List of PH3110 BSc Projects on offer in 2022/23

Dr Greg Ashton - Astrophysics – Priority given to BSc Astrophysics students

1. Measuring the properties of black holes observed by the LIGO gravitational-wave detectors
   Since 2015, we have observed nearly 100 black hole collisions using kilometre-scale interferometers. But, these signals are buried in the noise. You will learn how to apply parameter estimation algorithms to extract the signals and infer the mass and spin of the colliding black holes. This is a computer-based project which will use python; PH2150 is sufficient.
2. Algorithms for inference: from stochastic sampling to simulation-based inference
   At the heart of many astronomical measurements is an algorithm to infer the source properties. You will learn the details of stochastic sampling inference algorithms used across physics to perform parameter estimation. You will then investigate how new Machine Learning algorithms are able to replace stochastic sampling yielding instantaneous results. This is a computer-based project which will use python; PH2150 is sufficient.
3. Developing a visualisation tool to explain how a gravitational-wave interferometer works
   Perhaps the frequently asked question when explaining how we observe black holes using a Michelson interferometer is “If light waves are stretched by gravitational waves, how can we use light as a ruler to detect gravitational waves?”. You will develop a toy model of the interferometer to demonstrate the subtle answer to this question. The result will be a visualisation to help scientists and the public understand the often misunderstood answer to this question. This is a computer-based project which will use python; PH2150 is sufficient.
4. Developing an N-body simulation software with post-Newtonian corrections Throughout astronomy, we must model the dynamics of astronomical bodies. This is done by “N-body” software that evolves the governing equations of motion from some initial values. You will develop an N-body code from scratch, and investigate the importance of post-Newtonian corrections. This is a computer-based project which will use python; PH2150 is sufficient.

Prof. Glen Cowan - Astrophysics Projects – Priority given to BSc Astrophysics students

Prof. Stephen Gibson - Accelerator Physics

1. Microwave devices for accelerator diagnostics and quantum computing (Dr Alexey Lyapin)
   A range of activities will be offered as projects ranging from purely simulation work in 3D electromagnetic simulation software to hands-on fabrication of printed circuit electronics boards in the lab. In most cases, the mix can be adjusted and tailored to the interests of the student. We are working on the following questions:
   • nanometre resolution position measurements of particle beams in accelerators;
   • femtosecond resolution beam arrival measurements for free electron lasers and diffraction imagers;
   • readout systems for quantum computing, including radio frequency synthesizers, direct digital synthesis and arbitrary waveform generation, downconverter systems and digital signal processing.
2. Medical accelerator physics (Dr William Shields)
   The student will have a choice of two projects, allowing them to choose either a more accelerator based project or a medical project. Some knowledge of accelerator physics is desirable. The project will require programming in python; competence in python programming is a requirement.
   • Option 1: Simulating ion therapy for dose characterisation and prediction
     This project will investigate the role of nuclear fragmentation in simulations of ion therapy particle accelerators. By modelling doses delivered to a target in a radiotherapy environment, the student will characterise the delivered dose and the secondary particles originating from fragmentation of the therapeutic nuclei. Relationships between the dose and secondary particles will be established, working towards predictive methods of online dose reconstruction, particularly the dose profile, location, and density.
   • Option 2: Dose formation in an ion therapy accelerator
     Delivering a therapeutic quality beam during proton/ion therapy requires performance considerations of the both the accelerator & the gantry nozzle, the system that shapes the patient-specific beam prior to delivery. In an example hadron therapy accelerator model, the student will simulate the dose delivery, investigating & optimising the magnetic beam line components & gantry nozzle to improve deliverable dose rates & beam quality.

1. Quantum time evolution and thermalisation in a single quantum spin-1/2 coupled to a larger quantum bath
   This is a theoretical project involving mainly computer simulation of quantum time evolution for a bunch of spin-1/2’s coupled with neighbours via an exchange coupling. The questions to be addressed can involve one or more of: what does the short time evolution look like? what conditions are needed for some particular initial state to achieve thermalisation in this quantum system + bath set up? What is the timescale and form of the relaxation to equilibrium? If the system does not relax to equilibrium to eg. a Boltzmann distribution, what does it do? The project builds on material from Quantum mechanics (especially spin-1/2), PH2610 Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics. Some exposure to one of Mathematica, Python, C++, etc is expected. Reference: Genway et al., Physical Review Letters 105, 260402 (2010); Physical Review Letters 111, 130408 (2013).
2. Epidemic modelling via the physics of the kinetics of Crystallization
   In non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, it is well known that quite different phenomenon like forest fires, epidemic spreading, and crystallization, etc can have surprisingly similar modelling in terms of coupled differential equations of "particles" or "agents". In this computational project, we will try to see if Covid-19 infection in various countries at various times could be modelled using some simple physical models. Prerequisites: some exposure to one of Mathematica, Python, C++, etc.

1. Simulating the dynamics of a system of interacting identical quantum particles
   The aim of the project is to study how an equilibrium distribution can emerge from the unitary quantum evolution of a closed system made of identical particles (e.g. fermions). From an initial out-of-equilibrium state, the objective is to integrate numerically the Schrödinger equation and calculate predictions for physical observables such as particle occupation numbers. At large times, the possibility of a stationary state will be studied and any mismatch with the theoretical prediction (Fermi-Dirac distribution in the case of fermions) will be investigated. This project requires a good ability in python programming.

1. Characterisation of the the photon detection unit for the DarkSide-20k dark matter search experiment
   This is a project with the Dark Matter Research group, focused on some of the instrumentation and methods used in dark matter search experiments. The project involves both the photon-detection hardware and software (python or root). (Information on the DarkSide-20k experiment can be found here.)
2. Simulation of the DarkSide-50 Dark Matter Search Experiment
   This is a project with the Dark Matter Research group, focused on some of the simulation tools and methods used in dark matter search experiments. The project is computer-based, and will involve simulating dark matter interaction signals in the DarkSide-50 dark matter experiment. (Information on the DarkSide-50 experiment can be found here.)

1. 1D Ballistic Wires
   The goal is to model the electrical and thermal transport properties of a ballistic wire, a thin wire where there is little or no scattering, starting from the transmission probability and Fermi functions, which are themselves functions of energy and temperature. Python will be used to numerically calculate the electrical conductance, thermopower, and thermal conductance, from integrals in the literature. This project is computer-based and builds on material introduced in 2nd year Solid State Physics.
2. Resistance of a Two-Dimensional Electron Gas
   Solve Laplace's equations subject to the appropriate boundary conditions, to visualise the current flow and calculate the resistance of an arbitrarily shaped 2D conductor with Ohmic contacts on its perimeter. Simulations will be performed using a standard finite element package (FlexPDE), and will be applicable to experimental studies of 2D electron gases in semiconductors and graphene. This project is computer-based and builds on material introduced in 2nd year Electromagnetism and Solid State Physics.

1. Hydrodynamic Quantum Analogy (lab-based)
   A recent discovery shows that a droplet bouncing at the surface of a vibrating fluid bath could interact with its own wave field in such a way that it exhibits quantum-like behaviour. While these features were previously thought to be exclusive to the microscopic world, they can now be observed using this quantum analog system (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIyTZDHuarQ ). This lab-based project involves mounting a low-cost apparatus to realise the experiment, studying the bouncing of droplets using photo/video imaging, and finding the range of parameters to study quantum-like features.
2. Hydrodynamic Quantum Analogy (computer-based)
   A recent discovery shows that a droplet bouncing at the surface of a vibrating fluid bath could interact with its own wave field in such a way that it exhibits quantum-like behaviour. While these features were previously thought to be exclusive to the microscopic world, they can now be observed using this quantum analog system (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIyTZDHuarQ ). This computer-based project involves the analysis of bouncing droplets’ motion using coding and/or a tracking software.

1. Modelling Dark Matter density distribution in galaxy rotation curves
   The student will investigate how the observed rotation of stars around the centre of a galaxy gives evidence for the existence of Dark Matter.

Prof. Stewart Boogert / Accelerator Physics and Particle Physics

1. Simulation of proton and ion cancer therapy particle accelerators

1. Quantum time evolution and thermalisation in a single quantum spin-1/2 coupled to a larger quantum bath
   This is a theoretical project involving mainly computer simulation of a small number of spin-1/2’s coupled with neighbours via an exchange coupling. The questions to be addressed can involve one or more of: what conditions are needed for some particular initial state to achieve thermalisation in this quantum system + bath set up? What is the timescale and form of the relaxation to equilibrium? If the system does not relax to equilibrium to eg. A Boltzmann distribution, what does it do? The project builds on material from Quantum mechanics (especially spin-1/2), PH2610 Classical and Statistical Thermodynamics. Some exposure to one of Mathematica, Python, C++, etc is expected. Reference: Genway et al., Physical Review Letters 105, 260402 (2010); Physical Review Letters 111, 130408 (2013).
2. Epidemic modelling via the physics of the kinetics of Crystallization
   In non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, it is well known that quite different phenomenon like forest fires, epidemic spreading, and crystallization, etc can have surprisingly similar modelling in terms of coupled differential equations of "particles" or "agents". In this computational project, we will try to see if Covid-19 infection in various countries (at least for the first wave) could be modelled using some simple physical models. Prerequisites: some exposure to one of Mathematica, Python, C++, etc.

List of PH3110 BSc Projects on offer in 2021/22

1. Search for New Physics using the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider
   Learn how to identify known particles in the ATLAS detector and then investigate beyond the Standard Model particles/physics (such as new Z' bosons or gravitons) from studying their decay products (particles). This project involves writing code in C++/Python. Prior knowledge of C++/Python is useful, but not required.

Dr Stephen Gibson - Accelerator Physics

1. Quantum dynamics of interacting fermions
   This project aims at simulating numerically the quantum dynamics of a system of strongly interacting fermions, in order to study the new dynamical states of matter which have been observed in recent experiments. The project is both theoretical and computer based. The student will become familiar with the numerical technique of exact diagonalization and matrix manipulation in python.

1. Extreme sensitivity motion detection system for a Cavendish-type gravity measurement: can we learn something from LIGO?

1. 1D Ballistic Wires
   Model the electrical and thermal transport properties of a one-dimensional ballistic device, starting from the transmission probability T(E) and Fermi functions which are functions of energy and temperature. Python will be used to numerically calculate the electrical conductance, thermopower, and thermal conductance, from the integrals described in van Houten et al. [Semicond. Sci. Technol. 7, B215 (1992)]. This project builds on material in 2nd year Solid State Physics.
2. Resistance of a Two-Dimensional Electron Gas
   Solve Laplace's equations subject to the appropriate boundary conditions, to visualise the current flow and calculate the resistance of an arbitrarily shaped 2D conductor with Ohmic contacts on its perimeter. Simulations will be performed using MATLAB, which is a standard programming package (College has a license), and will be applicable to experimental studies of 2D electron gases in semiconductors and graphene. This project builds on material introduced in 2nd year Electromagnetism and Solid State Physics.

1. Simulation of neutron diffraction of magnetic materials
   Projects will involve application of available software to specific problems and coding of new simulation tools. Simulations will be compared to neutron diffraction data of metallic systems with relevance to magnetic quantum criticality and magnetically mediated superconductivity.
2. Simulation of inelastic neutron scattering of magnetic materials
   Projects will involve application of available software to specific problems and coding of new simulation tools. Simulations will be compared to inelastic neutron scattering data of metallic systems near magnetic quantum phase transitions with relevance to critical phenomena and magnetically mediated superconductivity.

1. Time evolution of quantum-mechanical wave packets in 1D
   The aim of this project is to write a computer program that calculates the time-evolution of a quantum-mechanical particle in one dimension, for different choices of potential. The student will use wave packets to describe a non-relativistic particle of non-zero mass m and momentum p. The program will be used to prepare snapshots of the probability density for the particle, as a function of time. Using the program the student will then demonstrate some of the following: dispersion of the wave packet, scattering at a potential step, tunnelling through a barrier, etc. This project builds on material from the 2nd year Quantum Mechanics course.

Prof. Stephen Gibson - Accelerator Physics

Below is the list of BSc projects on offer for supervision in academic year 20/21. Each of the items (A, B, C, ...) listed under each name is a separate project.

List of PH3110 BSc Projects on offer in 2020/21

Prof. Vladimir Antonov - Nanophysics

Prof. Oleg Astafiev - Nanophysics

Prof. Veronique Boisvert - Particle Physics and Climate Science

1. Studies related with the top quark using the ATLAS detector and simulated data
   Investigation into aspects of top quark physics involving writing code in C++. Prior experience in C++ is not necessary, PH2150 is sufficient.
2. Studies related with Climate Science
   Investigation into aspects of climate science, focusing on climate change. This is a computing-based project (PH2150 is sufficient). This project is only available to students registered on (or officially auditing) PH3040.

Dr Andrew Casey - Condensed Matter / Low Temperature Physics

1. Condensed Matter / Low Temperature Physics

Prof. Glen Cowan - Astrophysics Projects – Reserved for BSc Astrophysics students

1. Photometry of the White Dwarf 40 Eri B
   The project will include:
   • Observation of the 40 Eridani system with RVB filters.
   • Characterization of the telescope and CCD camera, Statistical model of CCD output, Student's t model of Point Spread Function.
   • Photometry of the White Dwarf 40 Eridani B (and companions A and C).
   • Interpretation of measurements, including estimate of WD's temperature, luminosity, radius.
2. Measurement of Hertzsprung-Russell diagram for open clusters
   The project will include:
   • Observation of an open cluster with RBV filters.
   • Algorithm for background estimation and star finding.
   • Photometry using either aperture method or PSF fit.
   • Interpretation of the HR diagram (cluster age, main-sequence slope).

Prof. Jon Goff - Condensed Matter Physics

1. Sodium-ion battery materials
   The introduction of electric vehicles and renewable sources of energy has led to increased demand for batteries, and sodium is under consideration as a replacement for lithium. This project investigates how sodium ordering affects electrochemical performance. X-ray diffraction experiments will be performed (if possible) and computer simulations will also be performed to model the data.
2. Disorder-induced quantum spin liquids
   It has recently been proposed that structural disorder can be used induce long-range quantum entanglement. Structural diffuse neutron scattering has been observed from such a candidate quantum spin liquid. This is a theoretical project, and the aim is to understand the defect structures from the diffuse scattering data using computer simulations.

Prof. David Heyes - Molecular Dynamics, Computational Physics

1. Thermalisation in small quantum systems
   This is a theoretical project involving numerical computation and some analytical calculation. The question is this: when a small quantum system is coupled to a larger quantum system, how does the small quantum system thermalise (or not!) after an initial perturbation that takes the system far from equilibrium? As the project involves tools, concepts from statistical physics, quantum mechanics and numerical simulations, you need to be comfortable and proficient in all these. Reference: Genway et al., Physical Review Letters 105, 260402 (2010); Physical Review Letters 111, 130408 (2013).
2. Many-body Localisation
   Also a theoretical project involving numerical computation. Recent theoretical (and maybe also experimental) research has uncovered a class of quantum many-body systems where a system can never relax to thermal equilibrium: this involves a competition between disorder and strong interaction between the quantum particles. A key question is this: as we change the strength of the interaction, how does the system go from thermalising, to non-thermalising (said to be Many-body Localised)? Again the project involves tools, concepts from statistical physics, quantum mechanics and numerical simulations, so you need to be comfortable and proficient in all these. Reference: Nandkishore Annu. Rev. Condens. Matter Phys. 6:15-38 (2015).

Dr Nikolas Kauer - Theoretical Particle Physics

1. Higgs Boson Decay: Phenomenology and Theory
   This project explores the phenomenological and theoretical structure of Higgs boson decays in the Standard Model (SM). The project requires very good mathematical and programming skills and the ability to carry out basic Feynman diagram calculations. In the phenomenology part of the project you will study the dependence of the partial decay widths and total decay width of the SM Higgs boson on its mass, and analyse the corresponding branching ratios. In the theory part of the project, you will get experience with making theoretical predictions for partial Higgs decay widths. More specifically, you will derive the formulae for the H --> W- W+ and H --> fermion anti-fermion decay modes. Time permitting the scope of the project can be expanded.

Prof. Philip Meeson - Quantum Devices/Low Temperature Physics

1. Exploring the stability cone of a driven mechanical oscillator (as an analogue of non-linear effects in superconducting resonators)
   (see, e.g. https://youtu.be/5oGYCxkgnHQ)

1. Developing vector calculus visualisation tools, python for div, grad, curl, the Helmholtz decomposition theorem, and all that

Prof. Jocelyn Monroe - Particle Physics / Particle Astrophysics

1. Measurement of Lead in Drinking Water using Particle Astrophysics Technology
   This is a project with the Dark Matter Research group, focused on some of the instrumentation and methods used in dark matter search experiments. The project is lab-based, and will involve measurements of trace levels of radioactivity from lead in the RHUL Dark Matter Lab. There is more information about the project here: http://www.plombox.org/
2. Simulation of the DarkSide-50 Dark Matter Search Experiment
   This is a project with the Dark Matter Research group, focused on some of the simulation tools and methods used in dark matter search experiments. The project is computer-based, and will involve simulating dark matter interaction signals in the DarkSide-50 dark matter experiment.

Prof. John Saunders - Condensed Matter / Low Temperature Physics

Dr Giovanni Sordi - Condensed Matter Theory, Computational Physics

1. The Ising model: a gateway to phase transitions and critical phenomena
   This is a project in theoretical and computational physics. The Ising model is the archetype of systems that exhibit a phase transition and has inspired generations of physicists. This theory project approaches the statistical mechanics and computational physics of the Ising model. This project requires a good understanding of statistical mechanics, and enthusiasm for mathematics and computation. Attending PH3210, PH3710, and a C++ course is strongly recommended.
2. Numerical study of percolation on a square lattice
   This is a computational physics project. Percolation is a central problem in statistical mechanics. This computational project explores numerical algorithms (Hoshen-Kopelman, Newman-Ziff) for studying site percolation on a square lattice. This is a challenging project, requiring a good understanding of statistical mechanics, and strong enthusiasm for mathematics and computation. Attending PH3210, PH3710, and a C++ course is strongly recommended.

Prof. Pedro Teixeira-Dias - Particle Physics, Computational Physics

1. 1D Ballistic Wires
   Measure or model the electrical and thermal transport properties of a one dimensional device.
2. Resistance of a Two-Dimensional Electron Gas
   Solve Laplace’s equations subject to boundary conditions to find how the currect flows in different geometries. Needs Python and/or FlexPDE.

Dr Philipp Niklowitz - Condensed Matter Physics

1. Simulation of neutron scattering of magnetic materials
   Projects will involve application of available software to specific problems and coding of new simulation tools. Simulations will be compared to neutron scattering data of metallic systems near magnetic quantum phase transitions with relevance to critical phenomena and magnetically mediated superconductivity.

1. Simultaneous charge and light gain measurements with a TPC prototype
   This is a project with the Dark Matter Research group, focused on some of the instrumentation and methods used in dark matter search experiments. The project is lab-based, and will involve measurements with a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) in the RHUL Dark Matter Lab. (A TPC is a large-volume gas detector used to detect and track charged particles in 3D.)

1. Molecular Dynamics Simulation and transport coefficients of liquids
   For over 50 years the computer simulation technique of Molecular Dynamics (MD) has proved an invaluable tool in understanding liquids and solids. MD acts as a bridge between theory and experiment, and shares some characteristics of the two approaches. The MD method involves solving Newton's equations of motion of a group of interacting model molecules by a time stepping procedure. This project will involve writing an MD program in either Python or C++ to simulate a simple liquid. The code you will write will be used to compute a range of important physical properties. These will include the self-diffusion coefficient of the molecules and possibly other transport coefficients. Computer programming and problem solving skills will be developed. Aspects of the statistical mechanics of liquids will be learned.
2. Molecular Dynamics Simulation of confined liquids
   There are many situations in nature and technology where a liquid is confined by walls (e.g., synovial fluid in body joints, and lubricants between bearings in engines). The physical properties of confined liquids can be quite different to those in the bulk. Liquids can be modelled using what are called 'particle based' computer simulation techniques, which treat the liquid at the individual molecule level. Many interacting molecules are considered in the simulation. For example, the technique of 'Molecular Dynamics' (MD) follows the trajectories of the individual molecules by solving Newton's equations of motion for their (coupled) trajectories. The project will involve writing an MD computer simulation code in either Python or C++. Some basic properties of liquids confined between walls, such as the density profile in the gap, will be calculated. Computer programming and problem solving skills will be developed. Aspects of the statistical mechanics of liquids in the bulk and in confinement will be learned.

Dr Xavier Rojas - Condensed Matter / Low Temperature Physics

1. Hydrodynamic Quantum Analogy
   A recent discovery shows that a droplet bouncing at the surface of a vibrating fluid bath could interact with its own wave field in such a way that it exhibits quantum-like behaviour. While these features were previously thought to be exclusive to the microscopic world, they can now be observed using this quantum analog system (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIyTZDHuarQ ). The project will involve building a low-cost apparatus to realise this experiment and find the regime of parameters where quantum-like features can be observed. The student will learn problem solving and data analysis skills.

List of PH3110 BSc Projects on offer in 2019/20

Dr Vladimir Antonov - Nanophysics

1. Physics and Technology Related to Terahertz Spectroscopy and the Refractive Index of Teflon
2. The Operation of a Single Electron Transistor

Prof Oleg Astafiev - Nanophysics

1. Superconducting Artificial Atoms

Dr Tracey Berry - Particle Physics

1. Search for New Physics using the ATLAS detector
   Learn how to identify known particles in the ATLAS detector and then investigate beyond the Standard Model particles/physics (such as new Z' bosons or gravitons) from studying their decay products (particles). This project involves writing code in C++.

Dr Veronique Boisvert - Particle Physics

1. Studies related with the top quark using the ATLAS detector and simulated data
   Investigation into aspects of top quark physics involving writing code in C++.

Prof Stewart Boogert/Prof Glen Cowan/Dr Daniel Bedingham - Astrophysics Projects – Preference given to Astrophysics Students

1. Optimising imaging with the RHUL 12-inch telescope
   Taking detailed images of astronomical objects like stellar clusters, nebula and galaxies requires careful optimisation of the RHUL 12-inch telescope. This includes measurement of the telescope tracking drift, smallest best achievable focus, focus with different filters and flat fielding. The ultimate aim of this project is to determine the limiting factors to taking the best possible images with the RHUL teaching scope. There is possibility to develop new measurements and data analysis in Python as well as astronomical observations.
2. Solar Limb darkening and spectra
   The Sun is the only star which can be studied in detail. A feature of the Sun which has been long known is that it is darker at the perimeter compared to the centre. By measuring the variation in the brightness of the Sun across it’s diameter it is possible to measure the temperature of the Sun as a function of optical depth. The temperature and other properties of the Sun can be determined from taking spectra of Hydrogen lines. This requires coupling a spectrometer to the telescope and fitting Gaussian and Lorentzian line profiles. Students will develop image analysis in python and least squares fitting of functions in Python.
3. Lunar and planetary imaging
   The moon and planets are bright objects to image within the solar system. The main obstacle to capturing clear images of the moon and planets is distortion by the atmosphere. This distortion can be measured by taking a rapid sequence (at 10 to 100 Hz) of photographs and performing a 2-dimensional Fourier transform and selecting and adding only the sharpest images. Measurements can be taken with a mobile telescope away from the heat of Tolansky Laboratory and other buildings on campus. You will develop video processing and analysis codes in Python and the ultimate aim is to take the best possible image of a planet. A possible extension would be the measurement of planetary spectra.

Dr Stephen Gibson - Accelerator Physics

1. Simulations of laser particle beam interactions for medical and other applications
   Non-invasive laserwire diagnostics to measure the properties of relativistic particle beams have been developed in recent years at the John Adams Institute for Accelerator Science at Royal Holloway, and demonstrated at Linac4, the new injector for the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. Software tools have been developed to simulate the interaction of the laser with the hydrogen ion beam and calculate the yield of neutralised particles. This project will extend the existing simulations to study novel diagnostics methods and/or the possibility of using a laser to generate and control a particle beam for medical and other applications. Some experience in python / C++ code would be useful and / or would be gained throughout the project.

Prof David Heyes

1. Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics study of Bounded liquids
   Liquids can be modelled using what are called 'particle based' computer simulation techniques, which treat the liquid at the individual molecule level. Many interacting molecules are considered in the simulation. For example, the technique of 'Molecular Dynamics' (MD) follows the trajectories of the individual molecules by solving Newton's equations of motion for their (coupled) trajectories. A more recent closely related technique is 'Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics' (SPH) which is technically very similar to MD but represents macroscopic regions of the liquid as pseudo molecules. The project will involve writing an MD/SPH computer simulation code in C++. The specific application will be to study hydrodynamic flow behaviour of liquids flowing near a solid wall. A deep understanding of MD and SPH, and fluid hydrodynamics will be obtained in this project. Computer programming skills will be developed. Problem solving skills will be learnt.
2. Equations of state of small molecule fluids
   The objective of this project is to develop new equations of state of simple fluids building on the famous van der Waals equation of state, and more recent extensions of it. This will involve some not too demanding computing and mathematics, and plotting of data. The project will involve deriving formulae for the effective partition function for each equation of state. This can be used to derive analytic formulae for a number of thermodynamic properties, such as internal energy and heat capacity at constant volume and pressure. Comparisons between different equations of state will be made. Problem solving skills will be learnt.
3. Second virial coefficients of simple fluids
   The ideal gas equation of state is well known. The second virial coefficient is an additional term added on to this which captures the effect of intermolecular interactions on the pressure, making the equation of state unique to each type of molecule. This project will involve deriving formulae for the second virial coefficient for some interaction potentials, and exploring its properties. In particular some interactions used to represent the effective interactions between colloidal and polymer molecules in solution will be investigated. This work will involve some not too demanding mathematics, computation and plotting of data. Problem solving skills will be learnt.
4. The isotropic-nematic transition of long thin rods
   Molecules or particles which are long and thin exist in nature (e.g., tobacco virus and nanocellulose crystals in solution). The length to diameter ratio can exceed 100. Onsager in 1949 derived dome simple yet accurate formulae which predict the density of the long rods where they go from being randomly orientated to all lining up parallel to each other. The latter is a liquid crystal phase, called the 'nematic' phase. Some extensions and applications of this theory will be investigated in this project. This project will involve some not too demanding mathematics, data analysis and plotting of results. Problem solving skills will be learnt.

Dr Andrew Ho - Condensed Matter Theory

1. Non-equilibrium dynamics and thermalisation in simple quantum systems

Dr Gregoire Ithier - Condensed Matter Quantum Devices

1. Simulating a Josephson Bifurcation Amplifier

Dr Pavel Karataev - Particle Physics

1. Advanced simulations of electromagnetic processes in condensed media at ultra-relativistic energies
2. Design and experimental test of efficient electromagnetic materials (complex structures and metamaterials) for applications in charged particle accelerators
3. Development of a miniature pyroelectric accelerator

Dr Asher Kaboth - Particle Physics

1. An investigation into producing a uniform image with a CCD camera using an LED calibrator

Dr Chris Lusher - Low temperature Physics

1. Earth’s Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
   The student will learns the principles of Nuclear Magnetic resonance (NMR) and study a variety of materials using an Earth’s Field NMR Spectrometer. Initial measurements will be concerned with improving the resolution and data acquisition associated with the spectrometer, with a view to observing signals from the phosphorus nuclei in phosphoric acid and doing simple imaging experiments with water phantoms.

Prof Philip Meeson - Quantum Devices/Low Temperature Physics

Possible projects include:

1. Extreme sensitivity motion detection system for a Cavendish-type gravity measurement, can we learn something from LIGO?
2. Exploring the stability cone of a driven mechanical oscillator (as an analogue of non-linear effects in superconducting resonators)
   (see, e.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is_ejYsvAjY)
3. A precision measurement system for gyroscopic motion, analysing the effects of precession, nutation, asymmetry and loss

All projects will require experimental design, construction (with the help of our technical staff), data acquisition, modelling and python data analysis.

Prof Jocelyn Monroe - Particle Physics / Particle Astrophysics

1. Particle Physics / Particle Astrophysics

Dr James Nicholls - Nanophysics

1. 1D Ballistic Wires
   Measure or model the electrical and thermal transport properties of a one dimensional device.
2. Resistance of a Two-Dimensional Electron Gas
   Solve Laplace’s equations subject to boundary conditions to find how the currect flows in different geometries. Needs Python and/or FlexPDE.

Dr Philipp Niklowitz - Low Temperature Physics

1. Thermodynamic properties of weakly magnetic metals
   You will investigate the thermodynamic properties from room temperature to low temperatures of a weakly magnetic metal, in which the interactions between electrons can lead to deviations from normal metallic behaviour.
2. Electrical transport properties of metals at the border of a quantum phase transition
   In this project, you will use resistivity measurements of metals close to a quantum phase transition, a phase transition at low temperatures. You will measure the temperature and magnetic-field dependence in order to investigate excitations characteristic for quantum phase transitions.

Prof Keith Refson - Theory of Condensed Matter

1. Investigation into the effects of a rogue body on the stability of the Solar System using 2-Dimensional n-body simulations
   Stability of the solar system using N-body computer simulation.
2. Crystal structures and properties of Li- and Na- battery anode materials by atomistic computer simulation

Computer coding skills are a pre-requisite for both projects.

Prof John Saunders - Condensed Matter / Low Temperature Physics

1. Condensed Matter / Low Temperature Physics

Dr Giovanni Sordi - Theory of Condensed Matter

1. The Ising model: a gateway to phase transitions and critical phenomena
   The Ising model is the archetype of systems that exhibit a phase transition and has inspired generations of physicists. This theory project approaches the statistical mechanics and computational physics of the Ising model. This project requires a good understanding of statistical mechanics, and enthusiasm for mathematics and computation. Attending PH3210 and PH3710 is strongly recommended.

Prof Pedro Teixeira-Dias - Particle Physics

1. Time evolution of quantum-mechanical wave packets in 1D
   The aim of this project is to write a computer program that calculates the time-evolution of a quantum-mechanical particle in one dimension, for different choices of potential. The student will use wave packets to describe a non-relativistic particle of non-zero mass m and momentum p. The program will be used to prepare plots of the probability density for the particle, as a function of time. Using the program the student will then demonstrate some of the following: dispersion of the wave packet, scattering at a potential step, tunnelling through a barrier, etc.
2. Numerical simulation of a fission chain reaction in a nuclear pile
   The aim of this project is to write a computer program to implement a numerical simulation of a fission chain reaction in a 2D nuclear pile. A real nuclear pile -- in order to be able to sustain a nuclear chain reaction with a steady release of energy -- must include different components: fissionable fuel, a neutron moderating material, and "control rods" for neutron absorption. A basic output of the program will be the energy released as a function of time. Once the program has been written the student will be able to use it as a tool to investigate: what are the conditions required for achieving a steady-state energy release; how the dimensions of the pile affect its energy output; how the density, or geometric configuration, of the pile components affects the performance of the pile, etc.

Computer programming skills are a pre-requisite for both projects.

Dr Stephen West - Theoretical Particle Physics

1. General Relativity: Particle Motion Near Black Holes
2. Astro-Particle Physics: Dark Matter Model Building

-- Pedro Teixeira Dias - 04 Jun 2019