Nanoscience PhD

Program Overview

Lancaster's PhD program in Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies combines experimental and theoretical research, focusing on quantum technologies, atomic two-dimensional materials, quantum transport, and nanoelectronics. Collaborations with industry giants and comprehensive training courses enhance research and career opportunities in this cutting-edge field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This PhD program offers research in nanoscience and nanotechnologies, excelling through the expertise of experimentalists in the Quantum Technology Centre and theorists in the Centre for Nanoscale Dynamics at Lancaster.

Experimental nanoscience focuses on:

• Quantum technologies and development
• Studies of superconductor and semiconductor qubits and quantum circuits
• Quantum metrology
• Development of quantum dot systems for quantum key distribution
• Studies of atomic two-dimensional materials including graphene, boron nitride, hexagonal metal chalcogenides, and their heterostructures
• Development and applications of new scanning mechanical and thermal microscopy techniques
• Development of novel nanostructured materials for telecommunications and energy applications.
Research in this area is conducted at record-breaking low temperatures, in a sub-mK range.

Theoretical nanoscience offers projects in:

• Quantum transport and quantum Hall effect
• Mesoscopics and fundamentals of nanoelectronics
• Single-molecule electronics
• Quantum optics
• Quantum information processing
Theories are developed for new atomic two-dimensional materials using first principles density functional theory, quantum Monte Carlo modelling, and phenomenological theories. Dynamics and kinetics in quantum systems under strongly non-equilibrium conditions are explored using field theory methods. Applied nanoscience focuses on modelling devices for electronics and optoelectronic applications.

Collaborations:

The program collaborates with world-leading companies, including Bruker, Fiat, and Oxford Instruments.

Training:

The program is supported by training courses providing skills in modern research techniques, special scientific training, and transferable skills courses.

Other:

• The department is Physics, within the Faculty of Science and Technology.
• The program is full-time, lasting 3-4 years.
• The program is closely aligned with research at Lancaster, which is divided into four main themes: Astrophysics, Experimental Condensed Matter, Particle and Accelerator Physics, and Theoretical Physics.
Each theme includes sub-groups with details on research projects and academic supervisors.
• Postgraduate students participate in teaching opportunities, such as helping undergraduate students learn to code.
• The physics community at Lancaster is collaborative, helpful, and supportive.

Location

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Home | £4,786 | n/a International | £26,492 | n/a

Additional costs

There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers. Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.

College fees

Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities. Students on some distance-learning courses are not liable to pay a college fee. For students starting in 2023 and 2024, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2025 have not yet been set.

Computer equipment and internet access

To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems. The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.

Application fees and tuition fee deposits

For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid. The fee that you pay will depend on whether you are considered to be a home or international student. Read more about fees in subsequent years.