Ultrafast atomic-scale light-matter interactions in a scanning tunnelling microscope

A scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) uses a very sharp tip to scan the surface of a material and has now become a central tool in condensed matter physics. Its strength lies in its ability to access atomic spatial resolution as well as the electronic structure of materials. Yet even this advanced measurement is limited: it can only resolve a static snapshot of the quantum world. Recently – by coupling ultra-short (<10^-12 s) pulses of light into an STM it has finally become possible to add a temporal dimension to our measurements, creating the first ever videos of atomic-scale quantum dynamics. This cutting-edge combination is beginning to unveil fundamental new physical tunnelling processes, alongside new insights into the dynamics of quantum materials. This PhD will focus on developing new approaches for ultrafast scanning tunnelling microscopy, and apply these to several important material systems, for example excitations in 2-dimensional materials (such as graphene), or the motion of electrons within single molecules.

The PhD candidate should have completed (or about to complete) their undergraduate degree in Physics, or a closely related subject, with at least a 2:1. Ideally you will have an interest in Optics, Lasers and Imaging, and how these could be used to learn new information about materials.

The project will take place in the group of Dr Tom Siday (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/physics/siday-thomas), part of the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics group (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/research/activity/physics/quantum/metamaterials/index.aspx) in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham. There will also be opportunities to collaborate closely with several external universities such as Oxford, UCL and Regensburg (Germany).

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.

You can apply here: https://sits.bham.ac.uk/lpages/EPS005.htm, clearly stating the name of the supervisor (Dr. Tom Siday), the title of the project and the Metamaterials and Nanophotonics group.

Funding notes:

Funding is awarded on competitive basis, and it will cover tuition fees and living stipend for 3.5 years. For details of the funding available, advice on making your application or any other informal enquiries, please contact Dr Tom Siday at: t.siday@bham.ac.uk

References:

T. L. Cocker et al., Nature Photon. 15, 558–569 (2021) T. Siday et al., Nature 629, 329–334 (2024)