PhD Studentship in Physics ‘Optical lattice plus tweezers for quantum science’

About the Project

Optical arrays of molecules offer exciting opportunities in fundamental and quantum science. Typically experiments use either optical tweezers or optical lattices, which both have advantages and limitations. We are offering a project to investigate how combining both techniques could enhance the versatility of a cold molecule platform. This is a lab-based project where you will work with lasers, vacuum systems and molecule sources. You will also learn how to control individual molecules and engineer dipole-dipole interactions between molecules.

This research project has funding for two PhD students.

Name of supervisor(s): Hannah Williams & Simon Cornish

Eligibility Criteria: You must have or expect a First-Class honour bachelor's degree, or at least a 2:1 Integrated master’s degree or a master’s degree in an appropriate subject, from a recognised university (or equivalent).

Applications are open to Home/ international/EU candidates.

If English is not your first language, you must have IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6 in all sub-skills).

How to apply: You must apply through the University’s applicant portal

You will need to:

• State the ‘Project title’ in the 'Field of Study' section.
• State Supervisor's name.
• On the funding tab select ‘yes’ you are applying for a scholarship, select ‘PGR-Research Council Studentships’
• attach a covering letter and CV.
• provide a short research proposal of a few paragraphs (no longer than 1 page) detailing your research interests.
• attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications.
• provide 2 academic references or referee contact details (specifically email addresses) who we will contact directly.

Contact: For informal enquiries please contact hannah.williams4@durham.ac.uk