This scholarship is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Start date: October 2021
The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Advanced Computing (AIMLAC) aims at forming the next generation of AI innovators across a broad range of STEMM disciplines. The CDT provides advanced multi-disciplinary training in an inclusive, caring and open environment that nurture each individual student to achieve their full potential. Applications are encouraged from candidates from a diverse background that can positively contribute to the future of our society.
Our doctoral training programme is constructed around three research themes:
- T1: data from large science facilities (particle physics, astronomy, cosmology)
- T2: biological, health and clinical sciences (medical imaging, electronic health records, bioinformatics)
- T3: novel mathematical, physical, and computer science approaches (data, hardware, software, algorithms)
Supervisors:
- First supervisor: Dr Kevin O’Keeffe
- Second supervisor: Dr Adam Wyatt
Department/Institution: Physics / Swansea University and Central Laser Facility
Research theme:
- T1: data from large science facilities
- T3: novel mathematical, physical and computer science approaches
Project description:
Observing the dynamics of molecular systems on their natural timescale is a fundamental challenge in physics and chemistry. Recently, multidimensional spectroscopy using ultrafast x-ray pulses has emerged as a powerful method for tracking the motion of electrons during the first few femtoseconds of a light-atom interaction. This technique records the spatially and spectrally-resolved interference pattern from two laser-generated x-ray sources at multiple source positions, providing access to phase information crucial for resolving ultrafast dynamics. Although this technique enables measurements with unprecedented temporal stability, the 4-dimensional interferograms which are generated are highly structured and challenging to analyse. The primary goal of this project will be to develop a machine learning tool capable of reliably identifying the key signatures in the interferogram related to electronic motion in atomic systems such as argon. The algorithm will be trained using simulated interferograms based on strong-field calculations before being implemented on real data sets. The algorithm will then be extended to the analysis of interferograms generated using more complex targets such as molecular nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Developing robust methods for extracting data from such interferograms will provide new opportunities for understanding the behaviour of bond formation and breaking at the natural timescale of chemical reactions.
Eligibility
The typical academic requirement is a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree in biological and health sciences; mathematics and computer science; physics and astronomy or a relevant discipline.
Candidates should be interested in AI and big data challenges, and in (at least) one of the three research themes. You should have an aptitude and ability in computational thinking and methods (as evidenced by a degree in physics and astronomy, medical science, computer science, or mathematics, for instance) including the ability to write software (or willingness to learn it).
This scholarship is open to UK and international candidates (including EU and EEA).
How to apply
To apply please visit our website.