PhD Studentship: Quantum energetics (theory) – PhD in Physics (Royal Society and University of Exeter funded)

The University’s Department of Physics invites applications for a PhD studentship funded by the Royal Society and the University of Exeter to commence on 1st October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.  For eligible students the studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of the standard amount for 4 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study.  Students will be based in the Physics Building at the Streatham Campus in Exeter.

Quantum energetics (theory)

This PhD position is concerned with the research fields of theoretical quantum optics, quantum technologies and quantum thermodynamics. The overarching aim of this theoretical physics PhD research is to better understand the fundamental physical laws which govern how energy and information flow in the quantum world, both as an intrinsic scientific curiosity and in order to be able to propose new designs for quantum devices (quantum batteries, quantum engines and so on). Therefore, the results from this project should play a role in the ongoing quantum revolution [1, 2, 3]. 

This Exeter research group has recently been interested in proposing novel designs for quantum batteries, which are quantum systems which can store energy by exploiting quantum phenomena (for example, by exploiting entanglement) in order to improve the performance of the device. There are still many questions surrounding the optimal thermodynamic design of such quantum batteries which we will address in this PhD project [3].

We will also consider the so-called Mpemba effect, a counterintuitive phenomenon in which a system (for example water) that is initially hot can freeze faster than the water which begins cold. We will explore how the quantum Mpemba effect can arise in open quantum systems, find out the mechanisms which can generate it, and propose quantum devices which can exploit the physics uncovered [4].

A variety of theoretical tools (from open quantum systems to quantum many body theory) as well as computational approaches (e.g. QuTip in Python, QuantumOptics.jl in Julia) will be used throughout the project.

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