Quantum light at atomic scale to see the invisible

A PhD studentship is available at the intersection of quantum optics, nanophotonics, plasmonics and molecular spectroscopy.

How to confine, control and manipulate light at atomic scales has been an area of immense fundamental and technological interest. This experimental project will address this question by investigating quantum light emission from atomic and molecular systems. Particular focus will be on seeing the otherwise invisible vibrational motion in materials at nanoscale, using advanced spectroscopy, Raman scattering and photon counting. [1-6].

The outcomes are expected to provide insights into the fundamental dynamics of emitter-plasmon coupling and contribute to the development of quantum light sources, paving the way for advancements in nanoscale quantum optics and plasmonic quantum technologies.

Applicants should have completed (or closer to completion) their undergraduate degree in Physics, Material Science, Physical Chemistry or related Physical Sciences (preferably with first-class honours or equivalent). Strong analytical and experimental skills are desirable. The project’s specifics will be determined in collaboration with the successful candidate, tailoring the research to their interests.

The project will be conducted within the research group led by Dr. Rohit Chikkaraddy (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/physics/chikkaraddy-rohit.aspx), based at the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics Research Centre (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/physics/quantum/metamaterials/index.aspx) in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham, UK.

The University is actively committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applicants from all sections of society. In line with the Department’s Athena SWAN programme, we particularly encourage female candidates to apply.

Funding is available to UK/EU nationals, covering tuition fees and providing a living stipend for 3.5 years.

To apply, please use this link (https://sits.bham.ac.uk/lpages/EPS005.htm) and clearly specify the project’s title, the name of the supervisor (Dr. Rohit Chikkaraddy), and the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics Research Centre. The application deadline is March 31, 2025.

For information on available funding, application guidance, or any other informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Rohit Chikkaraddy at r.chikkaraddy@bham.ac.uk.

Funding notes:

Funding is available to UK/EU nationals, covering tuition fees and providing a living stipend for 3.5 years.

References:

[1] R. Chikkaraddy, Single molecule ready to couple. Nat. Phys. 20, 694–695 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-024-02494-0

[2] R. Chikkaraddy, et al. “Single-molecule mid-infrared spectroscopy and detection through vibrationally assisted luminescence”, Nat. Photon. 17, 865–871 (2023).

[3] https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2023/making-the-invisible-visible-new-method-makes-mid-infrared-light-detectable-at-room-temperature

[4] R. Chikkaraddy, et al. “Mid-infrared-perturbed molecular vibrational signatures in plasmonic nanocavities”. Light: Science & Applications, 11, 19 (2022).

[5] A. Xomalis, X. Zheng, R. Chikkaraddy, et al. “Detecting mid-infrared light by molecular frequency upconversion in dual-wavelength nanoantennas”. Science, 374, 1268 (2021).

[6] R. Chikkaraddy, et al. “Single-molecule strong coupling at room temperature in plasmonic nanocavities”, Nature, 535, 127, (2016).