For more information, please contact the project leader Machteld Kamminga.
Phd Position – QuMat.1-UU-2.3E
- Location: Utrecht University
- Project Leader: Machteld Kamminga
- Contact: m.e.kamminga@uu.nl
Exploring 2D magnetism in novel van der Waals materials
Van der Waals (vdW) materials are highly anisotropic materials consisting of layers bonded by weak vdW interactions that allow for the possibility to be cleaved into very thin specimens, down to a monolayer thickness. Of particular contemporary interest are magnetic vdW materials as they are the ideal platform for exploring magnetism in the 2D limit. Magnetic order in 2D, which is associated with strong intrinsic spin fluctuations, can only happen if there is no continuous rotational symmetry, and gapping low-energy modes through magnetic anisotropy is essential for stabilizing long-range correlations. Since this anisotropy can be introduced in the magnetic system by, e.g. spin-orbit coupling or lattice distortions, the family of 2D vdW magnets with magnetically ordered phases is quite large and many novel materials are to be expected. Therefore, explorative work should be performed in order to enhance the playing field. This project will focus on the synthesis and structural characterization of various compounds, as well as on studying their magnetic properties using both bulk and scanning probe techniques through national and international collaborations.
About Machteld Kamminga
Kamminga is the newly appointed tenure-tracker assistant professor directly funded through QuMat. She focuses on the synthesis and characterization of various quantum materials, aiming to bridge the gap between condensed matter physics and materials chemistry. The main expertise and interest of Kamminga is in synthesis / crystal growth, X-ray diffraction and neutron scattering, and magnetic and superconducting properties of materials. Materials of interest include, but are not limited to, (novel) van der Waals magnets, (high-temperature) superconductors and materials exhibiting frustrated magnetism, such as spin liquids.
About Utrecht University
A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.
At the Faculty of Science, there are 6 departments to make a fundamental connection with: Biology, Chemistry, Information and Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Physics. Each of these is made up of distinct institutes that work together to focus on answering some of humanity’s most pressing problems. More fundamental still are the individual research groups – the building blocks of our ambitious scientific projects.
The project will be carried out at the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science. The central research theme of the Debye Institute is “Nanomaterials for Sustainability”. Research focuses on the synthesis, performance and modeling of nanomaterials often for conversion, storage and more efficient use of energy. The institute provides fundamental knowledge for development of new technologies that are required for achieving a sustainable future. The institute brings together six research groups from the departments of Chemistry and Physics, and the PhD student will be embedded in the Condensed Matter and Interfaces group.