Fully Funded EPSRC & Swansea University PhD Scholarship: Studying Molecule-surface Interaction Potentials Using Magnetic Molecular Interference Experiments

Funding providers: EPSRC and Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering 

Subject areas: Quantum-state resolved collisions, Molecular Beams, Surface Science 

Project start date:  

• 1 October 2024 (Enrolment open from mid-September)
• 1 January 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-December) 

Project description:  

The interaction between a molecule and a surface lies at the heart of a huge range of topics, including industrial catalysis, green energy production, re-entry of space vehicles into the atmosphere and even the physics and chemistry of star creation in the interstellar medium.  

While the equations which govern the interaction between a molecule and a surface are well know, there are a lot of atoms/electrons involved, and even the most power computers cannot accurately model surface systems. The usual solution to this, is to model surface systems using approximate calculation methods instead, methods which are constantly being improved. 

Our research group, which includes researchers with backgrounds in physics and/or chemistry, has developed a unique apparatus called the Magnetic Molecular Interferometer (MMI), which can both coherently control and resolve the rotational quantum states of ground state molecules in a way which is impossible using the more common laser-based techniques. The complex interference pattern measured by the MMI is one of the most sensitive observables of the interaction between a molecule and a solid surface, containing detailed information on the change of the quantum wave function during the collision event. The student will be working on a new EPSRC project (EP/X037886/1) which aims to extract the molecule-surface interaction potential directly from the experimental data. Empirical determination of molecule-surface potentials will be a major step towards developing reliable theoretical models and is expected to have an impact on a wide range of field and applications which rely on such calculations, including those mentioned above.  

To perform MMI experiments the student will learn how to use atomic and molecular beams, ultra-high-vacuum and cryogenic technology and a wide range of measurement instrumentation and surface science techniques. The project will also include analysis of MMI measurements and further developing numerical simulation tools which relate MMI measurements to the underlying interaction potential. The project will be performed in collaboration with the theoretical chemistry group at Leiden University and will include an opportunity to travel to Leiden for a training period of a few weeks.  

Eligibility 

Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level in chemistry or a related subject, or a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ in chemistry or a related subject. If you are eligible to apply for the scholarship (i.e. a student who is eligible to pay the UK rate of tuition fees) but do not hold a UK degree, you can check our comparison entry requirements. Please note that you may need to provide evidence of your English Language proficiency. 

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA regulations.