PhD: Harnessing quantum spintronics in 2D materials for quantum technologies

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and data centre requirements is significantly increasing global electricity consumption. For instance, a typical Google search consumes 0.3 Wh of electricity, while a single ChatGPT prompt utilises approximately 10 times more. By the time you start this PhD, data centres alone could consume 5-10% of global energy production, contributing substantially to greenhouse gas emissions and waste heat. It is possible to harness this waste heat for performing low-power computing tasks (see our earlier work in Nature Physics.) In this project, we aim to develop innovative solutions to address these challenges and ensure a sustainable digital future through novel spintronic devices that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and utilise the quantum properties of two-dimensional materials such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, and topological materials. As a PhD candidate, you will have a unique opportunity to contribute to technological advances necessary to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications through collaboration with a team of experts at the forefront of this field to 1. create innovative spintronic architectures that address current challenges in digital sustainability. 2. evaluate the potential of topological materials in enhancing the efficiency of spintronic devices. 3. propose and validate new spintronic device concepts that leverage the unique characteristics of two-dimensional materials. What we offer you: 1. Excellent and unique research infrastructure that enables the fabrication of nanodevices under inert environments. 2. Bespoke training and development plan ranging from soft skills to advanced computational, experimental, and modelling techniques to training on scientific writing and presenting at international conferences. 3. A supportive research environment with a diverse research community that enables interaction with multidisciplinary researchers who share the goal of developing technology that impacts the future of computing, energy harvesting, and data storage technologies. The studentship is for 3 years full-time equivalent and provides a tax-free stipend of £19,237 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees. All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select ‘Physics’. Please quote the advertised reference number: ‘SCI25-FD’ in your application.