About the Project
Exceptional technological progress in diamond means that it is now at the forefront of many quantum technologies. For instance, diamond-based sensors can detect the magnetic field of a single atom and determine precisely what and where it is; or probe the fundamental nature of our universe to test theories of quantum gravity.
These amazing capabilities are enabled by “point-defects” – atomic-scale “faults” formed by displacing, replacing, and/or removing carbon atoms – within the diamond structure. Different point defects have different properties: the defect formed by a nitrogen atom next to a missing atom (called the “negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy centre”, NV–) is currently the world’s highest-spatial-resolution magnetic field sensor [1,2]; the “neutral and negatively charged silicon-vacancy centre”, SiV0/– [see right for cartoon], is a leading platform for next-generation quantum communication networks [3–6].
The performance of diamond in any quantum technological application depends on understanding of both the underlying material, and the properties and mutual interactions of the precursor defects (e.g., vacancies, interstitials, substitutional defects). As diamond technologies mature, precise control over all these aspects is absolutely crucial.
This project will exploit recent developments in material synthesis combined with novel defect generation and control methods to enable us to characterise and subsequently control defects at unprecedented levels. The project will combine Warwick’s world-leading understanding of diamond point defects and their spin properties with advanced defect generation and optical spin control [7,8]. It is anticipated that this work will result in the identification and characterisation of existing and new functional point defects, with potential quantum technology applications dictated by their functional optical and spin properties.
The research will be carried out in the UoW Physics Department, and will involve but is not limited to:
- identification and characterization of novel color centers using cryogenic optical and magnetic resonance techniques;
- understanding of defects’ electronic properties to deduce their chemical constituents and atomic configuration;
- novel defect generation and diffusion control to optimize the properties of these defects
Capabilities at Warwick are enhanced by close collaboration with international academic and industrial partners who provide access to state-of-the-art material and unique facilities. For further details please contact Dr. Ben Green: b.green@warwick.ac.uk.
Eligibility
You must have or expect at least an upper second class BSc honours, MSci or MPhys or equivalent in Physics or related subject
For students whose first language is not English, we require a score of 6.5 in IELTS or equivalent, for further information please see English Language Information & Entry Requirements
How To Apply
For further information on how to apply please see our postgraduate webpage Postgraduate - Department of Physics
Funding Notes
The project will provide a full UK-standard annual tax-free stipend of £21,830 rising with inflation, plus allocations for conference travel and consumables. A proportion of UKRI awards are allocated to international students, please also see Warwick PGR Scholarship Competitions for international funding scholarships.
Fully funded for 42 months