PhD Studentship: Development of a Quantum Microwave Sensor for the Neutrino Mass Measurement.

PhD Studentship: Development of a Quantum Microwave Sensor for the Neutrino Mass Measurement.

PhD studentship in the Geonium Chip group at Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies.

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

This PhD project focuses on development of a Quantum Microwave Sensor for fundamental Physics applications and explicitly, future measurement of the neutrino mass - last of the fundamental constants of the standard model still unmeasured. Neutrino flavour oscillations and cosmology observations set an ultimate boundary at , or  in the case of “inverted” or “normal” ordering of the neutrino mass hierarchy, respectively. A novel approach for measuring  has recently been proposed: Cyclotron Resonance Spectroscopy (CRES). This can deliver the neutrino mass by measuring the microwave radiation emitted by the electrons resulting from tritium beta-decay.

To achieve accuracy of CRES requires an ultra-accurate microwave sensor, capable of detecting tiny signals of a few tens of microwave photons. At Sussex, we are developing a quantum microwave sensor using our novel “geonium chip” ion trap. Using a trapped electron (a “geonium atom”) as the quantum microwave sensor, we aim to measure the ultimate limit of single microwave photons and deploy CRES to its full potential. Further applications include Quantum Radar, Microwave Microscopy, and Quantum Microwave Imaging.

Working with an existing experimental cryogenic ion trap setup at the University of Sussex, www.geoniumchip.org, the project includes training in ion trap technology, magnetic fields design with superconductors, cryogenics, RF electronics, microwave engineering and quantum optics. Lecture courses, transferable skills training modules and practical training are complemented by resources available through SEPNet and the project involves international collaboration with both research groups and private companies. 

Amount

• Fully-paid tuition fees for three and a half years, eventually extendable to four years.
• A tax-free bursary for living costs for three and a half years. From October 22/23 this amounts to £17,668 per year.
• A support grant for three and a half years of £1,250 per year for travel and attending conferences.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold, or expect to hold, at least a UK upper second class degree (or non-UK equivalent qualification) in Physics, or a closely-related area, or a lower second class degree plus a relevant Master's degree.

If you are not a UK national, nor a EU national with UK settled/pre-settled status, you will need to apply for a student study visa before admission.

Deadline

Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Latest start date: September 2023.

How to apply

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above.

Select the PhD in Physics, entry date: September 2023.

In the Finance & Fees section, state that you wish to be considered for studentship no MPS/2023/01

Due to the high volume of applications received, you may only hear from us if your application is successful.

Contact us

Please address practical questions about the progress of your on-line application or eligibility to Emma Ransley at mps-pgrsupport@sussex.ac.uk.

For academic questions about the project, please contact Dr Jose L. Verdu at j.l.verdu-galiana@sussex.ac.uk  

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