A PhD studentship in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics/Semiconductor Optics is available in the School of Physics at Trinity College Dublin, in the area of many-body phenomena in coupled light-matter systems (such as quantum dots and semiconductor microcavities). The project will explore many-particle effects in decoherence, using radiatively coupled quantum dots as a model system.

Recent decades have seen a huge expansion of research in the School of Physics in magnetism, photonics, nanoscience and soft matter, placing it at the forefront of the subject in Ireland, with a leadership role in European science.

Decoherence is the suppression of quantum effects by noise in the environment, and its understanding is the key to developing new directions in quantum many-particle physics and technology. The project will explore many-particle effects in decoherence, using radiatively coupled quantum dots as a model system. This theoretical work will be guided by, and applied to, experiments in both Trinity College Dublin and Cambridge (UK).

The studentship is available from 1st October 2009, for up to 4 years, and includes fees and a competitive stipend. Enquiries may be directed to Dr Paul Eastham (p.r.eastham.97@cantab.net, http://www.tcm.phy.cam.ac.uk/~pre23). Letters of application should be sent by email, and include a CV.

Prospective candidates should have a degree in physics. Knowledge of quantum many-particle physics, condensed matter, or quantum optics would be an advantage, as would an interest in collaboration with experimentalists.

Applications will be accepted until the post is filled.