Bachelor / Master Thesis - Microscopic understanding of charge doping in two-dimensional ferromagnets

Your Job:

Electrical control of magnetic properties is a holy grail within materials research because it could enable energy efficient devices such as memory devices and novel quantum computing methods. Some studies of the effect of electrical stimuli in magnetic materials exist. However, real-space imaging of magnetization and magnetic textures and a microscopic understanding of the charge transfer process is generally lacking.

In this project you will investigate ways of inducing charge doping in the magnetic two-dimensional material Cr2Ge2Te6 by fabricating van der Waals heterostructures with RuCl3. RuCl3 has previously been shown to induce a large doping in graphene due to the large work function difference between the two materials.

You will use Raman spectroscopy to investigate whether charge transfer takes place between different heterostructures containing Cr2Ge2Te6, RuCl3, and graphene. Then depending on your aims and preferences, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) you will directly image the effect on magnetic domains and skyrmions in Cr2Ge2Te6.

Your tasks will be to:

• Prepare TEM-compatible samples with van der Waals heterostructures of graphene, Cr2Ge2Te6, and RuCl3.
  
• Perform and analyze Raman spectroscopy data.
  
• Assist with TEM experiments and analyze TEM data.

Your Profile:

• Fluency in English (both, writing and speaking) is crucial, basic German skills are desirable but not essential
  
• You are a bachelor or master student in physics, materials science, or comparable.
  
• Able to use creative, analytical, and hands-on skills for problem solving.
  
• You are a curios problem solver who enjoys tinkering with your hands.
  
• You are open to new experiences and comfortable learning new skills and technologies.
  
• You have experience in data analysis and an interest in transmission electron microscopy.
  

Our Offer:

We work on highly relevant innovative topics and offer you the possibility to actively shape the change. We support you with:

• An interesting and socially relevant topic for your thesis with future-oriented themes
  
• Ideal conditions for gaining practical experience alongside your studies
  
• An interdisciplinary collaboration on projects in an international, committed and collegial team
  
• Excellent technical equipment and the newest technology
  
• Qualified support through your scientific colleagues
  
• The chance to independently prepare and work on your tasks
  
• Flexible working hours as well as a reasonable remuneration
  
• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
  
• A contract for a term of up to 12 months
  

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.