Magnetic microscopy with Bose-Einstein condensates (2019)
What you get
You will receive:
- fully funded tuition fees for 3 and a half years (at the UK/EU rate)
- a tax-free bursary for living costs for 3 and a half years. For 2018/19 this is £14,777 per year.
- funds for computing, books, open access publishing, attendance at conferences and workshops.
You may also supplement your income with paid teaching (with your supervisor’s agreement).
Type of award
Postgraduate Research
PhD project
Supervisor: Professor Peter Kruger and Dr Fedja Orucevic
A fully-funded 3-and-a-half year PhD position is available in the Quantum Sensors and Devices Group in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Sussex.
We are developing a novel microscopic imaging technique that reveals electric currents and magnetic fields in two-dimensional samples. The probe that we use for magnetic field sensing is an ultracold atomic gas. Neutral atoms are first cooled and trapped using static and oscillating electromagnetic fields (Nobel prize in Physics, 1997). We then produce Bose-Einstein condensates (Nobel prize in Physics, 2001) on an atom chip and use them to microscopically probe the local magnetic field close to the sample surface with very high sensitivity, as described in Wildermuth et al. “Microscopic magnetic-field imaging.” Nature 435, 440 (2005).
The project aims to improve the sensitivity of our magnetic microscope to electrical currents. Reduction of the distance of the atomic probe to the sample leads to enhanced sensitivity to the current. However, surface effects, such as Casimir forces and Johnson noise impede magnetic trapping of atoms at the sub-micron level. Using novel materials such as graphene can help us overcome this limitation. While a reduced separation between atoms and samples is of practical use to microscopy, the understanding of atom-surface interactions is of fundamental interest, too.
This project involves experimental work on atom chip based cold atom systems from the design to the characterisation of the microscope, measurement of novel materials such as nanostructures, graphene, plasmonic and metamaterials, as well as theory and numerical simulations.
The PhD student will play a central role in this investigation and will learn a wide array of tools in atomic physics, quantum technology and modelling. Emphasis on various aspects of research (modelling, experimental work, sample fabrication) will be adjusted to the interests and skills of the student.
The PhD student on this project will obtain experience in the followings:
- Neutral cold atom systems, Bose-Einstein condensates
- Experimental techniques such as optics, laser spectroscopy, electronics
- Atom chips and printed circuit board technology
- Numerical methods
- Quantum theory optionally
- Learn about nanostructured materials and devices
- Publish and present research in high-quality international journals and conferences.
- Report orally and prepare papers reporting progress and delivery of project outcomes.
- Pro-actively contribute to the activities of the research group.
In addition to a good Honours or Masters degree, the candidate should have a background in Atomic and Quantum Physics and have excellent IT skills including programming
Further information about the group can be found at: https://www.sussexquantum.com/. Our group uses neutral atoms as precision sensors and combines a mix of fundamental and applied research. We aim to bring quantum technology out of the laboratory so that it can be harnessed by non-specialists. At the same time, we want to discover more about how the quantum world works. In particular, we use ultra-cold atomic gases to study complex many-body phenomena.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
- be a UK/European Union (EU) student.
- have or expect to have a UK undergraduate/master’s degree, or equivalent, in Physics or equivalent
- Meet the English langugage requirement as detailed here: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/degrees/mathematics-phd
Deadline
30 September 2019 0:00How to apply
Apply through the postgraduate application system and select the full time PhD in Physics with a September 2019 start date
Applications will be considered until the position has been filled.
When you apply, you should include:
- the supervisor’s name (Professor Peter Kruger) in the ‘Suggested supervisor’ section
- Magnetic microscopy with Bose-Einstein condensates in the ‘Award detail’ section
- a research proposal/personal statement which describes your suitability for the project
- 2 academic references
- your transcripts from any previously obtained degrees. If you have not yet completed your undergraduate degree, you can provide an interim transcript or record of any marks obtained so far.
The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found so you are encouraged to apply as soon as you are able to.
Due to the high volume of applications received, you may only hear from us if your application is successful.
Contact us
Email the group at SussexPQR@sussex.ac.uk if you have a question about the project
Email mpsresearchsupport@sussex.ac.uk if you have a question about applying, funding or eligibility.
Availability
At level(s):
PG (research)
Application deadline:
30 September 2019 0:00 (GMT)
the deadline has now expired
Countries
The award is available to people from these specific countries: