Angela Demetriadou

This PhD project explores the quantum entanglement of molecules within plasmonic nanocavities, a cutting-edge area at the intersection of quantum optics, nanophotonics, and materials science. When light interacts with nano-sized metallic structures, it induces collective electron oscillations known as plasmons. By engineering the geometry and arrangement of these structures, researchers can create nanoplasmonic cavities capable of confining just a few molecules. In these environments, light (plasmons) and matter (molecules) exchange energy rapidly, forming hybrid quantum states even at room temperature—a phenomenon known as the strong coupling regime. Recent advances have demonstrated control over the quantum states and interactions of these molecules, paving the way for engineering novel quantum states. However, the mechanisms for achieving molecular entanglement in plasmonic systems remain largely unexplored. The successful candidate will develop theoretical tools based on cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) to model and understand the complex interactions between plasmons and molecules, ultimately revealing procedures to fully entangle two or more molecules in these nanocavities. The project is hosted by the Nanophotonics group led by Prof Angela Demetriadou at the University of Birmingham, within the School of Physics and Astronomy, and involves close collaboration with the Nanophotonics group at the University of Cambridge. 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 fees and a living stipend for 3.5 years. Applicants should have or be about to complete an undergraduate degree in Physics (preferably with first class honours or equivalent), possess a strong interest in quantum mechanics, quantum optics, and electromagnetism, and demonstrate good mathematical skills. Applications from under-represented groups in physics and astronomy are strongly encouraged. For further details or informal enquiries, candidates may contact Prof Angela Demetriadou at [email protected]. Applications should be submitted via the University of Birmingham portal, specifying the project title, research group, and supervisor.

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 is awarded on a competitive basis and covers tuition fees and living stipend for 3.5 years.] This PhD studentship at the University of Birmingham offers an exciting opportunity to explore the quantum entanglement of molecules within plasmonic nanocavities. When light interacts with nano-sized metallic structures, it induces collective electron oscillations known as plasmons. By carefully designing the geometry and arrangement of these nanostructures, researchers can create nanoplasmonic cavities capable of confining just a few molecules. In these environments, light (plasmon) and matter (molecule) exchange energy rapidly, forming hybrid states in the strong coupling regime, even at room temperature. Recent research in the Nanophotonics group has demonstrated the ability to control quantum states and interactions between molecules, paving the way for engineering new quantum states. However, the mechanisms for achieving entanglement of molecules in plasmonic systems remain largely unexplored. This project aims to develop advanced theoretical tools, utilizing cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED), to model and understand the complex interactions between plasmons and molecules. The ultimate goal is to reveal procedures for fully entangling two or more molecules within plasmonic nanocavities. The successful candidate will join the Nanophotonics group led by Prof Angela Demetriadou, part of the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics group in the School of Physics and Astronomy. The project also involves close collaboration with the Nanophotonics group at the University of Cambridge, providing a rich interdisciplinary research environment. The School of Physics and Astronomy is recognized as an Institute of Physics Juno Champion and holds the Athena SWAN Silver Award, reflecting its commitment to diversity, equality, and an equitable working culture for all students and staff. Funding for this position is awarded on a competitive basis and covers tuition fees and a living stipend for 3.5 years. Applicants should have or be about to complete an undergraduate degree in Physics, preferably with first class honours or equivalent. A strong interest in Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Optics, and Electromagnetism, as well as solid mathematical skills, are essential. The School encourages applications from all qualified candidates, especially those from under-represented groups in physics and astronomy. For further details on funding, application advice, or informal enquiries, contact Prof Angela Demetriadou at [email protected]. To apply, visit the University of Birmingham application portal and clearly state the project title, the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics group, and the supervisor's name.

[Funding is awarded on a competitive basis and covers tuition fees and living stipend for 3.5 years.] This PhD studentship at the University of Birmingham offers an exciting opportunity to explore the quantum behaviour of molecules within plasmonic nanocavities. When light interacts with nano-sized metallic structures, it induces collective oscillations of free electrons, known as plasmons. By carefully designing the geometry and arrangement of these nanostructures, researchers can concentrate light into extremely small volumes, creating nanoplasmonic cavities capable of enclosing single molecules. The interaction between plasmons and molecules leads to unique vibrational resonances in chemical bonds, typically observed in the mid-infrared regime. Recent advances have demonstrated the possibility of converting these vibrational mid-infrared resonances into the higher-frequency visible regime, facilitating easier experimental detection. However, the underlying mechanisms and control strategies for this up-conversion process remain largely unexplored. The successful candidate will develop theoretical tools based on cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) to model and understand the complex interactions between plasmons in nanoscale gaps and molecular vibrations. The project also involves designing new types of cavities to enhance the efficiency of the up-conversion mechanism. 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. The student will collaborate closely with the Nanophotonics group at the University of Cambridge, benefiting from a vibrant research environment and interdisciplinary expertise. The School of Physics and Astronomy is recognized for its commitment to diversity and equality, holding both the Institute of Physics Juno Champion status and the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Funding for this position is awarded on a competitive basis and covers tuition fees and a living stipend for 3.5 years. Applicants should have or be about to complete an undergraduate degree in Physics, preferably with first class honours or equivalent. A strong interest in Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Optics, and Electromagnetism, as well as solid mathematical skills, are essential. The position encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly those from traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy. To apply, visit the application link and clearly state the project title, the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics group, and the name of the supervisor (Prof Angela Demetriadou). For further details or informal enquiries, contact Prof Angela Demetriadou at [email protected].