Carbon nanoribbons are nanometrically narrow stripes of graphene, which display an interesting variety of electronic properties, including tunable conduction and topologically protected states, which can be exploted in quantum technologies in different ways. In collaboration with the experimental group of Nanoimaging in Nanogune, different ribbons, including atomic scale modifications and on a various substrates, will be studied using quantum-mechanical first-principles simulations. 

Using theory and first-principles calculations, the project aims to characterize electronic states of nanoribbons of controlled characteristics realized in experiments, which should display topologically protected states, and help analyzing the experimental results themselves by comparing with their simulated counterparts.

Tasks: Establish and perform a series of large-scale first-principles calculations for various graphene nanoribbon realizations, on well controlled substrates. Analyse the quantum mechanical states close to the Fermi level. 

Objectives: Understand the behaviours obtained in experiments, steer following experiments, and make progress in the engineering of the ribbons for quantum device applications

Work materials: The work is theoretical and computational, and will involve the use of supercomputers using parallel computing. The programs will be provided. 

Description of the research group: 

The Theory group of Nanogune has ample experience in the description of condensed matter from first-principles simulations, in general, and with a long history of work in nanostructures, surfaces and graphene.

Application:

If you are a master student and you are interested in this project, please get in touch with the scientist in charge: Emilio Artacho (e.artacho@nanogune.eu)

To apply for a master scholarship fill in the form below and follow the instructions and recommendations of the general call open until 30 June 2020.