They offer the chance to join an active research team engaged in the study of novel systems which exhibit new fundamental physics and which have technologically important properties. Our research programme involves collaborations with research groups world-wide and we use central facilities in the UK and abroad.

• Thesis titles of past PhD students from 1992 onwards.

If you are interested in PhD research within the group, email the Physics and Astronomy department postgraduate admissions office (physics-pgrads@le.ac.uk) for information on how to apply. Or, apply online.

PhD Projects (2011)

The CMP group offer a number of projects in our current research areas. These include, graphene quantum dots, magnetic nanoclusters, and X-ray holography. General information on research in the group can be found in the research  pages. Some examples of currently available projects are also included below.

Quantum theory of near-surface dopants in semiconductors

New STM experiments where wavefunctions can be directly imaged are currently generating a great deal of interest in the quantum states of near-surface semiconductor dopants. Last year we discovered that the binding energy of near-surface dopants increases as the dopants move closer to the surface [1].  This was completely unexpected as existing theory predicted a decrease in the binding energy. So what is the new physics behind this counter-intuitive result? This will be explored during this Ph.D project.

To explore the physics we must calculate the weakly bound quantum states of near-surface dopants, but the system is complex. The quantum states are affected by many different things: atomic re-arrangements at the surface, image charges, and other electrostatic effects from components of the device or experimental probes. In addition to these effects, the scale of the problem makes the area challenging for theory. The quantum states may extend over many hundreds of thousands of atoms. So the system is too large for ab-initio methods, but traditional effective mass theory simply does not work.

In this project you will develop the new theoretical and computational techniques necessary to investigate this complex and technologically important system. You will work closely with the worlds leading group in experimental wavefunction imaging in STM. There will be opportunities to spend time working with this group in Eindhoven.

This place has now been offered. However applications for similar projects from self-funded students are welcome. More details can be obtained from Dr Mervyn Roy (mr6[at]le.ac.uk).

[1] A. P. Wijnheimer, et. al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 102, 166101 (2009).

Fluorescence of Silicon Clusters

In this PhD project the candidate will produce a new type of Si/SiO core shell nanoparticle relevant to applications in telecommunications, microelectronics and bio-medical sensing and investigate the role of the nanoparticle size, the effect of specific passivation agents on the luminescence properties and the interaction with liquids and solid surfaces. This experimental project is based on an exciting and very powerful new scheme for the production of nano-clusters in the gas phase, for the deposition on surfaces and for the in-situ passivation of the cluster surface developed by our group [A. Brewer, K. von Haeften, Appl. Phys. Lett. 94, 261102 (2009); K. von Haeften et al., Eur. J. Phys. D 52, 11 (2009)]. Using this method we were able to generate highly luminescent Si/SiO core shell nanoparticles and identify an energy transfer mechanism from Si excitons to luminescent SiO defects.

The CMP group has strong links to a number of national and international Nanoscience groups and central facilities allowing the candidate to quickly integrate into these existing collaborations or to develop their own programme.

Funding of this PhD project will need to be provided by the candidate. At irregular intervals full scholarships (excluding overseas tuition fees) are available. Candidates should have a first class degree or demonstrate equivalent excellence. They should have experience in at least one of the following fields: Si or SiO photonic materials, cluster beam machines, luminescence spectroscopy, TEM.

Candidates who meet these requirements can obtain further information by contacting Dr Klaus von Haeften (kvh6 [at] le.ac.uk).