Work with us
We have a PhD position available in our research group for the Bose-Einstein condensate microscopy project. If interested, please contact F.Orucevic@sussex.ac.uk or J.Fekete@sussex.ac.uk.
PhD studentship in the Quantum Systems and Devices Group
Group information: Our research team at the University of Sussex studies neutral atomic gases to understand their fundamental properties at the quantum level and their interactions with external fields and materials. We manipulate them and exploit their ultra-high sensitivity to magnetic field to develop cutting edge magnetic sensors. Applications of these quantum sensors range from nanomaterials and novel touchscreens to the monitoring of electric vehicle batteries [1], navigation, brain imaging [2] and intracellular signalling.
Magnetic microscopy with Bose-Einstein condensates:
Neutral atoms can be cooled and trapped using a combination of static and oscillating electromagnetic fields. We produce Bose-Einstein condensates on atom chips and use them to microscopically probe the magnetic field close to surfaces with very high sensitivity [3]. With our magnetic microscope, we can image active current flow patterns in nanostructured samples which is a novel technique in high demand for many studies in materials science and bio-engineering [4].
During this project, we will characterise the magnetic microscope and prepare and study samples of nanostructured materials as well as biological samples. Based on such measurements, the aim is to improve further the sensitivity of the microscope to electric current in two-dimensional (2D) samples. The project involves experimental work on atom chip based ultracold atomic systems, study of atom-surface interactions, imaging of current flow patterns in 2D samples, and the comparison of such measurements to other imaging techniques.
The PhD student will play a central role in this investigation and will learn a wide array of tools in atomic physics, quantum technology (lasers, optics, electronics, vacuum systems, microfabrication), materials and bio-engineering. In addition to a good Honours or Masters degree, the candidate should have background in Atomic and Quantum Physics and have excellent skills in programming and experimental physics.
References:
[1] Bason et al. “Non-invasive current density imaging of lithium-ion batteries,” J. Power Sources 533, 231312 (2022).
[2] Gialopsou et al. “Improved spatio-temporal measurements of visually evoked fields using optically-pumped magnetometers,” Sci. Reports 11, 22412 (2021).
[3] Wildermuth et al. “Microscopic magnetic-field imaging,” Nature 435, 440 (2005).
[4] Fekete et al. “Quantum gas-enabled direct mapping of active current density in percolating networks of nanowires,” Nano Letters 2024, 24, 4, 1309–1315 (2024).
