JOŽEF STEFAN INSTITUTE
Department of Complex Matter
Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Dynamics of Quantum matter

We explore non-equilibrium many-body dynamics in quantum systems that experience symmetry-breaking, topological, or jamming transitions. These systems encompass superconductors, charge-density wave, and magnetic materials.

Experimental Soft Matter Physics

The research is conducted within the “Light and Matter” research program. The interaction of light with matter is one of the most important fields of physics and optical processes are indispensable in many branches of modern industry.

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December 15 - 19, 2024 , Krvavec, Slovenia
Together with the Department of Theoretical Physics at JSI we are organizing the 13th Nonequilibrium Quantum Workshop. The workshop intends to bring together scientists working in the field of: Ultrafast ...
Home / Work with us / Controlling the dynamics of mesoscopic strongly correlated systems
PhD | Dynamics of Quantum Matter

Controlling the dynamics of mesoscopic strongly correlated systems

Contact: Igor Vaskivskyi

Email: igor.vaskivskyi@ijs.si

Strongly-correlated materials, or the materials, in which Coulomb interaction between the electrons cannot be neglected, became of great importance for technology and basic science. They exhibit a rich variety of exciting properties, such as metal-insulator transitions, unconventional superconductivity, heavy fermions, and unique magnetic orders. Additionally, recently reported long-lived hidden phases, which are accessible only at highly non-equilibrium conditions, such as laser excitation or short electrical current pulse, offer new platforms for non-incremental improvement in the performance of modern electronics, logical gates and non-volatile memory devices. For example, the recently presented laboratory prototype of charge-configurational storage developed at IJS is at least three orders of magnitude faster than any other existing memory device. However, a precise understanding of the nature of the hidden phases, which are responsible for the device operation, is still missing.

The research within the PhD program will aim at finding the key ingredients required for stabilizing hidden orders in correlated electronic crystals, controlling their characteristics in mesoscopic devices and engineering the material properties on demand. The work will include the development of a new experimental framework for studying and manipulating mesoscopic devices on an ultrafast time-scale.

Using the combination of state-of-the-art experimental methods, the candidate will study the influence of confinement on the electronic properties of correlated systems and explore the possibilities for non-invasive patterning of electronic crystals, such as with surface acoustic waves or applying textured electrical and optical excitation. Utilizing ultrafast time-resolved techniques, the candidate will explore the interplay and balance between different degrees of freedom in transition metal dichalcogenides, which define their properties.

The candidate will acquire practical skills in experimental optical and X-ray spectroscopies, time-resolved methods, and will obtain experience in solid-state and laser physics.

More about the hidden states in transition metal dichalcogenides:  

[1] I. Vaskivskyi, A. Mraz, R. Venturini, G. Jecl, Y. Vaskivskyi, R. Mincigrucci, L. Foglia, D. De Angelis, J.-S. Pelli-Cresi, E. Paltanin, D. Fainozzi, F. Bencivenga, C. Masciovecchio, D. Mihailovic, “A high-efficiency programmable modulator for extreme ultraviolet light with nanometre feature size based on an electronic phase transition”, Nature Photonics (2024) DOI: 10.1038/s41566-024-01389-z

[2] Y. Gerasimenko, I. Vaskivskyi, M. Litskevich, J. Ravnik, J. Vodeb, M. Diego, V. Kabanov, D. Mihailovic, “Quantum jamming transition to a correlated electron glass in 1T-TaS2, Nature Materials 18 (2019) DOI: 10.1038/s41563-019-0423-3

[3]  L. Stojchevska, I. Vaskivskyi, T. Mertelj, P. Kusar, D. Svetin, S. Brazovskii, D. Mihailovic, “Ultrafast Switching to a Stable Hidden Quantum State in an Electronic Crystal”, Science 344 (2014) DOI: 10.1126/science.1241591

Field: Solid State Physics, Ultrafast Spectroscopy

Position: PhD student

Key Research Areas:

  • Hidden Quantum States
  • Mesoscopic Devices
  • Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
  • Ultrafast spectroscopy

Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in Physics or related disciplines or equivalent;
  • Proficient written and oral communication skills in English;
  • The ability to work independently and collaboratively;
  • Motivated, collaborative, and eager to contribute to cutting-edge research person.

Contact: Interested candidates should send their CV and cover letter to dr. Igor Vaskivskyi at igor.vaskivskyi@ijs.si.