Advent calendar - December 4th - Kaleem Akram

In the Zernike Institute Advent Calendar, we are presenting 24 short spotlights in December. In these specials, we highlight PhD students, postdocs, support staff and technicians of our research groups and team - providing a glimpse into their typical day at work. In Episode 4 meet Kaleem Akram, PhD researcher in the Topological Quantum Materials group of Dr. Roberto Lo Conte.

Have you ever wondered what happens when magnetism and superconductivity meet at the atomic scale and how this exotic interplay could help shape the future of quantum technologies? That question lies at the heart of my research work as a second-year PhD student in the Topological Quantum Materials group (Surfaces and Thin Films) at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Petra Rudolf and Dr. Roberto Lo Conte. I am studying how magnet–superconductor hybrid systems can host new kinds of electronic states, particularly edge modes that are topologically protected and have the potential for application in next-generation quantum technologies.

These hybrid systems provide a unique, tunable platform where we can explore the interplay between magnetism and superconductivity. My main focus is on tuning the topological properties of these hybrid materials by introducing non-magnetic interlayers at the atomic level. The goal is to understand where magnetism and superconductivity can coexist and how we can engineer this balance to generate edge states that are topologically protected. These exotic modes hold strong promise for future spintronic devices, qubits and quantum computing.

To observe and understand these phenomena, I am using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS), powerful techniques that allow us to visualize individual atoms and measure the local electronic density. Each experiment provides a window into how these exotic edge modes form and evolve at the nanoscale.

I am deeply inspired by curiosity and new ideas about tailoring topological quantum materials in scientific community. What I enjoy most is the opportunity to work hands-on with materials where magnetism and superconductivity meet in unexpected ways. Being part of this rapidly growing field is both challenging and excited which pushes me to continuously learn, polish my skills, and explore new ideas. Each experiment feels like uncovering a small insight of a much bigger puzzle, and that sense of learning is what motivates me every day.

Beyond the lab, I enjoy collaborating with colleagues across different research groups, learning new techniques, and being part of the vibrant scientific community. I look forward to contributing to a field that is not only scientifically rich but also central to the future of our society.

Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season.

See all Advent Calendar items 2025 here!