Philip Moll receives the 2018 Nicholas Kurti Science Prize for Europe
© 2018 EPFL
Dr Moll is recognised for leading the development of novel micro-structuring techniques, allowing the fabrication of bespoke devices and experiments from complex quantum materials, and thereby enabling entirely new classes of low temperature and high magnetic field measurements.His research group, ‘microstructured quantum materials’ (mqm), is currently transitioning from Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids in Dresden, Germany, to the Institute of Materials at EPFL, Switzerland.
Quantum matter describes those materials where unusual electronic correlations or topological defects in the band structure give rise to macroscopic quantum phenomena. Dr Moll’s research group is particularly interested in the behavior of quantum materials on the mesoscale, when the sample dimensions become comparable to the intrinsic length-scale of the material.
Dr Philip Moll has developed a series of experimental protocols and tricks that has enabled him to conduct a series of stunning experiments in topological physics, electronic hydrodynamics and superconductivity. All of these are major firsts in this field which is truly an outstanding achievement for a young scientist.
“I am most grateful that the panel has honoured my group’s research with this award. We aim to explore how the shape and size of complex materials lead to new behaviour and possibly applications. In this work, curiosity is what motivates my team to challenge our current understanding by creating new shapes from single crystal materials. The outstanding mqm-team, and our wonderful collaborators, have made these projects possible", commented Dr Moll.
The winner will be formally presented with the Nicholas Kurti Science Prize trophy at one of upcoming conferences, where he will present his award-winning research work.