PD Dr. Andy Thomas
Research
My group uses deposition techniques such as atomic layer deposition and (magnetron) sputtering to produce thin film heterostructures. In addition, we use focused ion beam cutting to obtain microstructures from single crystalline bulk materials provided by our collaborators. Our main focus is on quantum materials such as topological insulators, Weyl semi-metals and 2D materials. After in-situ characterization, the stacks are further processed by lithographic patterning to obtain transport devices. These devices are measured at low temperatures (>2K) and magnetic fields (<14T). In particular, the longitudinal and transverse transport response to an electric field and/or a temperature gradient is evaluated (conductance, Hall, Nernst, Seebeck ...). We also use the 3-d-conformity of atomic layer deposition to prepare sophisticated devices, especially in the field of magnetism. It is predicted that spin textures and magnon transport are influenced by curved surfaces. Ultimately, we aim to study spin transport experiments in non-trivial topologies in real space.
Short CV
CV_Thomas.pdf