Polarised neutron spectroscopy of energy materials

Scientific aims

Neutron spectroscopy can provide deep insight into the physics underpinning technologically relevant phenomena. The spin, energies and wavelengths of thermal neutrons make them ideal for the study of heat carrying quasiparticles, diffusing ions and spin waves. However, in an experiment on “real” materials, these signals can overlap, making it difficult to interpret results. By exploiting the spin of the neutron these different components can be separated and compared to molecular dynamics simulations to gain deep understanding of the underlying transport mechanisms.

Project description

Experiments will be performed using the LET spectrometer at ISIS, where the recently installed polarised neutron capability will be employed to study diffusion of both real particles and emergent quasiparticles in fuel cell and battery materials using inelastic neutron scattering. It is planed that complementary measurements will be performed at the ILL in Grenoble, France and at J-PARC in Japan. The student will also develop code to relate first-principles molecular dynamics simulations to experiment.

Practical information

The PhD project will be located at the ISIS Facility in Oxfordshire, and at Royal Holloway, University of London. Applicants should have a degree in a Physical Science. The studentship is fully funded by Royal Holloway and ISIS. The funding covers the standard tax-free UKRI stipend for 3.5 years, including London allowance and Home fees.

Supervisors and contact information

Further information can be obtained from Professor Jon Goff, e-mail jon.goff@rhul.ac.uk, or Dr David Voneshen, e-mail david.voneshen@stfc.ac.uk.

 Royal Holloway and ISIS are committed to equality and diversity, and we encourage applications from all sections of the community.