Nuclear Physics

Radiation portal monitors provide safety screening where the tracking of radioactive material is required. These monitors are required to maintain their performance over long deployment periods and so their performance following exposure to the environment is a key metric for the suitability of new systems. The student will lead a study on the degradation of pulse-shape discrimination (PSD) performance for potential scintillator-based detection systems over a lifetime of exposure. They will construct devices using appropriate materials before exposing them to environments intended to simulate a lifetime of exposure, such as temperature cycling in a thermal chamber. Alongside experts in radiation detection, the student will then perform a quantitative analysis of any degradation in performance and the impact of exposures to the anticipated lifetime of a device. 

Skills in data analysis, scientific communication, radiation detection and measurement will be developed over the course of the studentship. This scholarship will also facilitate opportunities for the student to present their findings at national and international conferences, as well as participate in educational summer schools and workshops.

Open to citizens of the UK, EU or NATO member states. UK nationals are preferred.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our Physics PhD programme.