PhD Studentship - High harmonic generation probes of chemical dynamics

PhD Studentship – High harmonic generation probes of chemical dynamics

Chemistry

Location:  Highfield Campus
Closing Date:   Wednesday 31 August 2016
Reference:  716316EB

PhD Supervisor: Russell Minns     
co supervisor: Jeremy Frey

Time resolved spectroscopy has provided a unique insight in to the dynamics of chemical systems. Experimental limitations have however left us blind to many of the important parts of a reaction pathway such that the mechanism of a reaction is inferred from incomplete measurements. In this project we will develop a state of the art femtosecond laser experiments that removes this limited observation window by using high energy laser pulses from a high harmonic generation sources and X-ray free electron laser facilities for photoelectron spectroscopy measurements.

We will apply these techniques to some of the most fundamental aspects of chemical reactivity that remain experimentally unmeasured, uncovering the feature that dictate the reaction mechanism and control the final outcome. With the successful development of these techniques and their application to problems in photochemistry, we can provide a new window into chemical dynamics providing complete measurements of the transition from reactants to products.

The project is funded for 3 years and welcomes applicants from the UK who have or expect to obtain at least an upper second class degree in chemistry or physics. Funding will cover fees and a stipend at current research council rates of £ 14,296 per annum.

Due to funding restrictions this position is only open to UK applicants

Applications for an MPhil/PhD in Chemistry should be submitted online at https://studentrecords.soton.ac.uk/BNNRPROD/bzsksrch.P_Login?pos=4990&majr=4990&term=201617#_ga=1.23945465.2120898106.1412059827

Please place Minns PES in the field for proposed supervisor/project

General enquiries should be made to Dr Russell Minns at r.s.minns@soton.ac.uk.  Any queries on the application process should be made to pgafnes@soton.ac.uk

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, and the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified