Theoretical Nuclear Physics Industrial Studentship

Nuclear Data are required inputs for a wide range of scientific calculations for industry. A special class of such data are nuclear reactions induced by neutrons, needed, for example, for radiation protection. Many isotopes synthesised in radiation environments have very short lifetimes, and their interaction with neutrons, which also live about 10 minutes only, cannot be studied experimentally, calling for help from nuclear theory. 

The proposed PhD project will explore a theory-assisted indirect method of “measuring”  neutron-induced reactions on short-lived isotopes, called  "surrogate reaction method" . It has been a very active research area since the early 2000s, led mainly by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in the USA with contributions from other labs, including AWE in the UK.

The proposed theoretical developments would be in the improved quantum-mechanical treatment of the (p,t) reaction through introducing better interactions and reaction mechanisms. The success of the project would also benefit research applications well beyond the surrogate reaction model, for example, in nuclear astrophysics.

This PhD project will be funded by AWE and an AWE Industrial Supervisor will be closely involved in the study. Extensive interactions with both AWE and LLNL researchers are anticipated in comparing the predictions to experimental surrogate reaction data supplied by the LLNL. It is also planned that the student will spend significant time visiting LLNL as part of the project, giving an opportunity to make long-lasting links to research institutions and to become visible for future employers. The project results will be presented at national and international conferences.

Given a resurgence in the field of nuclear reaction theory in the UK and ongoing need for industrial reaction data, this project is likely to provide an excellent springboard into a career in the nuclear field (in the UK or elsewhere).

Open to UK nationals only.

Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper-second class degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower second plus a good Master’s degree (distinction normally required). 

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