Quantum Algorithms for Nuclear Level Densities

About the Project

Atomic nuclei have a rich structure, with heavy nuclei having many excited states – of order thousands or higher. Knowledge of such states is needed to understand processes in which nuclei react or decay, producing highly-excited systems which then decay, cascading through the series of excited states.

In principle a precise knowledge of all these excited states could be used, while in practice, a statistical approach to their distribution is often sufficient, or most practical. Quantum computing approaches to nuclear level density have the prospect to blur the edges between the exact and statistical approach, and the work of the PhD student proposed here would be the first study of this kind, with this kind of level-density property somewhat specific to nuclear systems amongst all many-body quantum systems.

The project involves developing quantum algorithms for implementation on near-term fault-tolerant quantum computers to calculate level densities. The student will be part of the AWE Quantum Centre for Nuclear Defence and Security. Students will benefit from links to resources and expertise in this centre, as well as from the Surrey research group headed by Prof Stevenson, to whom any questions should be directed: p.stevenson@surrey.ac.uk

Supervisors: Professor Paul Stevenson and Dr Jack Henderson

Entry requirements

Open to any UK or international candidates. Starting in October 2026.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via the Physics PhD programme page. In place of a research proposal you should upload a document stating that you are applying for one of the STFC studentships FAO Professor Paul Stevenson.

Funding Notes

Fully and directly funded for this project only. UKRI Standard Stipend plus £3,000 pa uplift.