PhD Studentship in Quantum Simulation with Ultracold Polar Molecules

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 bulk gases experiment to investigate quantum simulation in synthetic dimensions using ultracold molecules confined in magic-wavelength traps and lattices.

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:

• State ‘Quantum Simulation with Ultracold Polar Molecules’ in the 'Field of Study' section.
• On the funding tab select ‘yes’ you are applying for a scholarship, select ‘PGR-Research Council Studentships’

• attach a covering letter and CV
• provide a short research proposal of a few paragraphs (no longer than 1 page) detailing your research interests.
• attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications.
• provide 2 referee contact details (specifically email addresses) who we will contact directly.

Contact

For informal enquiries please contact Prof Simon L. Cornish ( s.l.cornish@durham.ac.uk )

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