Proximity-induced superconductivity on topological insulator thin films

The search for Majorana fermions (MF) has been one of the most prominent subjects in physics. One of important aspects of the MFs is that they are their own antiparticles, and therefore mysterious uncharged quasiparticles that can create a zero-mode Majorana state bounded at zero energy at the middle of superconducting gap. Zero-mode MFs obey non-Abelian exchange statistics which would be used for topological quantum computation technology. There are theoretically two main routes to realize MFs by combining superconductivity with a strong SOI: proximity-induced superconductivity in a strong spin-orbit coupled material such as topological insulators (TI) in close contact with conventional superconductor, or bulk topological superconductors where the surface or edge may host Majorana modes.<br /> <br /> In this project, the candidate will study Majorana physics via the first route; proximity-induced superconductivity on topological crystalline insulator (TCI) Tin telluride (SnTe), a cousin of TIs in close contact with indium-doped SnTe (Sn1-xInxTe), superconducting TCI. This heterostructure with the best lattice matching grown by molecular beam epitaxy in ultrahigh vacuum, a part of a new multi-deposition system in Leeds would provide a promising platform to learn fundamental Majorana physics and fabricate Josephson junction devices that would host MFs.<br /> <br /> This is a project in an exciting and very active research area which allows us to closely interact and collaborate with other research teams in the University of Leeds including a theoretical group. We are looking for a motivated student with a background in physics, physical chemistry, or material science.

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130206/applying/91/applying_for_research_degrees">University&rsquo;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is &lsquo;Proximity-induced superconductivity on topological insulator thin films&rsquo; as well as <a href="https://physicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/staff/131/dr-satoshi-sasaki">Dr Satoshi Sasaki</a>&nbsp;as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, but UK black and minority ethnic (BME) researchers are currently under-represented in our Postgraduate Research community, and we would therefore particularly encourage applications from UK BME candidates. All scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit.</em></p>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p><strong>Self-Funding Students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK&nbsp;students</strong>&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/138-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2021-january-deadline">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship (January deadline)</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/141-henry-ellison-scholarship-2021">Henry Ellison Scholarship</a>&nbsp;are available to UK applicants. The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/102-bell-burnell-scholarship-award-awarded-by-the-iop">Bell Burnell Scholarship Award</a>&nbsp;is available to support applicants who are from groups that are currently under-represented in physics (awarded by the IOP).&nbsp; <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>International students</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/63-school-of-physics-astronomy-fee-only-scholarship">School of Physics &amp; Astronomy Fee Only Scholarship</a>&nbsp;is available to support the additional academic fees of international applicants. The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a>&nbsp;is available to nationals of China. The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a>&nbsp;is available to support US citizens. The&nbsp;<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/102-bell-burnell-scholarship-award-awarded-by-the-iop">Bell Burnell Scholarship Award</a>&nbsp;is also available to international applicants and supports those who are from groups that are currently under-represented in physics (awarded by the IOP). <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p>

<p>For further information regarding your applciation, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email: <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions</a><a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">@leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 343 5057.</p> <p>For further information regarding the project, please contact Dr Satoshi Sasaki by email:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:S.Sasaki@leeds.ac.uk">S.Sasaki@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>