PhD Studentship: Quantum Control with Quantum Fields

4 weeks ago


Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

PhD Supervisor: Dr Elinor Twyeffort

Supervisory Team: Dr Elinor Twyeffort

Project description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.

Controlling and manipulating quantum systems using electromagnetic fields underpins many cutting-edge quantum technologies. Typically, these fields are assumed to be classical. Recent work in the Quantum Optics Theory group at Southampton [Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, ] has proposed a new mathematical description of the quantum-to-semiclassical transition in the interaction of light with matter, challenging the assumption that fields containing many photons can always be treated classically.

In this PhD project, you will build on this mathematical framework to develop practical mathematical and/or computational techniques for analysing the effects of field quantisation on quantum control. This work will have applications in superconducting circuit QED, the basis of many leading quantum technology platforms including IBM's cloud-accessible quantum processors. Another area of potential application is the emerging field of Floquet engineering, which uses periodic driving to steer and modify processes in a wide range of systems – materials, quantum gases, even chemical reactions.

Within this project, you will have flexibility to determine your own directions, following your particular interests. In addition to a solid background in quantum physics and an interest in mathematical and/or numerical techniques, familiarity with quantum optics or quantum information/technology would be beneficial. There will be opportunities to pursue collaborations with experimental groups as well as other theory groups, both within the University of Southampton and around the world. The Quantum Optics Theory group and the School of Physics and Astronomy combine research excellence with a supportive environment where students can thrive.

If you are interested, please contact the supervisor for more information: Dr Elinor Twyeffort

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 August 2024.

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study ). Select programme type (Research), Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select "PhD iMR". In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor.

Applications should include:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Two reference letters
  • Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-

The University of Southampton is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking to study part time. The University of Southampton takes personal circumstances into account, has onsite childcare facilities, is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.



  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    PhD Supervisor: Dr Nema AbdelazimSupervisory Team: Dr Nema AbdelazimProject description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.We are offering an exciting...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Prof. Otto Muskens; Alberto PolitiProject Description:In this project, the student will develop new technologies for integrated quantum optical chips allowing programming and tuning of devices under different operating conditions and in particular for operation in a cryogenic environment. The ability to actively control different parts of...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Dr Bruce Ou, Dr Alberto Politi, Prof Jize Yan Project description:The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills. Quantum information technology...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Project title: Integrated photonics for ion-trap quantum computing Supervisory Team: Dr Peter Horak, Dr James GatesProject description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical,...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    PhD Supervisor: Dr Ruomeng HuangSupervisory Team: Dr Ruomeng Huang, Prof Liudi JiangProject description The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.This PhD...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    PhD Supervisors: Dr Peter Horak, Dr James GatesSupervisory Team: Dr Peter Horak, Dr James GatesProject description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    PhD Supervisor: Prof Malcolm Levitt FRS, Dr Marina Carravetta, Prof Ilya KuprovSupervisory Team: Prof Malcolm Levitt FRS, Dr Marina Carravetta, Prof Ilya KuprovProject description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    PhD Supervisor: Dr Srinandan DasmahapatraSupervisory Team: Dr Srinandan DasmahapatraProject description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.Recent...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Prof Ilya Kuprov, Dr Marina CarravettaProject description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.Spin is a relativistic property of...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Prof Francesco Poletti, Dr Ghafour Amouzad Mahdiraji, Prof Radan Slavik Project description:The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below, you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills. The...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    PhD Supervisor: Prof Malcolm Levitt FRS, Dr Marina Carravetta, Prof Ilya KuprovSupervisory Team: Prof Malcolm Levitt FRS, Dr Marina Carravetta, Prof Ilya KuprovProject description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Chris-Kriton Skylaris (80%) Jeremy Frey (20%) Project Description: The computational simulation of chemical reactions in materials requires an accurate, explicit description of their electrons. This can be achieved by quantum mechanical calculations from first principles, in particular with Density Functional Theory (DFT) which achieves a...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Prof Ilya Kuprov, Dr Marina CarravettaProject description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.Magnetic resonance spectroscopy and...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Project title: PhD Studentship in Nanophotonics and Metamaterials: Development of Switchable and Programmable Metasurfaces using Novel Materials Supervisory Team: Prof. Otto Muskens; Dr Ioannis ZeimpekisProject description:Metaoptics, the application of metasurface concepts in optical systems, is a rapidly growing field that has the potential to...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Chris-Kriton Skylaris (90%) Andrea Russell (10%)Project description:Proton-exchange Membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cells are an emerging technology for environmentally sustainable transport and other carbon-neutral energy applications. A crucial component of these devices are the metallic catalyst nanoparticles which allow the chemical...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    PhD Supervisor: Dr Silvia MottiSupervisory Team: Dr Silvia MottiProject description:The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.Perovskite semiconductors are an...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Project title: Inelastic Neutron Scattering of Endofullerenes Supervisory Team: Prof. Malcolm H. Levitt, Prof. Richard J. Whitby, and Dr Stéphane Rols (ILL-Grenoble) Project description:Endofullerenes are a new class of materials in which small molecules or atoms are completely enclosed in carbon cages. The encapsulated atoms or molecules behave like...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    Supervisory Team: Dr Chris Holmes, Dr James GatesProject description: Join the forefront of Quantum Technology Engineering at the University of Southampton. In collaboration with esteemed partners Caltech (California Institute of Technology) and Aquark Technologies Ltd., we are offering a unique PhD opportunity to develop ultra-high-Q ring resonators,...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    PhD Supervisor: Prof Hendrik UlbrichtSupervisory Team: Prof Hendrik UlbrichtProject description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.In this PhD project...


  • Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full time

    PhD Supervisor: Prof Radan Slavik, Dr Yongmin Jung, Prof Francesco PolettiSupervisory Team: Prof Radan Slavik, Dr Yongmin Jung, Prof Francesco PolettiProject description: The University of Southampton is expanding its PhD research in the area of Quantum Technology Engineering. In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial...