1. Study at the OU
2. Research degrees
3. Research areas
4. Physics
5. Atomic, molecular and optical physics

Atomic, molecular and optical physics

Potential research projects

Towards the experimental realization of graph states with Rydberg atoms

Lead contact: Dr Silvia Bergamini

Proposed funding: University funding under negotiation

Project: This is an experimental project in cold Rydberg atoms to demonstrate the building blocks of a one-way quantum information scheme. It exploits van der Waals interaction to blockade a high density sample of atoms in a microscopic dipole trap and create a multiparticle entangled state that contains a single excitation. Arrays of qubits can be prepared with arbitrary topology. “Useful” multiqubit entanglement (GRAPH STATES) can be designed by exploiting isotropic interactions and playing with the spatial arrangement of the qubits in order to minimize the number of entangling steps and favour global addressing.

Entry qualification: physics.

Electron attachment to small molecular clusters

Lead contact: Dr Jimena Gorfinkiel

Other supervisors: Dr Sam Eden

Proposed funding: University funding under negotiation

Project: The aim of this project is to contribute to the understanding of how low energy electrons affect cells, especially DNA. In order to do this, we will study the interaction of electrons, particularly the dissociative electron attachment process (known to play a significant role in radiation-induced damage to biological material) with protein constituents and molecules that model those present in DNA, both in gas and aggregated phase. The day-to-day work will involve using well established software (the UKRmol suite of programs) as well as being involved in the development of new techniques and codes to treat electron interaction with molecules and small molecular clusters.

The group of Dr Sam Eden will be performing experiments on these clusters in the near future and a strong link with this group is envisaged. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to extending the boundaries of theoretical studies of electron-molecule collisions. More information on the group's research can be found at: Dr Jimena Gorfinkel's website. 

Entry qualification: physics, chemistry or related degree. Good undergraduate-level knowledge of molecular physics or computational and physical chemistry is necessary. Some experience running scientific software under Linux is desirable.

Lattice effects in iron pnictides and other high temperature superconductors 

Lead contact: Dr Jim Hague

Proposed funding: University funding under negotiation

Project: Since 2008, a new class of high-temperature superconductors have been found – the iron pnictides. Pnictides are thought to have an unconventional spin-based mechanism, but also show isotope effects, which may be due to coupling between the spins and the lattice vibrations (spin-lattice interaction). The purpose of this PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics will be to use analytical and numerical techniques to investigate the effect of the spin-lattice interaction on pnictides and other high temperature superconductors, to understand the isotope effect in these fascinating materials.

Entry qualification: physics.

Hydrogen bonding effects on the formation and stabilities of biomolecular anions and cations

Lead contact: Dr Sam Eden

Other supervisors: Professor Nigel Mason

Funding: EPSRC and University

Project: As part of the department’s developing research in molecular physics at the life sciences interface, enquiries are invited for an experimental PhD studentship centred on radiation-induced processes in mixed clusters as model systems for biological environments. The programme will focus on the effects of hydrogen bonding on the radiosensitivity of fundamental biomolecules, notably amino acids and DNA bases. We are particularly interested in intermolecular charge transfer mechanisms and the resultant fragmentation pathways of these key biomolecules.

The student will exploit an established supersonic-jet apparatus to probe the effects of hydrogen bonding on the UV multiphoton ionization (MPI, promotion of an electron to the continuum via one or more intermediate excited states) pathways of DNA constituents. In parallel, the student will participate in the construction of a new facility to study low-energy (<10 eV) electron interactions with biomolecules and their clusters. The particular experimental strength and challenge will lie in deflecting polar species in inhomogeneous electric fields (Stark deflection) in order to enhance our control over the biomolecular isomers and cluster configurations in the irradiated target beams. The integrated research programme will help to bridge the complexity gap between understanding radiation-induced processes in isolated molecules and in condensed material, with applications in modelling and potentially modifying biological damage on the nanoscale.

Entry qualification: physics, chemistry, or a related discipline. Furthermore, the student should have strong practical skills and enthusiasm for experimental work. A solid undergraduate-level knowledge of atomic and molecular physics (or physical chemistry) is also desirable. 

Please also see further opportunities.

Current / recent research projects

• Electron collisions with biomolecules
• Ultra-cold Rydberg atoms
• Electron phonon interactions in grapheme nanostructures
• Electron scattering from biomolecular clusters

Potential supervisors

• Dr Silvia Bergamini - Cold atoms
• Dr Sam Eden - Biomolecular clusters
• Dr Jimena Gorfinkiel - Electron collisions with molecules and molecular clusters (Theory)
• Dr Jim Hague - Theoretical and computational physics

Further information

If you have an enquiry specific to this research area please contact:

Name:

Astrid Peterkin, Research Coordinator

Email:

science-phd-enquiries@open.ac.uk

Phone:

+44 (0)1908 659845

For general enquiries please contact the Research Degrees Team via the link under ‘Your questions’ on the right of the page.