PhD Studentship: Atomic-Scale Quantum Magnetism at Ultra-Low Temperatures

We are seeking motivated candidates for a 3.5-year PhD project in Quantum Magnetism in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham.

Quantum magnetism is a research field at the forefront of modern physics, with many outstanding fundamental questions, for example, whether a highly entangled electronic states can exist on macroscopic scale and be accessed and controlled experimentally. Quantum magnets are simple quantum-mechanical model systems realised in real materials. They typically consist of networks of electronic spins arranged in well-defined geometries, such as chains or triangular and square lattices. Despite their apparent simplicity, these systems host a wide range of exotic quantum states of matter, including spin liquids or supersolids, as well as collective phenomena such as zero-temperature phase transitions.

Experimental studies of quantum magnetism often require access to ultra-low temperatures (below 1 kelvin) and atomic-scale probes of local structural and electronic properties. The development and application of state-of-the-art experimental techniques are therefore central to progress in this field.

In this PhD project, the successful applicant will work as part of the Ultra-Low-Temperature NMR (ULT NMR) Facility project, led by Dr Mingee Chung, contributing to installation and instrumentation of this unique-in-the-UK experimental platform. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a powerful technique that uses nuclear spins to probe electronic spin dynamics at the atomic scale. Following an initial year focused on developing expertise in ultra-low-temperature NMR, the student will pursue experimental searches for Quantum Spin Liquids and Spin Ices, exotic quantum electronics states of matter using samples provided locally and through our national and international collaborators.

This project is suitable for candidates with, or nearing completion of, an undergraduate degree in Physics, preferably with First Class honours (or equivalent). The student will be based in the Condensed Matter group within the School of Physics and Astronomy and will work in close collaboration with the School of Chemistry and international central facilities.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Mingee Chung to discuss the project informally before submitting an online application via the 'Apply' button above.

The School of Physics and Astronomy has been an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and is a holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. These initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promoting diversity and equality, encouraging best practice for all members of the community, and fostering 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 groups that are traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy, including, but not limited to, women and individuals Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.

Funding notes:

Funding is awarded on a competitive basis and covers a full PhD stipend at the UKRI rate together with tuition fees for 3.5 years. This funding opportunity is primarily open to UK candidates; however, international candidates with an exceptional track record may also be considered.

For further information and guidance, please contact Dr Mingee Chung at m.chung@bham.ac.uk

References:

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2024/new-cutting-edge-facility-creates-global-applied-research-opportunity

https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=EP%2FZ533300%2F1

https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/physics/chung-mingee

Advert information