PhD in Laser Physics

Research theme: Analytical Chemistry, Laser Physics, Materials Characterisation/nThis 3.5-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) applicants and EU students with settled status. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026./nOutline: Fabrication of advanced materials/devices relies on precisely defined chemistry, underpinned by measurement of atomic and isotopic composition/distribution with extreme precision e.g. isotopic implants in Quantum Technologies. Investigation of failure mechanisms improve performance or lifetime e.g. environmental contamination of solar cells. Analytical Science is a priority area supporting UK Industrial Strategy. The project will develop and characterise a novel instrument based on laser ionisation mass spectrometry and demonstrate its application to important materials/life science challenges./nMethodology: The student will couple a recently acquired secondary ion mass spectrometer instrument to a new Ti:S laser for isotopically-selective resonant ionisation mass spectrometry (RIMS) of sputtered atoms resulting from focused ion beam irradiation. A second ion beam is available for rapid ion-milling of the sample to obtain 3D imaging. Novel data workflows will be developed to allow parallel multi-element measurements. The project is interdisciplinary, combining instrument development, analytical chemistry, laser physics and materials science./nExpected Outcomes: The project will deliver a unique instrument, extending capabilities for materials characterisation in 2D and 3D. The instrument will enhance collaborative research at the Chemistry/Materials interface.