VFP - NST - Takase, Alberto - 4.3.26

Argonne National Laboratory • Lemont, IL

7d

About The Position

We propose to extend the analytical theory of near-field electrostatic effects in two-dimensional (2D) materials to the previously unexplored regime of quasiperiodic charge distributions. The scientific topic and problem: Existing models from 2021 and 2022 describe periodic molecular self-assemblies and layered 2D materials using discretized planar or near-planar charge densities, yielding exponentially decaying near-field potentials governed by reciprocal lattice vectors. Experimental progresses in the synthesis of ordered aperiodic, quasiperiodic, and fractal structures raise questions on the fundamental behavior of the Coulomb potential in such systems, as well as the materials descriptors controlling its putative out-of-plane decay. In this proposal, we propose to deploy rigorous mathematical tools used in solving the Hofstadter’s butterfly problem to the case of quasiperiodic charge distributions. We will construct quasiperiodic generalizations of the discretized charge-density frameworks and derive new asymptotic laws for the decay and spatial structure of the induced potentials. We will investigate whether exponential decay persists and whether multiscale or algebraic decay emerges. We will further study the in-plane modulation of these potentials, assessing the possibility of self-similar or fractal electrostatic landscapes. The results and impact: This work will bridge near-field electrostatic theory, quasiperiodic mathematics, and electronic structure modeling, offering a new framework for engineering complex electrostatic environments in 2D materials.

Requirements

• The entirety of the appointment must be conducted within the United States.
• Must be currently employed as a faculty member at an accredited institution.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident at the time of application.
• If accepting an offer, candidates may be required to complete pre-employment drug testing based on appointment length. All candidates remain subject to applicable drug testing policies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees