Qualification Type: | PhD |
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Location: | Durham |
Funding for: | UK Students, EU Students, International Students |
Funding amount: | 100% tuition home fees paid and annual living expenses of £17,668 |
Hours: | Full Time |
Placed On: | 30th January 2023 |
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Closes: | 10th April 2023 |
Start date and duration October 2023 3.5 years
Award 100% tuition home fees paid and annual living expenses of £17,668
Deadline 10 April 2023
Overview
Ultracold polar molecules offer an exciting new platform for a broad range of experiments in quantum science and technology, including quantum computation and quantum simulation. The breadth of applications stems from the existence of long-range dipole-dipole interactions between molecules combined with the rich molecular structure associated with vibration and rotation. In addition, strong coupling to applied electric and microwave fields allows for exquisite control of the internal state of the molecules and at ultracold temperatures optical trapping techniques allow for addressing and detection of individual molecules.
In Durham we have pioneered the creation of ultracold ground state RbCs molecules by binding together atoms from an ultracold mixture of Rubidium (Rb) and Caesium (Cs). We have subsequently learnt to control the internal state of the molecules confined in optical traps and are now ready to use the molecules to explore a range of problems in quantum science. To this end, we have developed three distinct experimental setups: the first explores bulk gases of molecules, the second molecules in optical lattices and the third molecules assembled in optical tweezers.
We are currently seeking a PhD student to join our tweezer experiment to investigate quantum information processing using individual molecules and Rydberg atoms confined in small arrays of optical tweezers.
The project is associated with a 5-year UKRI Frontier Research Grant and will involve close collaboration with established theory groups in Durham.
The department is committed to promoting diversity, and we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups.
Sponsor Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Name of supervisor(s) Prof Simon L. Cornish
Eligibility Criteria
You must have or expect a First Class honours Bachelor's degree, or at least a 2:1 Integrated Master’s degree or a Master's degree in an appropriate subject, from a recognised university (or equivalent).
Applications are open to Home and international/EU candidates. If English is not your first language, you must have IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6 in all sub-skills).
How to apply
You must apply through the University’s applicant portal
You will need to:
Contact
For informal enquiries please contact Prof Simon L. Cornish ( s.l.cornish@durham.ac.uk )
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