PhD Studentship: Quantum Light to See the Invisible at Nanoscale

A PhD studentship is available at the intersection of quantum optics, nanophotonics, plasmonics and molecular spectroscopy.

How to confine, control and manipulate light at atomic scales has been an area of immense fundamental and technological interest. This experimental project will address this question by investigating quantum light emission from molecular systems. Particular focus will be on seeing the otherwise invisible molecular vibrational motion in 2D materials at nanoscale, using advanced spectroscopy and photon counting. [1-5].

Candidates should hold (or be near completion of) an undergraduate degree in Physics, Material Science, Physical Chemistry or related Physical Sciences, preferably with first-class honours or equivalent. Strong analytical and experimental skills are desirable. The specifics of the project will be collaboratively tailored to the interests of the candidate.
The project will be conducted within the research group led by Dr. Rohit Chikkaraddy (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/physics/chikkaraddy-rohit.aspx), based at the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics 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, UK.

The project will involve (but not limited to) the development of material systems, ultrafast optics and spectroscopic tools. The work is strongly multidisciplinary and applications are welcome from candidates with backgrounds in physics, materials, and/or chemistry. This research will be conducted in collaboration with international partners, and the candidate's focus can be adjusted according to their interests. You will join a vibrant, international laboratory environment and receive support in developing your personal vision and an autonomous scientific profile, as well as possible industrial links and scientific collaborations.

The University is actively committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applicants from all sections of society. In line with the Department’s Athena SWAN programme, we particularly encourage female candidates to apply.

Funding, awarded on a competitive basis, is available to UK nationals only, covering tuition fees and providing a living stipend for 3.5 years. For information on available funding, application guidance, or any other inquiries, please contact Dr. Rohit Chikkaraddy at r.chikkaraddy@bham.ac.uk.

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button and clearly specify the project's title, the name of the supervisor (Dr. Rohit Chikkaraddy), and the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics Research Centre.

References:

[1] R. Chikkaraddy, et al. "Single-molecule mid-infrared spectroscopy and detection through vibrationally assisted luminescence", Nat. Photon. 17, 865–871 (2023).

[2] https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2023/making-the-invisible-visible-new-method-makes-mid-infrared-light-detectable-at-room-temperature

[3] R. Chikkaraddy, et al. "Mid-infrared-perturbed molecular vibrational signatures in plasmonic nanocavities". Light: Science & Applications, 11, 19 (2022).

[4] A. Xomalis, X. Zheng, R. Chikkaraddy, et al. "Detecting mid-infrared light by molecular frequency upconversion in dual-wavelength nanoantennas". Science, 374, 1268 (2021).

[5] R. Chikkaraddy, et al. "Single-molecule strong coupling at room temperature in plasmonic nanocavities", Nature, 535, 127, (2016).

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