Atomic Dipole Heating for Precision Gravitation Measurements with Antihydrogen

Ioffe-Pritchard magnetic-minimum trap offers a unique option in this experiment to avoid these issues and offers a measurement of gravitational acceleration of antihydrogen at and accuracy of 10% or better. Further, development of this technique is critical to future evolution of ALPHA and similar experiments toward antimatter interferometry and its anticipated increase in precision in both spectroscopy and gravitational measurements. This project will focus in the first instance on simulation and theory to explore the limits of this technique and inform both the laser system and experimental protocols used in this study. In the first phase of the project, the student will extend and develop a custom atomic Monte Carlo code to model atom orbits withing the ALPHA-g apparatus and include detailed interaction with proposed dipole heating drives. This will consider different scenarios for delivering heating, including on- and off- resonance interactions. The work will also explore sensitivity of this technique to probing the effect of gravitation, as well as exploring the topic of controlled extraction from the well. The second phase of the project involves detailed planning and execution of an experiment on ALPHA at CERN to demonstrate optical dipole heating of antihydrogen atoms.

This project is expected to start in September 2027.

Before you apply:

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.

How to apply:

To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Natural Sciences Scholarships. If you don't already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.

When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing your motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.

We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.

Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in Physics (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master's degree at merit in Physics (or international equivalent).

This project will remain open until filled.

If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.

If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.

Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.

FSE_SoNS

Funding Notes

Funding covers tuition fees, an annual stipend at the UKRI minimum rate (currently £21,805 per year), and a research training support grant of up to £2,500 per year for the full 3.5-year programme.

References

[1] Anderson, E.K. et al. Observation of the effect of gravity on the motion of antimatter. Nature 621, 716–722 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/