EPSRC DTP PhD Studentship in Superconducting resonators for high field quantum materials characterisation

The School of Physics and Astronomy at Cardiff University are delighted to offer fully funded EPSRC studentships starting in October 2023. 

Project Summary

The goal of this studentship is to develop superconducting resonators as a probe for investigating coupled exotic magnetic materials. The resonator must operate under high magnetic fields to access phenomena such as quantum criticality and frustrated magnetism in the coupled material. Using superconducting resonators for indirect materials characterisation is well-established but has previously relied on “traditional” materials that cease to superconduct in high magnetic fields; the materials we wish to characterise are often only interesting under such a high field. At Cardiff University, we have pioneered the use of superconducting boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond (BNCD) for device applications and previous Cardiff-led research has shown that BNCD can withstand sufficiently high fields to make it an ideal material for this purpose. We have also recently recently shown a prototype device demonstrating that BNCD has the properties required for an enhanced shift to its resonant frequency when coupled to a material of interest.

Within this project, the student will design, simulate, fabricate and measure superconducting resonators with starting parameters determined from our proof-of-concept prototype, and determine the predicted shift in the resonant frequency under a magnetic field when specific materials are brought close to the device. The simulations will benchmark experimental applications of the device measured using a dilution fridge with a base temperature of 10mK and magnetic fields up to 8T.

Research Environment

This studentship will be supervised by Dr Georgina Klemencic, Dr Pete Barry, and Professor Oliver Williams. Due to the cross-disciplinary nature of the supervision team spanning Condensed Matter Physics and Astronomy Instrumentation, the student will benefit from interactions across these fields in a well-rounded, inclusive, and supportive environment. Dr Mingee Chung of the University of Birmingham will provide additional supervision and guidance on the nature of the coupled materials. The co-location of Cardiff Diamond Foundry, a world-leading centre for the deposition of nanocrystalline diamond, and the advanced high-field cryogenic facilities needed for this project, make this research only possible in Cardiff. The student will be receive mentorship from the outset and will be supported to present their work in weekly group meetings, Physics Chat, journal clubs, and conferences. This studentship will also coincide with the Quantum Materials and Technologies (QuMaT) Interdisciplinary Doctoral Training Hub, further enhancing the research environment.

Training and Development Opportunities

This project offers opportunities for training in many in-demand skills including cryogenics, electromagnetic simulation, and high-frequency measurement. High-frequency superconducting circuits are an underpinning technology for the emerging quantum computing industry, thus the experience gained will be valuable for anyone seeking to work in this rapidly growing sector, as well as anyone interested in an academic career.

Teaching will be encouraged to build confidence, communication, and time management skills, with support to pursue A/FHEA status. Attendance of external training events will be encouraged, including the Institute of Physics’ (IoP) Low Temperature Workshop and Superconductivity Summer School, with scope to be hosted at the University of Birmingham for related training. Data analysis and hardware-interfacing will be supported by School-run courses. The student will also take a leading role in writing research publications, increasing potential for academic employability.

How to apply: 

Applications should be received no later than 12/05/23. We reserve the right to close this advert before the deadline should sufficient applications be received. All applications should be submitted via the online application portal, SIMS:  

https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/physics-and-astronomy 

Applicants should apply for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages including: 

• your academic CV 

• a personal statement/covering letter 

• two references, at least one of which should be academic 

• Your degree certificates and transcripts to date. 

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 not be self-funding and write that the source of funding will be “EPSRC DTP” 

The typical academic requirement is a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 2:1 in a relevant discipline. We also welcome applications from non-traditional candidates. 

 Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. 6.5 IELTS) (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements) 

Eligibility: 

EPSRC DTP studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students, once the limit has been reached, we are unable to make offers to international students. 

 We are no longer accepting applications from international applicants.  

Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements. 

Cardiff University is committed to support students from a range of backgrounds and circumstances. Where needed, we will work with you to take into consideration reasonable project adaptations (for example to support caring responsibilities, disabilities, other significant personal circumstances) as well as flexible working and part‐time study requests, to enable greater access to a PhD. All our supervisors support us with this aim, so please feel comfortable in discussing further with the listed PhD project supervisor to see what is feasible. 

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation. 

We welcome applications for both full and part-time study and from candidates with non-traditional academic backgrounds. For further information about modes of study, please contact us. 

Assessment:  

Applicants are reminded to submit all relevant documents (transcripts, supporting statement, etc) by the deadline. Due to the volume of applications received, incomplete applications will not be considered.