High sensitivity electron spin resonance (ESR)

About the Project

Electron spin resonance (ESR) provides a method to study spins that occur naturally, or are engineered within a broad range of systems, from proteins and enzymes to condensed matter systems and material interfaces. Recent developments from the field of quantum technologies, including quantum-limited microwave amplifiers, superconducting micro-resonators, single microwave photon detectors and quantum squeezing provide methods to push the boundaries of sensitivity in magnetic resonance, down to the single spin limit. This project will combine developments of the instruments and methods for high sensitivity ESR together with the applications of these novel techniques into uncharted territory, studying spins at material interfaces and near surfaces which could be used for quantum sensing applications.

You’ll work on:

• Designing, fabricating and testing superconducting resonator and circuit designs for high-sensitivity electron spin resonance (ESR)
• Performing coherent control techniques by pulsed ESR to study the dynamics of small numbers of spins in promising materials for quantum sensing, and discover new quantum sensing candidates

Duration of study: Full time - 4 years fixed term

Application deadline: Until a suitable candidate is found

Primary Supervisor: Prof John JL Morton, Professor in London Centre for Nanotechnology and Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, University College London (UCL)

Who should apply

We’re seeking talented, driven, and curious individuals from a physical science or engineering background. Preferred experience (e.g. from a Masters project) includes one or more of the following:

• Magnetic resonance
• RF or microwave systems
• 2D materials
• Quantum technologies & quantum control

We value creativity and technical ambition — if you’ve got big ideas, we want to hear them.

Funding

This is a fully funded 3.5-year studentship. These studentships are open to those with Home and International fee status (including EU).

More details about the stipend and fees can be found here: EPSRC Doctoral Training at UCL - Prospective Students

Eligibility

The candidate should meet the entry requirements of PhD programme at the UCL EEE: UCL EEE PhD Entry Requirements

How to apply

Applications must be made using the UCL online application system by using the UCL postgraduate study application form. Please mark it for the attention of Prof John Morton. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief summary of research interests (max 200 words) to describe how their background fits the PhD projects. New ideas relevant to the research field are welcome.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

Our research is driven forward by talented researchers and PhD students who come from countries and backgrounds across the globe. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented backgrounds in engineering, such as women, ethnic minorities, or people with disabilities.

Contact

For informal inquiries please contact Prof John Morton (jjl.morton@ucl.ac.uk) who will be happy to answer any queries about the project.