How the National University of Singapore is using the TeslatronPT to investigate energy-efficient information technologies

In conjunction with the National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore, Dr Ahmet Avsar and his team at NUS are currently exploring ways to transport and manipulate information beyond conventional electronic charge by using alternative carriers like magnons, quasiparticles, and electron spin.

But the team is also working on other projects, such as with 2D materials that hold promise for transformative applications in quantum and energy-efficient devices. Dr Ahmet told us, “We recently demonstrated strong spin anisotropy in a 2D semiconductor, characterised at low temperatures using a TeslatronPT system. Understanding how spin properties vary with direction - mapped across magnetic fields and temperatures - enables precise control of spin transport, critical for future multifunctional spintronics devices.”

Enhanced precision and reproducibility

When asked why NUS chose to invest in the TeslatronPT, Dr Avsar explained, “There were several contributing factors to our decision. Its ability to generate high magnetic fields with exceptional stability and precision was essential for our research into quantum materials. And the system’s seamless integration of ultra-low temperatures and advanced field control made it particularly well-suited for our experiments.”

In addition, he suggested that the reliability and reputation of Oxford Instruments, combined with strong local customer support, greatly influenced their choice: “The flexibility and user-friendly design of the TeslatronPT allows our team to adapt it to suit our diverse experimental needs. My familiarity with Oxford Instruments, dating back to my PhD and postdoctoral research with Prof. Barbaros Özyilmaz and Prof. Andras Kis further solidified my confidence in the system’s capabilities and long-term value for our research.”

Since the installation, the integration of the system has significantly enhanced both the precision and reproducibility of the lab's measurements. It has proven to be extremely stable, with no need for recalibration or significant maintenance. This has led to a drastic reduction in downtime, allowing the team to maximise productivity and improve their understanding of the matter. Dr Avsar praised the TeslatronPT’s user friendliness, crediting it for reducing the learning curve for new team members by enabling them to become proficient with the two systems quickly.

Looking ahead to the future of the research lab 

As the quantum lab at NUS approaches its second year, it’s now fully operational and Dr Avsar and his team are preparing to publish a series of significant studies.

“These publications will highlight recent discoveries in spin transport and engineered magnetism within low-dimensional materials, revealing novel quantum behaviours made visible through high-field, low-temperature studies” The findings mark significant progress in understanding the fundamental properties of quantum materials.

“Looking ahead, we’re increasing collaborations with both academic and industrial partners to explore the application of our discoveries in energy-efficient devices - an area where the TeslatronPT system has been indispensable.”

Long term, the goal is to extend the practical impact of their research using industry collaborations and open up new opportunities in material science and quantum technologies.

Find out more about TeslatronPT here: https://nanoscience.oxinst.com/dry-systems/products/teslatronpt

Read more about Ahmet Avsar’s research using Oxford Instruments’ systems here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-023-01779-8