Potential students may apply from now until the 31st Jan 2022. Although we encourage any potential candidates to apply as soon as possible, incomplete applications will not be considered for the studentship and the Graduate School will not pursue applications submitted with missing documents. Similarly, applications received after the closing date will not be considered for the studentship.
Engineering and physical sciences, mathematical modelling, data analysis and machine learning.
This project will explore new ways of using external signals to actively influence and manipulate the evolving state of quantum systems at the level of atoms, molecules and particles. By accurately controlling the interactions between the quantum components of the system, experimentalists will be able to evolve the system towards some desired outcome and create new quantum states that can be used for tests of fundamental physics and quantum technological applications. A general framework where randomised explorative control methods that counteract the decoherence, and uncertainty characterising a quantum system will be sought. The framework will be based on the estimation of the complete information of a quantum system through the characterisation of the probabilistic descriptions of the involved variables. Randomised controllers that can characterise and take into consideration the uncertain and incomplete information of a quantum system will then be designed.
Candidates should have, or be about to achieve, a degree in control theory, electrical/electronic engineering, mechanical/mechatronics engineering or other relevant area. Candidate with suitable work experience and strong capacity in mathematical modelling and control are particularly welcome to apply.
Engineering and Physical Sciences College DTP PhD studentships are fully funded for 3 years. They include a maintenance allowance based on UKRI minimum and Home tuition fees (subject to eligibility). The figures for 2022/23 are yet to be confirmed. For reference, in the 2021/22 academic year, the maintenance allowance was £15,609 and the Home tuition fees were £4,500. Only limited funding is available for international candidates. Overseas applicants may apply for this studentship but will need to cover the difference between the ‘Home’ and the ‘Overseas’ tuition fees. The difference between ‘Home’ and ‘Overseas’ tuition fees for 2022/23 is yet to be confirmed. For reference, in the 2021/22 academic year, the difference was £13,100. As part of the application, you will be required to confirm that you have applied for, or secured, this additional funding.