University of Birmingham
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5 days ago
PhD in Searching for New Physics with Highly Charged Ion Clocks University of Birmingham in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Experimental Physics
Funding
Funded PhD project for students worldwide. The post states it is a funded PhD project and that applicants of all nationalities may apply, but no stipend amount or tuition details are given.
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Birmingham
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About this position
PhD opportunity at the University of Birmingham in experimental physics, quantum mechanics, and fundamental physics.
This funded PhD project, supervised by Professor Giovanni Barontini in the School of Physics and Astronomy, focuses on searching for new physics with highly charged ion clocks. The research aims to develop a new atomic clock based on highly charged ions (HCIs), specifically the first clock based on highly charged californium (Cf17+), to probe possible variations of the fine-structure constant and search for signatures of ultralight dark matter and other physics beyond the Standard Model.
The project combines HCI production and manipulation, cryogenic ion trapping, laser cooling, precision spectroscopy, quantum-logic techniques, and atomic-clock technology. You will work with an experimental team that has already built the UK’s first platform for highly charged ions, including demonstrated production, charge selection, transport, trapping, and sympathetic cooling of HCIs inside laser-cooled Ca+ Coulomb crystals.
Research activities may include producing and trapping Cf17+, developing quantum-logic spectroscopy, and building an ultra-stable laser for the clock transition. The project also includes approximately six months with collaborators at MPIK Heidelberg for precision measurements of the atomic structure of Cf HCIs.
Eligibility: open to applicants of all nationalities. The post does not specify a deadline and says applications are accepted all year round.
Funding: funded PhD project for students worldwide; no stipend amount is listed in the post.
How to apply: register your interest on the FindAPhD project page. The university will respond directly, and you can use the enquiry form to ask questions about applications, funding, or eligibility.
Funding details
Funded PhD project for students worldwide. The post states it is a funded PhD project and that applicants of all nationalities may apply, but no stipend amount or tuition details are given.
What's required
Open to applicants of all nationalities. The project is an experimental physics PhD and involves work in cryogenics, ultra-high vacuum, charged-particle optics, laser cooling, ion trapping, precision laser spectroscopy, quantum logic, and atomic-clock technology. No specific degree class, language test, or prior experience is explicitly stated in the post.
How to apply
Register your interest through the FindAPhD page. Submit your details in the enquiry form and the university will respond directly. Use the project page to contact the team and ask questions about eligibility, funding, or applications.
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