Modelling of atom-light interactions with knotted fields of light.

This is a four year Research Associate post at Durham University funded by the Leverhulme Trust involving mathematical and computational modelling of the physics of light-matter interactions, particularly knotted light fields with dilute atomic vapours. The post forms a cornerstone in an extremely unusual and exciting programme grant entitled SPOCK: Scientific Properties Of Complex Knots, involving the appointment of eleven other researchers (three more Research Associates and eight PhD students) at the Universities of Durham and Bristol. The programme is a major interdisciplinary collaboration across Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Bioscience, Anthropology and Computer Science. This particular interdisciplinary post is initially associated with investigating ways to map the topologically complex properties of the light field onto the state of the atomic ensemble in future experiments. It will begin under the supervision of Prof. Ifan Hughes, Prof. Gordon Love, Dr. Simon Gardiner (Department of Physics) and Prof. Paul Sutcliffe (Department of Mathematical Sciences). The postholder will liaise with the other members of the SPOCK team and assist in the guidance of the team of PhD students. A novel and important feature is that the postholder will be expected to adopt a roaming role and become involved with other aspects of the SPOCK project over the four year timescale: in particular, this will require a significant contribution to a sub-project concerning the modelling of knot assembly in supramolecular materials.

CONTACT FOR INFORMAL ENQUIRIES

Professor Ifan Hughes

Email: i.g.hughes@durham.ac.uk

Requirements

Undertake mathematical and computational modelling of the physics of light-matter interactions, particularly knotted light fields with dilute atomic vapours.
A variety of atomic vapour systems may be considered, ranging from ultracold Bose-Einstein condensates, to driven-dipole interacting atoms in thermal vapour cells. Develop into a roaming role, making significant contributions to other aspects of the SPOCK project, particularly the sub-project concerning the modelling of knot assembly in supramolecular materials.

Key Responsibilities:

• Mathematical modelling and computational simulation of the physics of light-matter interactions, particularly knotted light fields with dilute atomic vapours. 
• Developing or sourcing appropriate software solutions and liaising with other project team members in their application to experimental problems.
• Speaking at research colloquia and group meetings.
• Training postgraduate students in applied knot theory and simulation.
• Exchange of information between the groups involved in the work.
• Writing papers and reports and assisting in writing grant proposals.
• Present their research at international conferences
•  Develop a roaming role to contribute to other aspects of the SPOCK project, particularly the sub-project concerning the modelling of knot assembly in supramolecular materials.

Relationships and Contacts:

• Reporting to Profs. Hughes & Sutcliffe.
• Collaborating with Prof. Love and Dr. Gardiner.
• Liaising with the entire SPOCK consortium.
• Day-to-day collaboration with postgraduate and undergraduate students.

Closing Date: 01 June 14