[UK] Three PhD Studentships in Solar System Physics – Aberystwyth University
Three PhD Studentships in Solar System Physics
Institute of Mathematics and Physics
Aberystwyth University
Project 1) Global Maps of Lunar Elemental Abundances
The C1XS X-ray spectrometer on the Indian Chandrayaan Lunar Mission, due to launch in spring 2008 will provide a hitherto unavailable set of measurements of the surface abundances of Lunar rock forming elements. Aberystwyth as PI institute will play a leading role in data analysis. The first requirement is for global maps. These will form the basis of all subsequent scientific analysis. Key questions involve the distribution of Magnesium as a diagnostic of Lunar magma ocean formation, and the investigation of impact basin floor composition as a probe of deeper Lunar composition. The potential for remote sensing of other constituents such as Sodium and Aluminium can also open new areas. It is envisaged that a studentship dedicated to work on production and interpretation of these maps will provide a unique training and for a basis for a career both in space exploration and in Lunar and Planetary science, both areas where the UK offers expanding prospects.
Project 2) The Martian Radiation environment
Following an initial successful ‘Space Weather at Mars’ proposal led by Prof. Manuel Grande, the group is involved with the ESA Pasteur environmental package IRAS, led by DLR Cologne. The thin atmosphere of Mars (~1% of Earth) means that the surface is much more exposed to galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic particles than Earth, with obvious implications for both for the possibility of indigenous life and for survivability of future human and robotic explorers. The student will work on improve models of the Martian surface radiation environment. The work is highly complementary to the work Prof. Geoff Duller in the Institute of Geography & Earth Sciences (IGES) at Aberystwyth. It turns out that the characterisation of the radiation environment is the principal uncertainty in his work developing luminescent dating techniques for the Martian surface.
Project 3) Quantum Feedback Control
Quantum Control is an emergent interdisciplinary area of research involving elements of Mathematics, Physics and Engineering. The mathematical description of open quantum systems, quantum noise and measurement is a necessary step in developing a rigorous approach to understanding and modelling quantum control systems, just as classical methods have been successfully employed in the past.
This project involves the applications of the recently developed theory of quantum feedback networks to specific models. Such systems occur in quantum optics and are currently of interest to theoretical and experimental physicists. The project will investigate a more general theory of input-output systems extending currently results to include non-vacuum state inputs, for instance looking at inputs that include a drift term acting as control signal, thermal states, squeezed states, etc. The project will extend existing control techniques to the quantum domain.
Funding applies to: EU applicants (including UK)
Contacts and how to apply
Academic contact:
Projects 1 and 2:
For Further Details:
Prof. Manuel Grande
Head, Solar System Physics,
Institute of Mathematics and Physics
Aberystwyth University
Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3BZ, Wales
Phone: (44)1970 622624, Fax: (44)1970 622826,
Email M.Grande@aber.ac.uk
and
Project 3:
Prof John Gough
Institute of Mathematics and Physics
Aberystwyth University
Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3BZ, Wales
JUG@aber.ac.uk
Administrative contact and how to apply:
Application Forms available from: http://www.aber.ac.uk/pga/web/apply.htm
For more information on postgraduate study in the Institute of Mathematics and Physics, please visit our web page at:
http://www.aber.ac.uk/maps/en/postgraduates.php
Application deadline: 20 July 2008
