Publisher
source

Angela Demetriadou

Top university

11 months ago

Theory on the Quantum Behaviour of Molecules in Plasmonic Nanocavities University of Birmingham in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

Deadline

Expired

Country flag

Country

United Kingdom

University

University of Birmingham

Suggested positions

Publisher
source

University of Southampton

Country flag

United Kingdom

PhD opportunity at the University of Southampton in hollow-core fibre for high power laser applications . This project sits in the areas of optical physics , computational physics , and photonic fibre research. Hollow-core fibres guide light through air and are being developed as the next generation of optical fibre. The project will investigate larger-core fibre designs for transmitting high-power laser light, including how light propagates, how fibres interact with different lasers, and how ne...

Electrical Engineering
Materials Science
Computational Physics
+2 more

1 week ago

Publisher
source

University of Warwick

Country flag

United Kingdom

PhD opportunity at the University of Warwick, Department of Physics, on fundamental defect properties in diamond for quantum technologies . The project explores how point defects in diamond, including nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres and silicon-vacancy (SiV) centres, can be identified, characterised, and controlled for use in quantum sensing, quantum communication, and related quantum technology applications. Research topics include cryogenic optical and magnetic resonance techniques, electronic s...

Chemistry
Experimental Physics
Electrical Engineering
+5 more

1 week ago

Publisher
source

University of Oxford

Country flag

United Kingdom

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom . This postdoctoral opportunity focuses on molecular spin physics , optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) , EPR , solid-state quantum physics , and related areas. The project explores optically addressable solid-state electronic spins and molecular spin qubit candidates, with emphasis on understanding molecular design rules that govern excited-state dynamics...

Chemistry
Materials Science
Molecular Physics
+3 more

1 week ago

Publisher
source

University of Southampton

Country flag

United Kingdom

PhD opportunity at the University of Southampton in Development of Alternative Glasses for Hollow-Core Optical Fibres . This project sits in the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) and focuses on glass science, materials characterisation, photonics, optical physics, inorganic chemistry, and materials science . The research will investigate alternative glass materials for anti-resonant hollow-core optical fibres , aiming to lower processing temperatures, reduce manufacturing costs, and enable n...

Chemistry
Electrical Engineering
Materials Science
+7 more

1 week ago

Publisher
source

University of Southampton

Country flag

United Kingdom

PhD opportunity at the University of Southampton in metasurface technologies for Physical AI and machine learning-enabled nanophotonics for consumer electronics. This project sits at the intersection of electrical engineering , nanotechnology , optical physics , electromagnetism , and machine learning . You will work on nanostructured optical hardware and metasurfaces that can manipulate light for sensing and information processing, with the goal of reducing latency and computational overhead fo...

Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Materials Science
+8 more

2 weeks ago

Keywords

Chemistry
Materials Science
Spectroscopy
Theoretical Physics
Quantum Mechanics
Solid State Physics
Computational Physics
Optical Physics
Electrodynamics
Nanophotonics
Quantum Electrodynamics
Plasmonic
Metamaterial
Physics

About this position

This PhD project at the University of Birmingham focuses on the quantum behaviour of molecules in plasmonic nanocavities, a cutting-edge area at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and materials science. When light interacts with nano-sized metallic structures, it induces collective oscillations of free electrons, known as plasmons. By engineering the geometry and arrangement of these nanostructures, researchers can concentrate light into extremely small volumes, forming nanoplasmonic cavities capable of enclosing single molecules. Plasmons can perturb molecular atoms, inducing unique vibrational modes in chemical bonds, typically resonant in the mid-infrared regime.

Recent advances have demonstrated the possibility of converting these vibrational resonances into the visible spectrum via frequency up-conversion, facilitating easier experimental detection. However, the underlying mechanisms and control strategies for this process remain poorly understood. The successful candidate will develop theoretical tools based on cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) to model the complex interactions between plasmons and molecular vibrations in confined spaces.

The project also involves designing new cavity types to enhance up-conversion efficiency. The research will be conducted within the Nanophotonics group led by Prof Angela Demetriadou, part of the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics group in the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Collaboration with the Nanophotonics group at the University of Cambridge is also anticipated. The School is recognized for its commitment to diversity and equality, holding both the Institute of Physics Juno Champion and Athena SWAN Silver Award. Funding is available on a competitive basis, covering tuition and a living stipend for 3.5 years.

Applicants should hold or be about to complete an undergraduate degree in Physics (preferably with first class honours or equivalent), and possess strong interests in quantum mechanics, quantum optics, electromagnetism, and mathematical skills. Applications from under-represented groups are strongly encouraged. For further details or informal enquiries, candidates may contact Prof Angela Demetriadou at [email protected].

Application instructions and further information are available via the provided links.

Funding details

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

What's required

Applicants should have completed or be about to complete an undergraduate degree in Physics, preferably with first class honours or equivalent. A keen interest in Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Optics, and Electromagnetism is expected, along with good mathematical skills. Applications are encouraged from all qualified applicants, including those from traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy.

ApplyKite TwinLearns as you apply

Make your next move.

Prepare your application

Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.

Professors

Professor at University of Birmingham

University Name
Country flag

United Kingdom

Research Interests

Electromagnetic

Condensed Matter Physics

Materials Science

Theoretical Physics

Physics