Quantum Properties of Semicondutor Nanostructures

The project is based around experimental investigations of electron transport in specifically designed Semiconductor Nanostructures, it will be necessary for the successful candidate to develop a good understanding of Quantum Mechanics as applied in the solid state. The appropriate samples will be designed and fabricated by the Student followed by measurements at low temperatures. New aspects of the physics of the devices will include electrons behaving as if possessing a fractional charge, how electron spins become polarised due to strong confinement when behaviour is one-dimensional and the manipulation of electron wavefunctions by both confining electric fields and the interaction of the spins with the lattice field. The new physical behaviour which will be obtained is not just of importance for basic physics but also points the way to new schemes of Topological Quantum Computation, the principles of which will be explored in the project.