We perform experiments on superfluids and other materials with applications in areas such as nanoelectronics, cosmology and turbulence.
The group has a strong international reputation for performing state-of-the-art experiments at the lowest achievable temperatures. Our custom made dilution refrigerators, built in-house, achieve world-record low temperatures. We have pioneered several innovative approaches, including:
'Lancaster-style' demagnetisation stages to cool superfluid helium-3 to record low temperatures
'heat-flush' procedures to produce highly purified helium-4
ion transport measurement methods for quantum fluids
novel NMR systems
various mechanical oscillator techniques which provide extremely sensitive thermometry and bolometry at microkelvin temperatures
We are well known for providing these sub-millikelvin low temperature environments with advanced in-house cryogenic engineering, and for our accompanying expertise in ultra-sensitive measurement techniques and the development of specialised instrumentation.
Creating, controlling and exploiting the ultra-low temperature environment has proven crucial for the research and development of quantum-enhanced devices. Our platform technology provides the extreme cold and isolation necessary to probe the subtle quantum behaviours that are otherwise hidden by thermal fluctuations or external disturbance.
We have a broad research portfolio in low temperature physics and specialise in quantum fluids and solids research. We have performed ground-breaking analysis on numerous topics, including
superfluid analogues of cosmological processes
ion and vortex ring dynamics
ballistic quasiparticle beams
exotic superfluid spin phenomena
superfluid phase nucleation
phase boundary dynamics
wave turbulence
quantum turbulence
Key Research
Cooling and sensitive measurement techniques
Quantum fluids and solids
Superfluid 3He
Superfluid 4He
Properties of materials at ultra-low temperatures
MEMS and NEMS devices at low temperatures
Extremely cold devices and associated quantum technologies
The ability to cool materials to millikelvin temperatures has been the foundation of many breakthroughs in condensed matter physics. At this frontier, quantum behaviour can be studied by making devices smaller and colder, increasing coherence across the system. The goal of this project is to apply a new technique – on-chip demagnetisation refrigeration – to reach temperatures below 1 millikelvin in electronic devices and materials. This will open a new temperature range for the development of quantum technologies.
In the sub-millikelvin regime, it becomes increasingly difficult to measure and define the temperature of a material or device. The thermal coupling between various sub-systems can be extremely small; for example, the electrons in the metal wires contacting a chip can be at a different temperature to the electrons in the chip, the phonons in the chip, and the apparatus that you are using to cool it. This situation calls for a variety of thermometry techniques, each suited to measuring the temperature of a different physical system. The thermometers must also have extremely low heat dissipation and excellent isolation from the room temperature environment. This project will also include the development of new and existing thermometry techniques that are suitable for sub-millikelvin temperatures.
Devices will be produced in the Lancaster Quantum Technology Centre cleanroom, and by our collaborators. Experiments will be conducted using the cutting-edge facilities of the Ultralow Temperature Physics group and IsoLab at Lancaster University.
Candidates would benefit from an interest in and knowledge of some of these areas:
electrical measurements of quantum devices, e.g. semiconductor quantum dots, superconducting qubits, 2D-material-based devices,
cryogenic techniques,
nanofabrication,
data acquisition and measurement automation.
Related publications:
Ridgard et al., Journal of Applied Physics 137, 245901 (2025)
Autti et al., Physical Review Letters 131, 077001 (2023)
Samani et al., Physical Review Research 4, 033225 (2022)
Chawner et al., Physical Review Applied 15, 034044 (2021)
Jones et al., Journal of Low Temperature Physics 201, p772 (2020)
Funding is available on a competitive basis. To be considered for a funded studentship, please submit your application by 31 January 2026.
Supervisor
Professor Yuri Pashkin
Description
We are seeking PhD students to study electron transport in nanoscale electronic devices based on two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). TMDCs exhibit a unique combination of atomic-scale thickness, direct bandgap, strong spin–orbit coupling and favourable electronic and mechanical properties, which make them interesting for fundamental studies and for applications in high-end electronics, spintronics, etc. Because of its robustness, MoS2 is the most studied material in this family which holds the promise of delivering new rich physics and applications in low-power electronics.
The project will focus on charge transport measurements in nanoscale MoS2-based field-effect transistors and devices with the aim to understand
The work is experimental and involves device characterisation at mK temperatures in a dilution refrigerator. The project will be undertaken in close collaboration with Tyndall National Institute – Cork, the research centre with strong expertise in nanofabrication, including fabrication of TMDC-based devices.
You are expected to have a strong interest and preferably knowledge in the field of
nanoelectronic devices
quantum physics
low-noise measurements
microwave engineering
automation of the experiment
data acquisition using Python or MatLab
cryogenic techniques
The rapid progress of the field of TMDCs is reflected in the large number of scientists working on these materials and in the large number of publications. However, the field is in many ways still in its infancy stage, which promise many more exciting discoveries and real-world applications.
Supervisor
Professor Yuri Pashkin
Description
We are seeking PhD students to develop and characterise quantum electronic devices for the dark matter search experiments. This project will be part of the joint interdisciplinary effort undertaken by academics from several UK universities and researchers from the National Physical Laboratory aimed at running and improving the haloscope launched at the University of Sheffield. The haloscope was built in Phase 1 of the National Programme “Quantum Technologies for Fundamental Physics” supported by STFC, and is the only UK facility of this type. The focus will be on superconducting parametric amplifiers operating at mK temperatures as the first amplification stage in the detection chain of the haloscope, but the work may include characterisation of high-quality factor cavities and other microwave components as part of the measurement setup.
The work is experimental and involves device characterisation at mK temperatures in a dilution refrigerator. The project will be undertaken in the Lancaster Quantum Technology Centre in close collaboration with the members of the consortium.
You are expected to have a strong interest and preferably knowledge in the field of
superconducting devices;
quantum physics;
low-noise measurements;
microwave engineering;
automation of the experiment, data acquisition and analysis using Python or MatLab;
cryogenic techniques.
As the efforts for the dark matter search in the past decade have been intensified worldwide, the whole field is experiencing rapid growth which is reflected in the growing number of scientists working in this field as well as increasing number of publications. The sensing technologies developed within this project may lead to exciting discoveries and applications in other sectors.
Supervisor
Dr Dmitry Zmeev
Description
Recently, we have developed a new type of levitating probes: superconducting spheres whose motion can be controlled with high precision.
These probes open up several pathways for exploring a variety of fundamental and applied problems in physics.
Firstly, the exceptional coherence time of the levitated oscillators, greater than 24 hours, combined with an ultracold sub-millikelvin environment creates a unique platform for probing the boundary between quantum and classical physics. This allows us to experimentally address one of the most profound questions in modern physics: “How does the quantum description of reality transition into the classical world?”
Secondly, the probes can be controllably moved over large distances and at high velocities, enabling the study of dynamic processes in quantum fluids. This capability opens new avenues for investigating the formation and evolution of topological defects, such as quantum vortices, and the emergence of quantum turbulence in both 2D and 3D fermionic and bosonic superfluids. These phenomena are central to understanding superfluidity and non-equilibrium quantum systems.
Thirdly, a probe of an arbitrary shape moving in a low-viscosity fluid at a high speed presents an opportunity to study highly turbulent flows relevant to airplanes and cars on a moderate scale and much-reduced costs compared to wind tunnels. This capability also presents an opportunity to answer the question “Is flight possible in a superfluid?”.
Scientific Environment
We perform experiments on superfluids and other materials with applications in areas such as nanoelectronics, cosmology and turbulence.
The group has a strong international reputation for performing state-of-the-art experiments at the lowest achievable temperatures. Our custom-made dilution refrigerators, built in-house, achieve world-record low temperatures.
We are well known for providing these sub-millikelvin low temperature environments with advanced in-house cryogenic engineering, and for our accompanying expertise in ultra-sensitive measurement techniques and the development of specialised instrumentation.
Creating, controlling and exploiting the ultra-low temperature environment has proven crucial for the research and development of quantum-enhanced devices. Our platform technology provides the extreme cold and isolation necessary to probe the subtle quantum behaviours that are otherwise hidden by thermal fluctuations or external disturbance.
We have a broad research portfolio in low temperature physics and specialise in quantum fluids and solids research.
How to apply
We will consider applications from candidates with an excellent academic record in Physics, Engineering, or a closely related subject at the MSc. level or equivalent.
This studentship is open until filled. Early application is strongly encouraged. PhD provisional start date is October 2026. Please contact D Zmeev to discuss the opportunities
Supervisor
Prof Edward Laird
Description
As we make moving objects that are smaller and smaller, eventually we start to see the effects of quantum mechanics. We are pursuing the limits of this approach, by making tiny mechanical resonators. Our devices of choice are carbon nanotubes (which vibrate like tiny guitar strings) and graphene sheets (which vibrate like tiny drums). We can detect miniscule vibrations and use them to learn about how quantum effects, such as electron tunnelling, affect their behaviour.
We are particularly interested in studying quantum non-linear behaviour. To do this, we use the technique of optomechanics, in which a mechanical resonator is measured by observing its effect on an electrical cavity. We seek to detect a predicted effect called quadratic optomechanical coupling, which is needed for mechanical quantum computing but has so far been out of reach. Carbon nanotubes and graphene are the most promising materials for these experiments, because their very low mass makes quantum effects particularly pronounced.
You will fabricate suitable devices using our cleanroom and measure them in our dilution refrigerators using our advanced suite of electronic instruments. We seek highly motivated graduates in physics or related fields with curiosity, grit, and a passion for making new discoveries through experiment.
As part of this project, you will receive a thorough training, supported by state-of-the art equipment, in quantum electronics, low-temperature physics, nanofabrication, and scientific communication.
Atomic clocks are the most precise scientific instruments ever made, and are key to advanced technologies for navigation, communication, and radar. The most accurate atomic clocks cost millions of pounds and take up entire rooms, but some of the fastest development is at the other extreme: miniature atomic clocks for portable electronics. The need for these clocks has never been greater: a temporary loss of the time standard distributed by GPS, which could happen following a solar storm or deliberate jamming, is estimated as over a billion pounds per day.
We are developing a new type of clock that could fit on a chip. Present-day atomic clocks are based on atomic vapours confined in a vacuum chamber. Our new approach is to use electron and nuclear spins in endohedral fullerene molecules – nature’s atom traps – whose energy levels offer an exquisitely stable frequency reference. To make this novel approach work, we must overcome a range of physics and engineering challenges, including detecting spin resonance from a small number of spins, understanding the physics that determines the strength and sharpness of the signal, and miniaturizing the control electronics. The reward will be a completely new technology with a wide range of civilian and military uses.
We are looking for a candidate who has a strong interest in applying quantum physics in new technology and is motivated to develop the new and demanding electronic measurement techniques that will be necessary. Our project is in close collaboration with a local technology company, Teleplan Forsberg. You learn important and marketable skills in quantum electronics, radio-frequency engineering, and miniaturisation.
We run training sessions for postgraduate students throughout the year, covering both specific low temperature technology and more general research skills.
You can also attend a series of lectures jointly organised with the University of Manchester. These will allow you to meet students from other institutions, as well as being taught new material that may be of use to you in future years.
The nature of the training is dependent on your project requirements and the skills you will need to make progress in your work. You will engage in a continual discussion with us to ensure that we provide the most relevant and practical training. The Faculty of Science and Technology, ISS, and the Library offer additional training.
You will receive training in a wide range of formats on topics of interest to your project:
Physics of superfluids and superconductors
Essential cryogenic safety and safe handling of cryogenic liquids
Operation of sophisticated low temperature refrigeration equipment
Fabrication of NEMs and MEMs devices
Experimental instrumentation design and construction
Innovative measurement techniques
Data acquisition techniques
Data analysis and computer-based simulation techniques
Preparation of manuscripts, posters and oral presentations
You could attend a variety of scientific conferences, allowing you to present your work. If necessary, you will receive additional support and advice on the preparation of posters and oral presentations. You also have the chance to develop their presentation skills via participation in the Department’s public understanding of physics outreach programme.
EuHIT School on Turbulence provides an opportunity for high-quality lectures on experimental techniques, numerical methods in fluid dynamics and the theory of turbulence
