Spintronic Control of Many-Body Interactions in Flat-Band Graphene

Flat-bands in 2D material heterostructures comprise a novel tunable platform to investigate many-body physics. These heterostructures host a wealth of correlated and unconventional superconducting phases. Understanding the emergence of these phases and how to manipulate them are amongst the most exciting research challenges in modern solid-state physics. In this project, we will investigate correlated phases in bilayer graphene using spintronic approaches [1,2]. Specifically, we will use proximity phenomena to imprint gate-tunable spin-orbit fields without chemical disorder. We will assemble high-mobility van der Waals stacks where graphene interfaces with large-SOC semiconductors, and combine nonlocal spin injection/detection with charge transport to identify phase boundaries and broken symmetries versus filling, displacement field, and temperature. Building on the demonstration that proximity engineering is a powerful route to spin functionality in 2D heterostructures [1,2], the goal is deterministic control and readout of correlated phases. The selected PhD student will learn to i) fabricate vdW stacks via exfoliation and deterministic transfer ii) pattern nanodevices, iii) identify quantum phases by spin and charge transport, and iv) tune the nature and symmetry of the correlated phases using proximity effects. The research will provide insights into correlated phases and lay the groundwork for novel low-power spin-functional devices.

[1] J. F. Sierra et al., Nature Nano. 16, 856 (2021).
[2] J. F. Sierra, J. Světlík et al., Nature Mater. 24, 876 (2025).

Education: A Master (or Licenciatura) degree in Physics, Material Science, Nanotechnology or related discipline is required at the time of joining ICN2.

Knowledge, professional experience and competences: Applicants must show motivation, excellent disposition towards challenging research problems and a good level of the English language. A strong background on solid-state physics and experience in experimental methods will be valued, including: i) Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, ii) Electronic transport, and ii) Nanofabrication techniques

The Physics and Engineering of Nanodevices Group focuses on the development of novel devices specifically designed to gain insight into physical properties of materials at the nanoscale, combining state of the art lithographic and chemical methods with magnetic and electrical transport characterisation.

The Group’s research is currently centred on spintronic devices in metals, graphene and topological insulators, including thermoelectric effects. Spintronics introduces the spin degree of freedom into device design and has been predicted to enable a revolutionary class of electronics with functionalities exceeding current semiconductor technology. Conventional electronic devices are based on charge carriers and their associated energy, which limits their speed due to energy dissipation. Spintronics, which is based on spin orientation and spin coupling, promises much higher speeds, low power demands, non-volatility and higher integration densities.