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The Cardiff Astronomy Instrumentation Group (AIG) is one of the world leaders in Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detector (MKID) development. These superconducting detectors are the most promising technology for the next generation of millimetre – THz wave detectors. Along with ultra-high sensitivity, theses detectors can be multiplexed into large format arrays allowing as many as 10,000 detectors to be read out on a single channel making them suitable for a range of ground and space-based applications. Along with our collaborators, Cardiff has proven this technology for photometric applications on ground-based telescopes and industrial THz imaging systems.
The next generation of millimetre and sub-millimetre focal planes will require over an order of magnitude increase in detector counts over current instruments while maintaining sensitivity. MKID technology is a natural frontrunner to provide the solution to this requirement, but development work is necessary to reduce detector size, increase and make efficient use of focal plane area and increase multiplexing ratios. Making use of new and unique state-of-the-art fabrication facilities available to the Astronomy Instrumentation Group at Cardiff, this project will work towards addressing these challenges by studying both fundamental device physics, superconducting material properties, fabrication techniques and focal plane design for future instruments. The project will aim to demonstrate a fully characterised focal plane module that is scalable to the requirements of future instrumentation in this area.
Students can expect to learn a variety of skills including Cryogenics, superconductivity theory and application, detector design and testing, microwave design using industry standard 2D and 3D modelling software and device fabrication using cutting edge cleanroom facilities.
The typical academic requirement is a minimum of a 2:1 physics and astronomy or a relevant discipline.
Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. IELTS 6.5 Overall with 5.5 minimum in sub-scores) (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements)
How to apply
Applicants should apply to the Doctor of Philosophy in Physics and Astronomy.
Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/physics-and-astronomy) including:
• your academic CV
• Your degree certificates and transcripts to date including certified translations if these are not in English
• a personal statement/covering letter
• two references, at least one of which should be academic. Your references can be emailed by the referee to physics-admissions@cardiff.ac.uk
Please note: We are do not contact referees directly for references for each applicant due to the volume of applications we receive.
In the "Research Proposal" section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project.
In the funding section, please select that you will be self-funded or include your own sponsorship or scholarship details.
Once your application is submitted, we will review it and advise you within a few weeks if you have been shortlisted for an interview.
Cardiff University and the School of Physics and Astronomy are committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity. Our inclusive environment welcomes applications from talented people from diverse backgrounds. We strongly welcome female applicants and those from any ethnic minority group, as they are underrepresented in our School. The School of Physics & Astronomy has a Juno Practitioner accreditation that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. The University is committed to ensuring that we sustain a positive working environment for all staff to flourish and achieve. As part of this commitment, the University has developed a flexible and responsive framework of procedures to support staff in managing their work and personal commitments wherever possible. Applications are welcome from individuals who wish to work part-time or full time.
Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - research – Cardiff University.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. We very much welcome applications in Welsh.
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Research output data provided by the Research Excellence Framework (REF)
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