Doctoral student in physics with focus on theoretical attosecond physics

Description of the workplace 
Mathematical Physics is a common division between the Natural Science and Engineering (LTH) faculties and is part of the Department of Physics. Research is conducted primarily in the field of quantum mechanical many particle physics, which includes theoretical nuclear structure physics, nanometer physics, quantum information, atomic theory and material modeling, with numerous partnerships both internationally and within Lund University.

Work tasks
The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).  

The doctoral student will in this project work on developing effective descriptions of matter that is strongly coupled to light, where electrons are simultaneously removed from atoms, leading to the creation of ions. These processes are complex and challenge both our intuition and numerical computational capabilities. Short-wavelength light (X-rays) can eject electrons from the inner shells of atoms, while electrons from the outer shells can be removed using long-wavelength light pulses (infrared radiation). This project focuses on quantum-mechanical calculations of how free electrons and ions are formed during such processes and how they can subsequently be entangled by the laser light. Effective Hamiltonians will be employed to simplify the description of the physics, addressing both the mutual interactions between the electrons and the interactions between the electrons and the laser light. To study these types of problems, special theoretical techniques must be applied to allow electrons and ions to disappear from the calculations in a controlled manner. In other words, non-Hermitian dynamics must be handled. Both non-relativistic and relativistic quantum mechanics will be explored.

This doctoral position is part of a larger project titled "Coherence and Entanglement in Ultrafast Photoionization (CEUP)", funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation (KAW), as a Wallenberg Academy Fellow prolongation grant. The project offers opportunities for significant advancements in research within theoretical light-matter physics at Mathematical Physics, Lund University. There are excellent collaboration opportunities with experimental groups in atomic physics at Lund University, within attosecond physics and quantum information (e.g., Prof. Anne L’Huillier and Prof. Stefan Kröll).

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third-cycle studies in Physics if he or she has:

• at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or
• an MSc in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Basis of assessment
Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills
4. Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Other assessment criteria

• Experience with effective Hamiltonians and Floquet theory.
• Experience with time-dependent simulations of quantum many-body systems.
• Background in atomic physics or correlated quantum mechanical systems.
• Proficiency in numerical modelling.
• Advanced programming experience.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment 
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

We intend to employ 1 PhD student.

Instructions on how to apply 
Applications should be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, a copy of the thesis or the equivalent, alternatively a summary if the work has not been completed, [TS1] as well as anything else you wish to refer to (grade transcripts, contact information and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

The English version of this announcement is an interpretation of national formalities expressed in the Swedish text. In case of uncertainties, the Swedish text applies.