PhD Studentship: Optical Lattice Clock for Fundamental Studies

We are offering a PhD studentship in physics, working on an Optical Lattice Clock. The clock is based on strontium atoms, which are laser-cooled to a temperature of 1µK, trapped in an optical-lattice. The atoms are then probed by an ultra-stable laser on an extremely narrow internal transition frequency in atoms. Such a clock can measure the passage of time better than 1s over the age of the Universe. This is enough to resolve the gravitational redshift better than 1 cm on the surface of the Earth. Optical Lattice Clocks are also candidates for the redefinition of the SI second. Using fibre links with EU’s metrological institutes, we can do real-time comparison of clocks, and across the globe via satellites including the soon-to-be-operational Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES). Such comparisons are also important to get valuable insight into many open problems in fundamental physics, detection of dark matter, tests of relativity and variations of fundamental constants. The candidate will be working on atom trapping and quantum state manipulation. The PhD will also provide an opportunity to develop novel techniques to improve clock performance and participate in international clock comparison campaigns. The University of Birmingham provides opportunities to attend skills-related training courses and international conferences. We are looking for a suitable candidate who is hard working and motivated. The successful candidate will be embedded in an excellent eco-system with an excellent support at every level. The research group consists of several PhDs and PostDocs, as well as 4 state-of-the art labs equipped with 5 frequency combs, one active H maser and one UTC rack among various other facilities and equipments. If you like to have more information about anything, please get in touch with Prof. Yeshpal Singh: y.singh.1@bham.ac.uk Full funding is only available for UK students. If you like to have more information about anything, please get in touch with Prof. Yeshpal Singh: y.singh.1@bham.ac.uk