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theoretical project

Ferroelectric control of orbital transport

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Location

Marseille, France

Host institution

CNRS is a government-funded research organization under the administrative supervision of the French Ministry of Higher Education. It is the largest fundamental research organization in Europe.

The Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille (CINaM) specializes in the multidisciplinary study of nanoscience and nanomaterials with state-of-the-art equipment. Its Theory and Numerical Simulation department focuses on theoretical and numerical simulation applied to solid state physics and materials science, covering a wide range of research topics related to the properties of nanomaterials, quantum phenomena in materials and complex materials for energy.

Supervisor

Prof. Aurélien Manchon

Description

Recent breakthroughs have shown that light metals (e.g., Ti, Zr, CuOx) can generate and transport orbital currents with remarkable efficiency, positioning Orbitronics as a promising successor to spintronics. Yet, current metallic systems lack an effective external control mechanism for tuning orbital transport.

This PhD project aims to pioneer the control of orbital currents using ferroelectricity, which naturally breaks inversion symmetry and triggers orbital Edelstein effects (OREE). You will explore novel concepts like orbital transistors and orbital tunnel junctions by:

Developing multi-orbital tight-binding and first-principles models.
Investigating ferroelectric control of orbital Edelstein effects at metal–ferroelectric interfaces (e.g., GeTe, SrTiO3).
Studying the influence of ferroelectric polarization on orbital currents in tunnel junctions.
Exploring thermally generated orbital currents via chiral phonons under temperature gradients.

This project combines condensed matter theory and materials modeling with the potential to reshape future low-dissipation elecronic devices.

Requirements

Master’s degree in condensed matter physics, computational physics or theoretical physics. Prior experience with first-principles simulations is highly appreciated.

Planned Secondments

Academic Secondment

Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU)

Halle, Germany

Prof. Ingrid Mertig

Industrial Secondment

Nellow (NELLOW)

Grenoble, France

Dr. Laurent Vila

Registering University

Aix Marseille Université

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Thank you for your interest in the ORBIS project!

Before applying

Make sure you meet the following eligibility requirements. At the time of recruitment (i.e. contract starting date) you…

must not have been awarded a doctoral degree.
must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment.
must be proficient in written and spoken English.

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