Topological materials and coupled superfluids (theory and computation)

The rich physics of spinor quantum gases with internal coupling makes them ideal platforms for emulating fundamental physical processes and for realizing atomtronic analogs of solid-state devices. The interplay of non-trivial topology and superfluidity gives rise to interesting quantum many-body phenomena such as fractionalized charges and Majorana quasiparticles.

This PhD project will make use of state-of-the art numerical simulation tools for exact diagonalization and quantum Monte Carlo developed by the group to characterize nontrivial topological phases and excitations in systems of ultra-cold atoms relevant to future experiments. A further development of the computational methods including machine-learning approaches could be part of the project.

We invite applications from motivated and talented individuals with an interest in the theoretical and computational quantum-many-body physics to join our team as a PhD student. Applicants should have an outstanding academic record and a strong background in quantum mechanics and condensed-matter theory. Proficiency in scientific computing is expected, and experience with the programming language Julia is considered an advantage.

The project will be hosted at the theoretical physics group at Massey University’s Auckland campus of Professor Joachim Brand and is pursued in collaboration with Professor Uli Zuelicke (Victoria University of Wellington).

For more information about the research group, please visit ctcp.massey.ac.nz/~brand.

Contact: Prof. Joachim Brand (j.brand@massey.ac.nz), Massey University Auckland

Professor Brand specialises in theoretical and computational physics, quantum many-body theory, nonlinear waves, solitons, quantum gases, quantum Monte Carlo.

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 Massey 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:

• Applicants should have an outstanding academic record and a strong background in quantum mechanics and condensed-matter theory.
• Proficiency in scientific computing is expected, and experience with the programming language Julia is considered an advantage.

This project is based in Auckland, 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 Joachim Brand (j.brand@massey.ac.nz) who will guide you through the scholarship application process.