Non-neutral plasma physics: antimatter production, it's uses and charged particle storage & manipulation

Plasma physics has been studied extensively for the past few decades for its industrial applications, presence in astrophysical settings and study of fluid dynamics to name a few.

An additional storage trap has recently been installed into our low energy positron apparatus that has increased our positron storage capability 10-100 fold, and it is expected to store a further factor of 5-10 (taking the total number to hundreds of millions of positrons). In addition to the technical improvement and larger number of positrons for subsequent research this device provides, it enables the study of non-neutral plasmas for further technical developments and interaction with other areas of physics that we do not currently study.

The student will develop highly specialised skills related to antimatter production, it’s uses, charged particle storage and manipulation but also highly transferrable skills admired by industry related to lasers and optics, computer programming, CAD & development, electronics, EM fields, vacuum technology, cryogenics, data and signal analysis to name a few. There might also be the possibility of temporary assignment to work on the ALPHA antihydrogen experiment based at CERN to further test or implement advances in the studies developed at Swansea.

This is a non-funded PhD opportunity available at Swansea University College of Science and based in the Department of Physics.

Requirements:

Candidates must have a first, upper second class honours or a Masters degree (with Merit), in a relevant discipline. Informal enquiries are welcome by emailing Professor M. Charlton ([Email Address Removed]).

How to apply:

Please send the following to [Email Address Removed]:

A comprehensive CV to include:
Details of qualifications, including grades
Details of any current and relevant employment or work experience
A covering letter stating why the project you are applying for particularly matches your skills and experience and how you would choose to develop the project