Research Phase and Master’s Thesis in the M.Sc. Quantum Science & Technology

During the last year of the Master's program Quantum Science & Technology, you will have the opportunity to work on exciting research topics in the unique research of the Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology. During this so-called research phase, you can choose from an extensive number of research groups and current projects.

Young researchers at Max-Planck-Institute for Quantum Optics (MPQ). Photo: MCQST.

Research Phase

Current Info Events

2021-04-14 | 14:00: Information on Research Phase, Master's Thesis, and End of Studies in the Master’s Program Quantum Science & Technology: Online Info Event and Moodle FAQs Speaker: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Alexander Holleitner , Place: Online: Moodle

The structure of the research phase

The one-year research phase (60 ECTS) involves three modules. The first module, called Master’s seminar, is devoted to gathering the specialized knowledge needed for a cutting-edge line of research through a detailed study of the relevant research literature. The second module, called Master’s training, focuses on acquiring the technical skills, experimental and/or theoretical, needed for conducting the research project of the Master’s thesis. The first two modules form an intrinsic unit and together account for 30 ECTS. The Master’s thesis forms the third module and accounts for 30 ECTS. It involves completing an independent research project, submitting a written Master’s thesis, and orally defending it in a Master’s colloquium.

During the research phase, the completion of an independent scientific project also involves the acquisition of additional skills such as project management, team-work, and the presentation of scientific results.

Module	Description	Credits (CP)	PL/SL*
Master’s seminar	Literature research and specialization	15	S
Master’s training	Methodology and project planning	15	S
Master’s thesis		30	P
Sum		60

*: P="Prüfungsleistung", graded exam,
S="Studienleistung", non-graded exam (pass/fail)

Finding a topic

For this program, the Examination Board has created a list of possible thesis supervisors; they are listed below. To find a topic, please contact the possible thesis supervisors yourself.

The thesis supervisors have the possibility to advertise topics (supervisors see "Access for supervisors" on the right). However, not all possible topics are advertised here, so it is advisable to ask the thesis supervisors directly

Furthermore, it is advisable to start searching for a suitable topic early, about one semester in advance. In a personal interview, you can quickly see whether a topic appeals to you and whether you feel comfortable in the group. We discourage you from simple e-mail exchange, as it is usually not successful.

Who can be my supervisor?

Filtering in the offers for possible theses

You can search through the offers of Master’s thesis topics in our database.

Search for:

Offers of Master’s thesis topics

	Topic	Supervisor
	Breitbandiges dispersives Auslesen von supraleitenden Qubits	Gross
	Research group Technical Physics Description An essential step for implementation of quantum computing architectures is an efficient readout of qubits. In the field of superconducting quantum circuits, this is typically realized by dispersively coupling a superconducting qubit to a microwave resonator. Then, the frequency of the resonator depends on the state of the qubit. The former can be extracted by probing the resonator with a coherent tone. However, efficiency of this readout approach is fundamentally limited by quantum laws. The corresponding threshold is commonly known as the standard quantum limit and bounds quantum efficiency of the readout process by 50%. Nevertheless, recent investigations have shown that it is possible to circumvent this limit and reach quantum efficiency of the qubit readout of 100% by exploiting broadband readout signal combined with Josephson parametric amplifiers. The goal of this Master project is to build a proof-of-principle experimental setup and perform microwave cryogenic measurements on a superconducting transmon qubit in the broadband regime in order to demonstrate violation of the standard quantum limit in the dispersive readout. Contact person Michael Renger Kirill Fedorov
	Elektronenspindynamik in einer stark koppelnden Umgebung	Hübl
	Research group Technical Physics Description Modern quantum circuits allow to study strong light-matter interaction in a variety of systems. This so-called strong-coupling regime is key for many aspects of quantum information processing. This project focusses on strong coupling between a paramagnetic electron spin ensemble and a superconducting microwave resonator. Strong coupling is an established phenomenon in this system. However, many aspects regarding the dynamics of this coupled system as well as the non-linear response properties are not fully understood, yet, and we will address these aspects within this project. For this project, we will use superconducting microwave resonators based on NbTiN and spin paramagnetic spin ensembles of phosphorous donors and erbium centers in silicon. We are looking for a highly motivated master student joining this project. Within your thesis, you will address questions regarding the dynamic response of a strongly coupled system based on a paramagnetic spin ensemble and a microwave resonator. In this context, you will fabricate and optimize microwave resonators and operate them at cryogenic temperatures. In addition, you will use complex microwave pulses, to control the coupled system and experimentally investigate its dynamical response. Within the project, you will learn how to fabricate superconducting microwave resonators in our in-house cleanroom and how to synthesize microwave pulses using arbitrary waveform generators Contact person Rudolf Gross
	Entanglement of two nuclear spins	Brandt
	Research group Experimental Semiconductor Physics Description Quantum 2.0 is often used to characterize quantum technologies based on entanglement. Unfortunately, there are scarcely few Fortgeschrittenenpraktrikumsversuche (FoPra) or Advanced Practical Training units (APT) which demonstrate entanglement. In this thesis, you will build such an experiment based on NV centers in diamond, entangling nuclear spins at room temperature. You will learn color center physics, optics, microwave engineering and state tomography to manipulate and read out the state of single electron and nuclear spins and to generate and quantify, yes, entanglement. The thesis should be an ideal combination of basic physics, some hardware work and software engineering, including the development of a GUI. (The thesis is subject to approval of the corresponding funds, which hopefully takes place in September.)
	FPGA-basiertes Rückkopplungsverfahren für die Mikrowellen-basierte Quantenkommunikation	Gross
	Research group Technical Physics Description Quantum experiments often require fast and versatile data processing which allows for a quantum feedback operation. This approach opens the road to many fascinating experiments such as quantum teleportation, entanglement purification, quantum error correction, among others. Here, we would like to develop a specific measurement and feedback setup, based on a field programmable gate array (FPGA), for experiments with propagating quantum microwaves. The main goal is to program and experimentally test a specific image for an FPGA which would allow for acquisition of microwave signals and feedback generation over few hundred of nanoseconds. This timescale is the prerequisite for exploiting quantum correlations effects for quantum communication and cryptography protocols with propagating squeezed microwaves which are conducted in our lab. This project will offer a deep insight into the state‑of‑the‑art FPGA devices, microwave measurements, and cryogenic experiments with superconductors. Contact person Michael Renger Kirill Fedorov
	High-frequency microwave structures for quantum sensing	Brandt
	Research group Experimental Semiconductor Physics Description Manipulating spin states with microwave fields is at the heart of quantum technology. For quantum sensing applications, the nitrogen vacancy (NV) center in diamond has demonstrated unmatched capabilities to measure magnetic fields on the nanoscale. The applications of such unprecedented magnetic field sensors range from probing quantum materials to single-cell NMR microscopy. All sensing schemes developed rely on microwave pulses to manipulate the spin state of the NV center. However, in current magnetometers, only rather rudimentary methods to deliver the microwave are used, often limiting the power or the spectral range of the microwaves available at the NV center position. Further challenges include the limited space for instance when integrating magnetometers with microfluidics or cryostats. In this thesis, microwave structures in the frequency range from 2-12 GHz shall be designed, addressing these issues by developing innovative antennae and resonators which allow homogeneous high-power and broadband or tunable microwave delivery. You will use state-of the-art simulation software for the design of the systems, build selected structures and test them in a variety of magnetometer applications. Doing this, you will learn the fundamentals of the newest quantum sensing techniques and how to incorporate your designs into the most advanced magnetometers. The thesis will be co-supervised by Dominik Bucher from the Chemistry Department and Martin Brandt from the Schottky Institut (both at TUM) and will be conducted in close collaboration with a local company.
	High frequency optomechanical devices for quantum optomechanics	Poot
	Research group Quantum Technologies Description The smaller a device is, the higher its resonance frequency becomes. For our future quantum optomechanics experiments we will be working with mechanical resonators that operate at GHz frequencies and simultaneously couple strongly to light. Using mechanical and optical band structure calculations, you will design, make, and measure phononic and photonic cavities. The project involves nanofabrication in the cleanroom, as well as using the extreme sensitivity offered by on-chip optomechanics. We are aiming for devices made from silicon nitride, which has a lot of tensile stress in it. For micromechanical structures this material gives much better mechanical properties compared to, for example, silicon devices. An important aspect of the project is to understand if this is also true for the high frequency devices.
	Imaging magnetic phases in 2D-materials	Finley
	Research group Semiconductor Nanostructures and Quantum Systems Description The field of van der Waals heterostructures, which are stacks on individual atomically thin crystal sheets, has exploded in the last decade. Comparable to a game of Nano- Lego, those van der Waals stacks can be assembled in such a way that yield electro-optical nano-devices with essentially unlimited functionalities. Further, clever stacking can also result in new, fundamental physics. The principal goal of this Masters thesis is to image magnetic phases of novel 2D-materials with a nitrogen-vacancy-based quantum camera system. During the project, you will work in close collaboration with a small team of Ph.D. students and postdocs, therefore individual effort is key to drive this Masters's project. Some knowledge in the areas of van der Waals stacking, optics or cleanroom fabrication will be beneficial, but secondary to your personal motivation and commitment to this project. You should: (1) Be highly motivated and self-driven, (2) be practically minded with a get-things-done attitude, (3) enjoy working across a wide range of tasks (processing, optics, electronics) and (4) be willing to work in a very small team on challenging things very long hours ... You will get: (1) the chance to work on current hot-topic issues in the area of 2D van der Waals physics (2) gain highly sought after abilities in the field of quantum technologies (3) a sound understanding of the physics in atomically thin materials and hopefully (4) a few nice papers. Contact person Andreas Stier
	Kalibrierung von Frequenz und Nichtlinearität in einem Bose-Hubbard-System	Gross
	Research group Technical Physics Description Bose-Hubbard systems offer an intriguing opportunity of studying quantum driven-dissipative dynamics. Nowadays, these systems can be conveniently implemented by combining superconducting resonators with Josephson junctions. In order to successfully measure nonclassical effects in these systems, such as generation of antibunched light, one needs to accurately quantify their respective frequency range and nonlinearity strength. This goal can be achieved by cryogenic microwave measurements of a Bose-Hubbard dimer with superconducting quantum circuits and numerical modelling of the respective Hamiltonian. These two steps comprise the main body of the current master project. The successful project will potentially lead to a development of robust single-photon microwave sources and further exploration of quantum matter in the form of networks of nonlinear superconducting resonators. Contact person Frank Deppe
	Magnetic noise in superconducting quantum processors	Brandt
	Research group Experimental Semiconductor Physics Description A possible source of decoherence in superconducting qubits can be paramagnetic states which, however, are notoriously difficult to detect. We will use spin-dependent recombination and tunneling, highly sensitive methods to detect such states, to microscopically identify the dangling bonds present in state-of-the-art quantum processors and provide feedback to minimize their concentration during the different fabrication steps. We will further combine magnetic resonance experiments with capacitance-voltage characterization to obtain an understanding of the energetic position of the defects in the bandgap of the Si substrate. You will learn and expand advanced semiconductor characterization and electron spin resonance techniques and apply them to a problem of surprisingly high relevance for quantum computing.
	Optomechanics with Single Photons	Poot
	Research group Quantum Technologies Description In optomechanics, light is used to measure and alter the dynamics of mechanical resonators. It is by far the most sensitive method to observe the tiny vibrations that nanomechanical devices perform: in one second one can determine their position with femtometer precision! Using light to measure the mechanics is not the only aspect of optomechanics. The same light can also be used to change the dynamics of the mechanical device through a process called cavity backaction. The photons exert a force on the resonator, the so-called radiation pressure. In this project we want to explore the ultimate limits to this force. The goal is to measure the force originating from a single photon! For this it is required that the photon interacts with the mechanical resonator as strongly as possible. For this we need to the design and make very low loss optical cavities, such as microring resonators. Also, the mechanical device should have a quality factor as high as possible. You will make both the optical and mechanical components from chips with highly-stressed silicon nitride using state-of-the-art nanofabrication in the cleanroom. Then the devices are placed in a vacuum chamber for their measurement. In our highly-automated setup you can very quickly characterize many of the devices on your chip. Then, with the perfect device parameters you can start to explore the more advanced measurements. Initially we can measure the devices in with pulsed light, but by using single photons we want to explore the ultimate limits to optomechanical forces. See http://www.groups.ph.tum.de/en/qtech/openings/ for a detailed description of this project.
	Oxidische Heterostrukturen für Experimente mit reinen Spinströmen (topic is not available any more)	Gross
	Research group Technical Physics Description Pure spin currents are generated and/or detected via the spin Hall and inverse spin Hall effect in heavy metals. These two effects crucially depend on the magnitude of the spin-orbit interaction. The goal of this thesis is to investigate the spin Hall physics in oxide systems, where large spin orbit interaction is prevailing like in the transition metal oxides. In particular, the realization of epitaxial multilayers of a spin Hall active material and a magnetically ordered insulator are a major task of this research project. Such all-oxide epitaxial structures are of current interest to better understand the underlying physics of pure spin current transport in heterostructures. We are looking for an enthusiastic master student to work on this pure spin current physics related project. A crucial part of the thesis is the growth of oxide multilayers using laser-MBE under in-situ growth monitoring. The properties of these multilayers will then be investigated by structural, magnetic and magnetotransport techniques. As a next step, the tunability of relevant spin transport properties via the growth conditions will be analyzed Contact person Stephan Geprägs Matthias Opel Matthias Althammer
	Quantum acoustics in the giant atom limit	Hübl
	Research group Technical Physics Description The field of quantum acoustics aims to investigate the interaction between matter and sound, in a similar way that quantum optics (QO) studies the interaction between matter and light. In detail, we enable this interaction using surface acoustic waves (SAWs) and artificial atoms (Qubits) formed by superconducting quantum circuits. Quantum acoustics offer interesting differences to quantum optics. The propagation speed of sound in solids is approximately five orders of magnitude slower than for light in vacuum, leading to the SAWs much shorter wavelengths compared to electromagnetic waves. This allows the exploration of the “giant atom” regime in which the size of the artificial atoms becomes comparable to or larger than the wavelength of the interacting wave. In this regime, interesting physics like interference and non-exponential decay of quantum states become accessible. We are looking for a motivated master student for a master thesis in the context of quantum acoustics. The goal of your project is to investigate the static and dynamic interplay between surface acoustic waves and one (or more) superconducting qubits. Your thesis project includes the fabrication of aluminium-based superconducting circuits on silicon and lithium niobate using state-of-the-art nano-lithography and metal deposition techniques. Subsequently, these circuits shall be experimentally investigated in a cryogenic microwave measurement setup. As such, the project will allow you to gather expertise in quantum physics, nanofabrication, microwave engineering, and cryogenic techniques. Contact person Rudolf Gross Thomas Luschmann
	Quantum Optics on a Chip	Poot
	Research group Quantum Technologies Description Quantum optics is an extremely powerful approach towards quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum computing. In particular, quantum information stored in photons has very low decoherence and can be transmitted over large distances through optical fibers. To date, most experiments in quantum optics use optical tables full with mirrors and beam splitters that all have to be carefully aligned and stabilized. This may be good enough for initial demonstrations, but in order to bring quantum science into the realm of quantum technology, a more scalable approach is required. With our expertise in making photonic chips using advanced nanofabrication, we are making putting these exciting quantum optics experiments on chips. Here, light is routed via optical waveguides. Furthermore, by bending a waveguide, one gets the equivalent of a free-space mirror; a beam splitter cube becomes a directional coupler and so on. By combining these elements, we can make the building block for e.g. an optical quantum computer. With that, the possibilities are almost unlimited. For such large-scale optical quantum circuits we also want to incorporate single-photon sources, superconducting single-photon detectors, and optomechanical phase shifters. This all happens on a single chip. Making and characterizing the components is the first step and from there on, you are making more and more complex quantum chips. You will be doing the nanofabrication in the cleanroom, and then use our optical measurement setups to see how each device is performing. Depending on your preference, it may also be possible to add a modelling component to the project. See http://www.groups.ph.tum.de/en/qtech/openings/ for a detailed description of this project.
	Quantum Photonics with 2D materials	Finley
	Research group Semiconductor Nanostructures and Quantum Systems Description 2D materials are at the forefront of an ever growing research interest for applications in quantum information science and technology. Due to unique properties such as ultimate photon extraction efficiencies, nuclear spin-free isotopes, integration with silicon technology and potential for scalability, 2D materials have all the tools to overcome the critical limitations set by conventional material systems, and become the building blocks for future solid-state quantum technological applications[1]. However, current quantum light emitters based on 2D materials have random emission energy. This prevents photon indistinguishability[2], a non-negotiable requirement for advanced quantum information. Moreover, the current fabrication processes are incompatible with silicon photonics and on-chip integration. To unleash the full potential of 2D materials in our field, we are currently working towards realizing a novel material platform based on fully deterministic 2D Quantum Dots. In the first part of the project you will make nm-sized 2D Quantum Dots top-down, using a combination of near-resolution limited electron beam lithography and Reactive Ion Etching on 2D materials-heterostructures. Such quantum dots will be both positioning-wise and energy-wise deterministic, scalable and will overcome the critical functional limitations of the current solid-state quantum emitters in 2D materials. You will study the optical properties of such quantum emitters at cryogenic temperatures and with magnetic fields. Further, you may have the option of integrating such quantum emitters and their arrays with diode structures and waveguides, realizing and studying spin-qubits, with an eye towards qubit registers made of arrays of coupled but independently controlled quantum-dots. No other current solid-state system can do so. You should: enjoy science and be curious! Curiosity and genuine interest for what you do make you overcome most obstacles and fill most gaps, although a decent background on solid-state physics and optics is strongly encouraged. You should also be motivated to getting involved in a cutting-edge problem, as this project is challenging (not gonna lie!) but potentially ground-breaking. Since you will work in close collaboration with a small team, you should also enjoy working with others, don’t expect to always have the last word, have a knack for a good laugh and shouldn’t take yourself too seriously, it will help you overcoming the usual frustrations of research 😊. Hands-on experience in optics, electronics, programming or cleanroom fabrication also wouldn’t hurt, but is entirely secondary to your personal motivation and commitment to this fascinating project. You will get: experience on state-of-the-art (or beyond) nanofabrication, electro- and magneto-optical spectroscopy, and cryogenics in excellent laboratories; a sound understanding of the physics of 2D materials and solid-state quantum optical systems; and if everything goes well a nice (or even amazing) paper in a top journal. Maybe most importantly, you will have fun along the way. For enquiries feel free to write to Matteo: Matteo.Barbone@wsi.tum.de [1] Igor Aharonovich, Dirk Englund, and Milos Toth, Nat. Photon. 10 (10), 631 (2016) [2] C. Palacios-Berraquero, et al., Nat. Commun. 8, 15093 (2017)
	Spectroscopy on atomically thin materials in high pulsed magnetic fields	Finley
	Research group Semiconductor Nanostructures and Quantum Systems Description The field of van der Waals heterostructures, which are stacks on individual atomically thin crystal sheets, has exploded in the last decade. Comparable to a game of Nano-Lego, those van der Waals stacks can be assembled in such a way that yield electro-optical nano-devices with essentially unlimited functionalities. Further, clever stacking can also result in new, fundamental physics. The principal goal of this Masters's thesis is to study the optical properties of actively tunable van der Waals heterostructures to examine topics such as exciton localization, many-body physics, exciton- exciton interactions, or the impact of complex dielectric environments on exciton properties in high to ultra-high magnetic fields. Nano-LEGO During the project you will work in close collaboration with a small team of Ph.D. students and postdocs, therefore individual effort is key to drive this Masters's project. Some knowledge in the areas of van der Waals stacking, optics, or cleanroom fabrication will be beneficial, but secondary to your personal motivation and commitment to this project. You should: (1) Be highly motivated and self-driven, (2) be practically minded with a get-things-done attitude, (3) enjoy working across a wide range of tasks (processing, optics), and (4) be willing to work in a very small team on challenging things very long hours ... You will get: (1) the chance to work on current hot-topic issues in the area of 2D van der Waals physics (2) exposure to experiments in large scale magnetic field facilities (3) a sound understanding of the physics in atomically thin materials and hopefully (4) a few nice papers. Contact person Andreas Stier
	Spin-dynamics in magnetic 2D-materials	Finley
	Research group Semiconductor Nanostructures and Quantum Systems Description The field of van der Waals heterostructures, which are stacks on individual atomically thin crystal sheets, has exploded in the last decade. Specifically, magnetic 2D materials or heterostructures between different 2D materials have shown great promise for future information technology. The principal goal of this Masters's thesis is to (i) enhance a currently available quantum camera system to enable coherent spin control of atomically thin materials (ii) image the spin lifetime and coherence times of magnetic phases of novel 2D-materials. During the project you will work in close collaboration with a small team of Ph.D. students and postdocs, therefore individual effort is key to drive this Masters's project. Some knowledge in the areas of van der Waals stacking, optics, electronics, or cleanroom fabrication will be beneficial, but secondary to your personal motivation and commitment to this project. You should: (1) Be highly motivated and self-driven, (2) be practically minded with a get-things-done attitude, (3) enjoy working across a wide range of tasks (processing, optics, electronics), and (4) be willing to work in a very small team on challenging things very long hours ... You will get: (1) the chance to work on current hot-topic issues in the area of 2D magnetism (2) gain highly sought after abilities in the field of quantum technologies (3) a sound understanding of the physics in atomically thin materials and hopefully (4) a few nice papers. Contact person Andreas Stier
	Strong electrostatic effects in optomechanical devices	Poot
	Research group Quantum Technologies Description Optomechanics provides extremely sensitive methods to measure the displacement of mechanical resonators. However, the forces are much smaller in optomechanics compared to those in nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). The goal of the project is to make, and measure opto-electromechanical devices which have strong electrostatic interactions. This includes the electrostatic spring effect where the resonance frequency depends strongly on the applied voltage. The next step is trying to measure the potential by measuring the ringdown of different mechanical modes. The devices will be made using advanced nanofabrication techniques such as electron beam lithography and reactive ion etching. See http://www.groups.ph.tum.de/en/qtech/openings/ for a detailed description of this project.
	Study of the electromagnetically induced transparency in the rare-earth spin ensembles in the microwave regime	Gross
	Research group Technical Physics Description A reliable quantum memory system is being actively searched for among different types of solid-state systems. In particular, rare-earth doped spin ensembles, which possess favorable transitions in optical and microwave ranges, are promising candidates. The current project aims at developing a quantum memory system based on rare-earth spin ensembles. Such quantum memory elements should work at zero magnetic field at ultra-low temperatures. The major task of this project is to implement the electromagnetically induced transparency, widely used in optics, into the microwave regime. We are looking for a highly motivated master student joining this project. Within your thesis, you will couple the spin-ensembles to the superconducting transmission lines and will manipulate the spin-states with microwave pulses. You will learn about the nature of the electromagnetically induced transparency and its application in quantum memory. Within the project, you will get hands on experience in synthesizing microwave pulses; how to measure the time responses of the spin-systems and how to operate such systems at cryogenic temperatures. Contact person Nadezhda Kukharchyk
	Time-domain study of the dynamics of microwave spectral holes in the rare-earth spin ensembles	Gross
	Research group Technical Physics Description A reliable quantum memory system is being actively searched for among different types of solid-state systems. In particular, rare-earth doped spin ensembles, which possess favorable transitions in optical and microwave ranges, are promising candidates. The current project aims at developing a quantum memory system based on rare-earth spin ensembles. Such quantum memory elements should work at zero magnetic field at ultra-low temperatures. The major task of this project is to implement the spectral hole burning technique, widely used in optics, into the microwave regime. We are looking for a highly motivated master student joining this project. Within your thesis, you will address questions regarding the dynamics of spectral holes in the absorption profiles of the rare-earth spin ensembles in the microwave regime. You will couple the spin-ensembles to the superconducting transmission lines and will manipulate the spin-states with microwave pulses. Within the project, you will learn about dynamics of the spin-states, how to synthesize microwave pulses, measure the time responses of the spin-systems and how to operate such systems at cryogenic temperatures. Contact person Nadezhda Kukharchyk
	Tunable interlayer excitons in 2D heterostructures	Finley
	Research group Semiconductor Nanostructures and Quantum Systems Description The field of van der Waals heterostructures, which are stacks on individual atomically thin crystal sheets, has exploded in the last decade. Specifically, heterostructures between different 2D materials have shown the emergence of interlayer excitons, due to the separation of charges at the interface. Furthermore, a lateral potential landscape, the so-called moiré potential, emerges, trapping the excitons in an egg-box shaped potential. This results in a situation where a few interlayer excitons can interact with each other, resulting in novel quantum phases. The principal goal of this Masters's thesis is to study the optical properties of actively strain-tunable van der Waals heterostructures to examine topics such as exciton localization, many-body physics, exciton-exciton interactions in relation to the in-plane moiré potential. During the project you will work in close collaboration with a small team of Ph.D. students and postdocs, therefore individual effort is key to drive this Masters's project. Some knowledge in the areas of van der Waals stacking, optics, electronics, data analysis, or cleanroom fabrication will be beneficial, but secondary to your personal motivation. You should: (1) Be highly motivated and self-driven, (2) be practically minded with a get-things-done attitude, (3) enjoy working across a wide range of tasks (processing, optics, electronics) and (4) be willing to work in a very small team on challenging things very long hours ... You will get: (1) the chance to work on current hot-topic issues in the area of van der Waals heterostructures (2) gain highly sought after abilities in the field of 2D materials (3) a sound understanding of the physics in atomically thin materials and hopefully (4) a few nice papers. Contact person Andreas Stier

Registration for the research phase

Registration for all three modules of the research phase is done simultaneously in the Dean's Office (Dekanat) of TUM Physics, usually at the beginning of the third Master’s semester. Registration requires a signed certificate of mentor counseling. After agreeing on a topic with the future supervisor, students can print out the registration form from the student access website.

After six months the Master’s thesis should begin. Passing the Master's seminar and the Master's training will be recorded in TUMonline and you are officially alowed to start the thesis.

Submitting the thesis, obtaining a grade

Before handing in the Master's thesis, you need to update the final titel of the thesis in the database (student access) and upload an electronic copy (PDF-file). Afterwards, you have to hand in two printed versions in the Dean's Office (Dekanat) at TUM Physics Department. Alternatively you may hand in the rpinted copies via postal mail – use the submission letter you may generate on the status page after uploading the thesis PDF for this. The submission letter (as well as the submission form at the Dean’s Office) especially contains the required statement according to §18 paragraph 9 APSO.

You have to hand in the thesis at the latest on the deadline, please keep this on mind. The thesis is not handed in until the two paper copies and the signed submission form (or the signed submission letter for postal submission) physically arrived at the Dean’s Office! If the two copies and the submission letter are given into the mail without any delay we can interpret the date of uploading the PDF file as submission date retroactively.

Extension of the deadline is only possible for good reasons. See FAQ on Thesis extension.

The Master's thesis will be evaluated by the supervisor and a second examiner. The second examiner is appointed by the examination board on suggestion of the supervisor (after the official registration of the Master’s thesis).

The supervisor and the second examiner will also attend and assign a grade for the Master’s colloquium, which completes the research phase.

Re-enrollment during the research phase

To participate in any examination, you have to be enrolled as a student of TUM. Therefore, if you submit your Master’s thesis or give your Master’s colloquium after the end of the fourth semester, you have to re-enroll for one more semester.

For example, if the due date for your thesis or the scheduled date for your colloquium is in October, you should not forget to re-enroll for the winter semester. The regular deadline for re-enrollment in WS is August 15.

The Master’s colloquium

The advisor for the research project organizes the Master’s colloquium and grades it together with the second examiner. The Master’s colloquium takes approximately 60 minutes, consisting of an oral presentation and an examination of 30 minutes each. Naturally, the Master’s colloquium may be conducted in the context of a group seminar.

Completing your Master’s studies

At the end of the semester in which you reached the required 120 ECTS in your QST Master’s program and passed all required exams, you will be exmatriculated (according to §13(1) enrolment rules of TUM). In most cases, the Master’s colloquium will be the last exam to be completed to reach this point.

Taking further exams and final documents

In principle, you may take further exams after reaching the 120 ECTS, i. e., to improve your grades with different elective courses. For this reason, the final documents can generally not be generated before the date of your exmatriculation. In case you do need the final documents (or even preliminary documents) earlier, you have to request them explicitly. See the Remarks on end of studies and final documents for further information.

Computation of the final grade

The final grade is the ECTS-weighted average of all graded exams.

Module	CP	~%
PH1009 QST Theory	10	12,5
PH1010 QST Experiment	10	12,5
Fokus area	30	37,5
Master’s Thesis	30	37,5
Summe	80	100