PhD Studentship: Theory on the Quantum Behaviour of Molecules in Plasmonic Nanocavities

When light illuminates nano-sized metallic structures, the free electrons in the metal collectively oscillate, creating `plasmons'. By specifically designing the geometry and arrangement of the nano-metallic structures, one can direct and concentrate light at small enough volumes, to create nanoplasmonic cavities that can enclose even single molecules. Plasmons (or light in general) have the ability to perturb the atoms of a molecule, such that vibrations are induced on its chemical bonds. These vibrations are unique and characteristic to the chemical bonds of each molecule, and it is a property used in Raman spectroscopy as a fingerprint to identify molecules. By placing molecules in these extreme plasmonic nanocavities, one can access even individual chemical bonds within a single molecule. However, so far it is not well know how this process emerges, and how one can control it.

This PhD project will focus on developing the necessary theoretical tools, using cavity quantum electrodynamic (QED) descriptions, to model and understand this complex interaction between plasmons in small gaps and the vibrational behaviour of molecules.

The PhD candidate should have completed (or about to complete) his/her undergraduate degree in Physics (preferably with first class honours or equivalent). The PhD candidate is expected to have keen interest on Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Optics and Electromagnetism and good mathematical skills. Details of the project will be agreed with the successful candidate to tailor the research to his/her interests.

The project will take place in the Nanophotonics group of Dr Angela Demetriadou (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/physics/demetriadou-angela.aspx), which is part of the Metamaterials Research Centre (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/physics/quantum/metamaterials/index.aspx) in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham. The candidate will also work very closely with the Nanophotonics group based at University of Cambridge and a theoretical chemistry group based in UCL.

In line with the Department’s Athena SWAN programme, we particularly welcome female applicants.

For details of the funding available, advice on making your application or any other informal enquiries, please contact Dr Angela Demetriadou at: a.demetriadou@bham.ac.uk

You can apply here: https://sits.bham.ac.uk/lpages/EPS005.htm
clearly stating the title of the project, the Metamaterials Research Centre and the name of the supervisor (Dr. Angela Demetriadou).

Funding

Funding is awarded on competitive basis and it will cover tuition fees and living stipend for 3.5 years.

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