Quantum mechanics and general relativity are the most successful physics theories of the last century with impacts on our daily lives from smartphones, medical diagnostics to GPS navigation. Despite their success, it is an unsolved puzzle of modern physics how or even if these theories can be combined.
In this PhD project you will contribute to an experiment that tries to find answers to the question how quantum and gravity theories may be combined [1]. You will be working on our extremely sensitive laser interferometers, which are a small version of those that are used to detect gravitational waves. Our table-top interferometers are specialised to search for a possible quantization of space-time: A signal from the graininess of space and time themselves.
In our diverse team, you will work with and learn about lasers and optics, quantum optical techniques such as squeezed light, digital feedback control systems, modelling, and data analysis. These techniques are used here in a state-of-the-art experiment in the pursuit of fundamental physics knowledge, but they are also broadly applicable to a large variety of technical challenges in other fields of science and the industry.
Optional side projects could be the search for dark matter or very high frequency gravitational waves with laser interferometers. You will also be in contact with a larger group of students in the UK in our consortium ‘Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics’, where you can learn about other experiments at the forefront of science.
We look forward to your application!
Eligibility
The typical academic requirement is a minimum of a 2:1 a relevant discipline.
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)
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
• a personal statement/covering letter
• two references, at least one of which should be academic
• Your degree certificates and transcripts to date (with certified translations if these are not in English).
In the "Research Proposal" section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project.
This project is only available to self-funded students, please can you include your funding source in the "Self-Funding" section.
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