Understanding how heat and vibrations propagate at the nanoscale is critical for modern technologies such as nanoelectronics, quantum devices, and thermoelectric materials. At these length scales, lattice vibrations, known as phonons, play a dominant role in determining thermal and mechanical properties.
In this project, the student will explore phonon dispersion relations in crystalline materials using computational materials modelling. The work will begin with a structured literature review to build foundational knowledge in solid state physics, lattice dynamics, and nanoscale effects. The student will then learn to perform and analyse phonon dispersion simulations using established computational tools. By the end of the project, the student will be able to interpret phonon band structures and relate them to physical properties such as thermal conductivity and stability. This project provides a hands on introduction to computational research in nanoscale materials science and is well suited for students considering honours or postgraduate research.
School
Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications
Research Area
Quantum physics | Quantum computing | Semiconductor
Suitable for recognition of Work Integrated Learning (industrial training)?
No
- Research environment
- Expected outcomes
- Supervisory team
- Reference material/links
The research will be conducted in the SiMOS Quantum Dot lab, led by Prof. Andrew Dzurak. The research group comprises a dynamic team of academics, research staff, and students, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for cutting-edge research.
- Understand basic lattice dynamics and phonon theory
- Read and critically assess research literature
- Perform phonon dispersion simulations using computational tools
- Interpret phonon band structures and physical implications
- Communicate scientific results clearly in written and oral form
- Vandersypen, L.M.K., Bluhm, H., Clarke, J.S. et al. Interfacing spin qubits in quantum dots and donors—hot, dense, and coherent. npj Quantum Inf 3, 34 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41534-017-0038-y