The Novel Materials for Quantum Sensing group at the Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS) is seeking a postdoctoral associate to perform cutting edge experimental research in layered materials. Our team is focused on harnessing emergent quantum behavior of layered materials for next-generation sensors, optical computation, and quantum emulation/simulation. We are interested in exploiting the twist and layer degrees of freedom offered by van der Waals heterostructures to enhance and control (1) many-body interactions between charge carriers in the materials and (2) energetic coupling between the materials and external cavities, such as optical or phononic cavities. Particular emphasis will be applied in characterizing the influence of external electric and magnetic fields on these novel materials and nanostructures. Characterizing these effects is essential for gaining a fundamental understanding of the emergent properties due to interactions, as well as their potential usage in sensing and computing applications. At LPS, researchers have access to elite nanofabrication facilities, world-class layered material transfer systems, as well as a comprehensive suite of optical and electrical characterization systems. Eligible candidates with experience in layered materials, optics, transport, and/or nanofabrication are encouraged to apply.
LPS is located just off the main campus of the University of Maryland in College Park, MD. Work is done in close collaboration with UMD researchers as well as other area academic institutions, other government labs, and industry. The Washington, DC Metropolitan area is not only a great place to live, but an ideal place for a new scientist to launch a career.
REFERENCES
SW LaGasse, et al. “Hexagonal Boron Nitride Slab Waveguides for Enhanced Spectroscopy of Encapsulated 2D Materials.” Advanced Materials 36, no. 7 (2024): 2309777. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202309777.
PD Cunningham., …, SW LaGasse, et al. “Site-Specific Exciton–Plasmon Coupling in Nanoindented WSe2.” ACS Photonics 11, no. 8 (2024): 3250–58.
SW LaGasse and CD Cress. “Unveiling Electron Optics in Two-Dimensional Materials by Nonlocal Resistance Mapping.” Nano Letters 20, no. 9 (2020): 6623–29.
SW LaGasse, et al. “Gate-Tunable Graphene–WSe 2 Heterojunctions at the Schottky–Mott Limit.” Advanced Materials 31, no. 24 (2019): 1901392.
Two-dimensional materials; Excitons; Correlated electrons; Cavity Coupling; Quantum sensing; Electric fields