PhD Studentship: Programmable Quantum Metasurfaces

Join the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Birmingham for groundbreaking PhD research that aims to improve quantum technologies! Metamaterials, which are artificially engineered materials with properties not (commonly) available in nature, have shown the potential for effective control and manipulation of waves. Their two-dimensional equivalents, metasurfaces, are subwavelength-patterned surfaces that allow for the creation of arbitrarily structured light fields by modifying the phase of an incident light wave at the sub-wavelength scale.

Metasurfaces have proven key for not only making conventional optical components more compact but also for bringing new integrated functionalities that we hope to exploit in quantum technologies. While metamaterials stretch the conventional approach in materials science to have a designer concept based on structures, they are often static in functionality or having a limited degree of tunability. To address this limitation, the PhD project will explore programmable metamaterials. Hence, the PhD project will focus on designing, fabricating, and testing a set programmable metasurfaces for quantum technologies.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential.

We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic. The research programme will take place in the an interdisciplinary environment of the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics group (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/physics/quantum/metamaterials/index.aspx) and the Communication and Sensing group (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/eese/communications-sensing/communications-sensing.aspx), which will substantially favour collaboration opportunities within University of Birmingham and afield.

You can apply here: https://sits.bham.ac.uk/lpages/EPS005.htm (physics programme) or https://sits.bham.ac.uk/lpages/EPS019.htm (engineering programme) clearly stating the title of the project and the name of the supervisor (Dr. Miguel Navarro-Cía).

Funding notes:
Applications are sought from highly motivated students graduating with first degree (2:1 or higher) in physics or engineering (and preferably a MSci/MEng degree). Funding is awarded on a competitive basis, depending on the strength of the applicant. The funding is only available to UK or EU nationals with (pre-)settled status, and it will cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for 4 years. For details of the funding available and advice on making your application, please contact: m.navarro-cia@bham.ac.uk.

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