Reactive collisions

Ultracold chemistry aims at controlling chemical reactions at the quantum state level. At its heart lies the idea of placing molecules into a single rotational, vibrational, electronic, and hyperfine state, and exploring how this affects their reactivity. This Ph.D. project will aim to manipulate nanokelvin cold atoms and molecules inside a vacuum chamber using optical tweezers to investigate how reactive collisions proceed at extremely low energies. In essence, we will prepare two reactants in test tubes of light and collide them together in a very controlled fashion. Using atom-selective probe laser light, we will infer the reaction rate at a given collision energy. Our approach is based on our previous work on colliding atoms [1-3]. Successful applicants will provide a motivated application and demonstrate a track record of excellence.

The wider context

The Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies is a national Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE)and a world-class organisation which builds on Aotearoa-New Zealand’s (NZ) internationally acknowledged strength in the fields of quantum optics, photonics, ultracold atomic gases, and precision atomic physics. Photonics, the manipulation of the quantum building blocks of light, and the precision control of matter at the atomic scale through the use of light, underpin technological development in areas such as computing, advanced sensing technologies and medical imaging, and communication.

The Dodd-Walls Centre, hosted by the University of Otago, involves six universities in NZ. Your PhD project while based at one institution will allow you to collaborate with researchers from across the Centre. More information about our Research Centre can be found here: https://doddwalls.ac.nz/

The Dodd-Walls Centre mission

• To solidify our position as a Research Centre that is recognised as one of the world’s leading organisations in the field of photonic and quantum technologies,
• To train and develop skilled staff and students to the highest international standards,
• To capitalise upon the international investment in quantum and optical sciences for the benefit of New Zealand,
• To support the rapidly growing high-tech industry sector, thus ensuring New Zealand’s economic diversification and providing career pathways for the outstanding people that we train,
• To provide support for New Zealand’s climate action through improved environmental measurement and monitoring, and,
• To ensure that the benefits of advances in science and technology, especially in photonics and quantum technologies, are available to all.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must meet Otago University entry requirements for admission to a PhD. Award of the scholarship is conditional on the university accepting your enrolment. The successful applicant will be guided through the process of formally applying for admission.

This is an interdisciplinary project so applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds will be considered. Applications should have strong undergraduate knowledge in some of these areas:

• Successful applicants will provide a motivated application and demonstrate a track record of excellence.

This project is based in Dunedin, New Zealand and is available for immediate start.

How to apply

To express your interest in this scholarship and PhD research opportunity, please prepare the following items:

• A brief CV including qualifications, academic achievements, list of publications, work history, and references.
• A copy of your academic transcript(s).

Please submit your application via email to the main supervisor of this project Niels Kjӕrgaard (niels.kjaergaard@otago.ac.nz) who will guide you through the scholarship application process.