. One example is two-dimensional Chern insulators, which are insulating in their interior, but support dissipation less currents that can only flow in one direction along the edges. Another is the presence of quasiparticles, called anyons, that are neither bosons, nor fermions, but behave like they were, e.g., one third of an electron.
In this project, we will study topology in quasicrystals and in finite crystals. Quasicrystals are ordered structures that are not periodic and hence not described by a unit cell. This means that much of the intuition we normally rely on for describing crystalline materials does not apply, and we want to understand how the lack of periodicity affects the physics and opens new possibilities. Topology is often described mathematically in infinitely large crystals. It has, however, become possible to experimentally realize small crystals with cold atoms trapped in laser fields. We will also investigate topology in these small systems. The investigations will be carried out by numerically simulating both static and dynamical properties of the quantum systems.
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Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants must have completed at least one year of a Master’s degree in physics or a closely related field by August 1, 2024. Applicants must have a solid knowledge of quantum physics and have good communication skills. It is an advantage to have some experience with numerical simulations.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ny Munkegade 120, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Associate Professor Anne E. B. Nielsen, annebn@phys.au.dk
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2024)
Please note:
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
