Electronic and Electrical Engineering : Quantum Technologies EPSRC DTP Funded PhD Scholarship: Diamond NV Quantum Sensor (RS653)

Funding provider(s): Quantum Technologies EPSRC DTP 

Subject area(s): Quantum technology, Applied physics, Electronic science and technology 

Project start date(s): 1 October 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-September) 

Supervisors: 

Primary Supervisor: Professor Lijie Li (L.Li@swansea.ac.uk) 

Secondary Supervisor: Professor Karol Kalna

Aligned programme of study: 

PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering
  
Mode of study: Full-time 

Project description: 

Sensors play a critical role in many electronic systems, providing important data to power our decision-making. Apart from general physical and chemical sensors, quantum sensors rely on quantum particles to conduct measurement and are able to have many orders of magnitude more sensitive than traditional sensors. Many quantum sensors are based on special materials, such as nitrogen vacancy centres in diamond (Diamond NV), which is a photoluminescent point defect in diamond. The Diamond NV has been extensively utilised to achieve quantum computing and processing in information technology, biosensing, microwave and magnetic field detecting, and various other applications in diverse fields, due to their superior performances in long-lived coherence time, single-photon generation, and many other properties. In this PhD project, built upon the research group’s previous research on this topic, the student will be undertaking ground-breaking research in Diamond NV quantum sensors, from fundamental simulations of material properties using density functional theory, to characterisation and integration of the material into functional sensing devices. 

Candidates must hold a UK Bachelor degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in Physics, or Electronic Science or equivalent degree in similar relevant science discipline, or overseas Bachelor degree deemed equivalent to UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours in  Physics or Electronic Science or equivalent degree in similar relevant science discipline – see country specific qualifications.

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information:

1. Course choice – please select Electronic and Electrical Engineering / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October 
   

   In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application. In this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

2. Start year – please select 2024
3. Funding (page 8) –

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter 'RS653 - Quantum Sensor'.

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying; please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)
• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.
• Two references (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
• Confirmation of EDI form submission (optional) 

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Professor Lijie Li (L.Li@swansea.ac.uk).

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.