PhD Studentship: Ultrafast Optical Switching in Plasmonic Gaps

This PhD project investigates ultrafast optical switching in plasmonic nanogaps, leveraging their exceptional ability to confine electromagnetic fields into sub-nanometer volumes [1-6]. Plasmonic nanogaps at atomic scale create extreme optical hotspots that enhance light-matter interactions, making them ideal for achieving low-energy, high-speed optical switching.

The research will focus on developing optical setup to achieve controlled ultrafast switching driven by intense femtosecond laser pulses. The project will explore how localized plasmonic fields modulate the electronic and vibrational states of molecules or quantum materials embedded in the gaps, enabling all-optical or optoelectronic switching. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the dynamics of non-linear optical effects, such as multi-photon absorption and hot-electron generation, and their role in switching mechanisms. Time-resolved spectroscopy, including pump-probe techniques, will be employed to measure sub-picosecond response times and elucidate the energy transfer pathways within the nanogap. Additionally, the research will investigate the temperature and material-dependent properties to optimize switching efficiency and stability.

The outcomes are expected to develop energy-efficient optical switches for next-generation photonic circuits and quantum technologies, offering transformative capabilities in high-speed data processing and nanoscale optoelectronics. This research is part of a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship investigating “the hidden mysteries of light at the atomic scale”. The student will have opportunities to collaborate with leading international research groups at the University of Cambridge, MIT, and UCLA, and to engage with an interdisciplinary team of physicists, chemists, and materials scientists.

Applicants should have completed (or closer to completion) their 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 project's specifics will be determined in collaboration with the successful candidate, tailoring the research to their interests.

The project will be conducted within the research group led by Dr. Rohit Chikkaraddy (https://sites.google.com/view/chikkaraddy), based at the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics Research Centre (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/centres-institutes/research-in-physics-and-astronomy/quantum-matter-and-photonics/metamaterials-and-nanophotonics) in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham, UK.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic.

Funding, awarded on a competitive basis, is available to UK nationals, covering tuition fees and providing a living stipend for 3.5 years. Non-UK candidates with the appropriate qualifications will be considered.

To apply, please click 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. The application deadline is January 16, 2026.

For information on available funding, application guidance, or any other informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Rohit Chikkaraddy at r.chikkaraddy@bham.ac.uk.

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