PhD Studentship: Theory for Quantum Correlations in Extreme Nanoplasmonic Devices

When light illuminates nano-sized metallic structures, the free electrons in the metal collectively oscillate, creating `plasmons', which can concentrate light at extremely small volumes. If molecules are placed in this volume, the light (plasmon) and molecule (matter) continuously exchange energy at such rapid rate that they blend together to form hybrid states at room temperature (strong coupling regime). Plasmonic nanocavities (with gaps between metallic structures of ~1-2nm) support multiple plasmon/photonic modes that all can simultaneously interact with multiple molecules, forming very complex quantum states that are not well understood yet. This project investigates the interaction of multiple molecules with multiple plasmon modes in extreme plasmonic nanocavities, builds the theoretical tools to model their dynamics and ultimately engineering quantum states by controlling the plasmon excitation.

This PhD project will focus on (i) building the necessary theoretical models to understand the energy exchange dynamics between the plasmon modes and molecules and also (ii) performing numerical calculations to complement the analytical descriptions and to investigate more complex systems.

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 a keen interest on Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Optics and Electromagnetism and good mathematical skills.

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.

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 name of the supervisor (Dr. Angela Demetriadou) and the Metamaterials Research Centre.

Funding

Funding is awarded on competitive basis and it will cover tuition fees and living stipend for 3.5 years. Non-EU candidates with the correct qualifications will only be considered if they are self-funded or funded via other means.

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