About the Project
Hydrogen masers are quantum devices that employ laser-like amplification of microwaves produced by the hyperfine splitting in hydrogen. If kept in sufficiently controlled conditions, the frequency of this transition is extremely stable. Consequently, hydrogen masers provide the most precise frequency and timing standards over long time periods today, underpinning crucial technologies including GPS, power grid monitoring, and worldwide telecommunications infrastructure.
The precision of the best hydrogen masers today is limited by interactions of the hydrogen with the gas cell walls. These are typically coated in Teflon film to avoid the vapor from attaching, and their precise reproducibility is a challenging manufacturing problem. An even more precise maser is in principle possible, using walls made of superfluid helium on sapphire. This “cryogenic maser” concept has been partially realized, but its stability was limited by fluctuations in the thickness of the superfluid film.
This PhD project will employ state-of-the-art cryogenic film monitoring techniques to understand the fluctuations that limit the maser stability, potentially enabling the worlds most precise long-timescale, quantum timekeeping system.
Professors of Applied Quantum Technology at the University of Manchester Silke Weinfurtner and Benjamin Jones are seeking a PhD student to work on improving the stability of cryogenic hydrogen masers. This project will combine state-of-the-art techniques from superfluid helium film monitoring and advanced cryogenic beam production methods that are under development at the University of Manchester. The selected candidate will work within a tightly integrated team focused on development of new quantum technologies in the Manchester Photon Science Institute, using apparatus in both Jones and Weinfurter’s well-equipped laboratories.
The ideal applicant will be a highly motivated experimentalist who is eager to problem-solve and to advance new frontiers in precision quantum technology.
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 (or international equivalent) in Physics OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit(or international equivalent) in Physics. Applicants with an interest in atomic physics and or quantum devices are encouraged to apply.
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.