Chiral plasmonic nanomaterials: in search for the origin of life

Our research group is situated at the intersection between the Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CNN) and the Centre for Photonics and Photonic Materials (CPPM). The latter is a world-leader in photonic technologies, such as optical fibres. We benefit from state-of-the-art laser equipment and we are currently recruiting. The successful candidate will be joining a dynamic team and is expected to get involved in a range of scientific projects, pursuing state-of-the-art research questions. He/she will emerge as a highly qualified expert in advanced photonic techniques with a balanced scientific skills set.

Lead supervisor: Dr Ventsislav Valev (Department of Physics)
Co-supervisor: Dr Dave Carbery (Department of Chemistry)

Nanoscience and nanotechnology are shaping up as hallmarks of the 21st century and there are redefining the century old concept of “chirality” [1,2,3]. Chiral objects, those that lack mirror-symmetry, are abundant in nature: from spiral galaxies, all the way down to the DNA molecule and amino acids. In fact, all amino acids are chiral and all have the same chirality. How did this occur? This question is intimately linked to the origin of life itself and, as such, it is one of the most profound scientific questions.

One of the leading hypothesises is that circularly polarised light (CPL) was responsible. CPL is itself chiral and it can interact with chiral molecules. We will explore the limits of such interactions. We will use chiral plasmonic nanomaterials to amplify the chirality of CPL to its maximal possible values, called “superchiral states”. We will then investigate the interaction of superchiral light and chiral molecules. We will search to provide a definite answer to whether, under most optimal conditions, CPL could have been involved in the creation chiral amino acids, and therefore of life.

This is an experimental project that will focus on the use of powerful lasers and highly sensitive chiroptical (chiral-optical) effects. We will employ second harmonic generation (SHG), a frequency conversion process that can change, for instance, red laser light (wavelength of 800 nm) into violet laser light (wavelength of 400 nm). SHG is exquisitely sensitive to surface electrons and is therefore a designated tool for studying chiral plasmonic nanostructures. We will systematically investigate chiral nanomaterials with an SHG microscope. The student will have the opportunity to be among the very first users of a brand new, £500k, state-of-the-art SHG microscope at the University of Bath. The samples to be studied will be designed by us and fabricated through international collaboration with research groups in Australia, Singapore, Italy and Germany, as well as through our collaborators in University College London and the University of Cambridge.

The successful candidate would have a strong interest in optics/photonics and a preference for experimental work. He/she would be enthusiastic about science and would enjoy learning new things. He/she will receive in depth training in advanced photonic techniques and microscopy, as well as in the practical choice of individual optical components for his/hers work. Overall the candidate is expected to develop as an independent experimental scientist and will be encouraged to attend national/international scientific conferences and training schools.

Our research group is engaged in numerous outreach activities, such as visits to schools and participations in science festivals. An interest in communicating science to the public, robotics or digital art would be an advantage.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Ventsislav Valev ([Email Address Removed]).

Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Physics:
https://www.bath.ac.uk/samis/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RDUPH-FP01&code2=0012

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found here:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-study/

Anticipated start date: 1 October 2018