Electron pairing at temperatures above the superconducting critical temperature was recently demonstrated in SrTiO₃ quantum dots. The objective of this research is to determine the microscopic origin of electron pairing without superconductivity. Initially we will investigate SrTiO₃, where such pairing has been demonstrated. The research is theoretical and will combine first-principles density functional calculations with model Hamiltonians. The work will be performed in collaboration with experimental efforts focused on discovering the pairing mechanism.

 

Reference

Cheng G, et al: "Electron pairing without superconductivity." Nature 521: 196-199, 2015

 

key words

Superconductivity; Density functional theory; Theoretical physics; Computational physics; Model Hamiltonians; Solid phase and solids; Condensed matter; Many-body effects; Materials science;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants