The University of Bath is inviting applications for the following PhD project commencing in October 2022.
The aim of this project is to establish coupled measurement of light emission and atomic manipulation, enhanced with spectroscopic and single-photon correlation capabilities [1]. You will conduct experiments in well-equipped nanoscience and optical laboratories, while you also develop your analytic and computational skills as you collect and analyse your data. You will use a scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) with state-of-the-art automation to study the nanometre and femtosecond dynamics of injected charge-carriers in novel quantum materials. Supervised by Dr Kristina Rusimova and Dr Peter Sloan, you will be part of both the Photonics and Nanoscience research groups at Bath and you will join a cohort of graduate students within the Centre for Photonics and Photonic Materials.
The tip of an STM can inject electrons into a surface with atomic precision and can thus instigate and measure the nanometre transport dynamics of individual charge quanta [2]. You will build upon our team’s recent breakthrough on silicon, where we showed that it is possible to use the STM to ‘trace’ the dynamics of hot charge-carriers both in real space [3] and in energy [4]. These pioneering experiments gave us a tool to access new physical phenomena that have been inaccessible before, and in a material that has been extensively explored and used in technology for over half a century. Thus, there is significant scope for investigating the dynamics and interactions between hot charge-carriers (electrons), excitons and photons in novel materials. Here, you will focus on novel 2D materials and single organic molecules (C60, dibenzoterrylene) that could have profound implications for solar energy harvesting.
We are seeking applicants who are keen to develop their lab skills through working with an ultrahigh vacuum STM, light detection with optical fibres, quantum optical measurements and 2D materials. You will also be given the opportunity to develop transferable skills in lab automation and data analysis (python, LabVIEW).
You will be expected to take part in weekly meetings of both research groups, including giving research and journal club presentations. As part of your soft skills training, you will be encouraged to attend summer schools and conferences, and take part in the Department’s outreach portfolio. There will also be strong opportunity for external collaboration.
Project keywords: Experimental physics, nanoscience, optical physics, quantum mechanics
Candidate Requirements:
Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class Honours degree (or the equivalent). A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous. While laboratory experience with nanoscale or optical physics may be advantageous, enthusiasm and motivation to carry out high-quality lab work is an essential requirement.
Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.
Enquiries and Applications:
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Kristina Rusimova [Email Address Removed].
Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Physics.
More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.
Funding Eligibility:
To be eligible for funding, you must qualify as a Home student. The eligibility criteria for Home fee status are detailed and too complex to be summarised here in full; however, as a general guide, the following applicants will normally qualify subject to meeting residency requirements: UK nationals (living in the UK or EEA/Switzerland), Irish nationals (living in the UK or EEA/Switzerland), those with Indefinite Leave to Remain and EU nationals with pre-settled or settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme). This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Additional information may be found on our fee status guidance webpage, on the GOV.UK website and on the UKCISA website.
Exceptional Overseas students (e.g. with a UK Master’s Distinction or international equivalent and relevant research experience), who are interested in this project, should contact the lead supervisor in the first instance to discuss the possibility of applying for supplementary funding.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:
We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.