The department Theory of Condensed Matter (part of Institute of Molecules and Materials) aims to predict and explain the properties of condensed matter, ranging from structural and dynamical properties of the atomic lattice, to topological and interaction phenomena of the electrons. To this end we utilise and develop advanced mathematical frameworks and state-of-the-art numerical approaches including quantum field theory descriptions, neural network and machine learning concepts, ab initio calculations, and their combinations.
Theory of Condensed Matter
Department
Research
Research of the Theory of Condensed Matter department is centred around three main research directions.
Layered Materials
The array of 2D materials, initiated by graphene, continues to expand, including semiconductors and superconductors. Through comprehensive research methods, scientists explore their properties for potential uses in devices like capacitors, optoelectronic devices, or magnetic memory devices.
Correlated Systems
Understanding correlation phenomena from many-body interactions, like electron-electron or electron-phonon interactions, on a realistic material level is challenging. We aim to solve this by integrating high-level field theories with advanced ab initio frameworks.
Spintronics and Quantum Transport
Spintronics manipulates spins in magnets, and quantum transport investigates charge flow in small, low-temperature devices. A new class of 2D magnets has merged these fields, leading to several discoveries.
Internships
Would you like to do your internship at Theory of Condensed Matter? Please get in touch for more information. A few examples of relevant subjects are:
- Fluctuating Membranes: Renormalisation Group Approaches to Freestanding Two-Dimensional Materials
- Electrons Roaming in Fractional Dimensions
- Spintronics in Two-Dimensional Conducting Dirac Ferro- and Antiferromagnets
- Quantum Transport, Spin Transfer, Damping, and Chiral Interactions in Two-Dimensional Ferromagnets
- Magnetic Exchange Interactions Out of Equilibrium
The research group offers various Bachelor's and Master's courses. The group is closely involved in the Bachelor's Mathematics and Physics and Astronomy and the Master's specialisations of Physics and Astronomy.
Vacancies
View all relevant job opportunities in the Applied Materials Science department at uu77.
Nobel Prize for Physics 2010
In 2010, Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, then both associate professors at uu77, received the Nobel Prize in Physics for their discovery of graphene. They explored the special properties of the material at the Nijmegen High Field Magnet Laboratory and received indispensable help from Mikhail Katsnelson, theoretical physicist and now head of department of Theory of Condensed Matter.
Academic staff
Below are the professors, associate professors and assistant professors of Theory of Condensed Matter. Head of the department is Prof. Mikhail Katsnelson.
Contact information
Location
Visiting address
Heyendaalseweg 1356525AJ Nijmegen
Postal address
Postbus 90106500GL NIJMEGEN
Contact person
B.C. Eijgenraam (Belinda)