[Expired] PhD @ UCL, London: Next generation EPR techniques based on microresonators
The study of unpaired electrons has already had an impact on our society on many levels, such as in IT and communication (e.g. the modern computer) and in our fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of enzymes underpinning disease or bioinspired technology. In this project we will take advances in the field of quantum technologies and superconducting circuits and apply them to electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) to redefine the state-of-the-art in EPR instrumentation and methodology and hence enable novel applications. Through application-specific microwave resonators, we will show order-of magnitude advances in both spin number sensitivity and spin concentration sensitivity, using spin systems that are of wide application and interest. Specifically, we will show that individual spin centres (e.g. metals) in complex membrane-bound proteins can be detected under in-vivo conditions, and characterised with fundamentally novel EPR methodologies, which may ultimately find applications in medical diagnostics. We will further demonstrate the possibility to investigate near-surface spins of interest for quantum technologies, such as implanted donors in silicon or rare-earth ions in silicon and thin films of relevance for spintronic devices, in order to understand surface effects that cannot be ascertained from bulk measurements using 3D cavities. We will also work with Polymateria Ltd to understand the mechanism of polymer degradation and hence accelerate the design of more environmentally friendly plastic materials.
The PhD would be part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in the Advanced Characterisation of Materials so candidates need to apply through the CDT http://cdt-acm.org/phd-opportunities-2021/ by 4 January 2021, although they are also welcome to contact M. Roeslsler directly.
Dr Maxie Roessler
Imperial College London
Molecular Sciences Research Hub
82 Wood Lane
London W12 0BZ
+44 (0)20 7594 9861