Dynamics of topological defects in multi-component and spinor Bose-Einstein Condensates (BORGHM_U26EMP)
Key Details
- Application deadline
- 31 January 2026 for International, 31 March 2026 for Home
- Location
- UEA
- Funding type
- Self-funded
- Start date
- 1 June 2026
- Mode of study
- Full-time
- Programme type
- PhD
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Project description
Primary supervisor - Dr Magnus Borgh
Modern experimental techniques have brought atomic quantum gases to the forefront as systems where objects and processes may be studied that find analogues from condensed-matter physics to early-universe cosmology [1]. These are topological defects and textures, such as superfluid vortices, whose fundamental properties arise generically from topology. Recent experiments have created vortices representing exotic symmetries arising from the spin of the constituent atoms [2]. Topological excitations are also fundamental in important dynamical process, including quantum phase transitions [3]. Superfluid atomic quantum gases with spin degrees of freedom provide versatile testbeds for topological defects.
In this PhD project, we will use numerical simulations to theoretically study the dynamics of topological excitations in multi-component and spinor Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs), with relevance to phase transitions, turbulence and topological interfaces. The aim of the project is to understand the role of spin and multi-component interactions in the motion and collision of vortices, which become particularly intriguing in systems with complex, underlying broken symmetries. Previous results indicate that surprising new energetic scaling regimes arise already in a two-component BEC [4]. In this project we ask how this picture is modified when the atomic spin is allowed full dynamical freedom.
We will use mean-field methods to model the spinor condensate, which requires numerically solving coupled, non-linear, partial differential equations. As a PhD student you will use and develop numerical codes utilising GPU computing to meet these high computational demands. You should have a degree in physics, applied mathematics or equivalent and it is essential that you are comfortable working with computers and programming.
Entry requirements
The standard minimum entry requirement is 2:1 in Physics, Physical Sciences, Natural Science, Mathematics.
Funding
This project is offered on a self-funding basis. It is open to applicants with funding or those applying to funding sources. Details of tuition fees can be found here.
A bench fee is also payable in addition to the tuition fee to cover specialist equipment or laboratory costs required for the research. Applicants should contact the primary supervisor for further information about the fee associated with the project.
UEA Alumni 10% Scholarships - A scholarship of a 10% fee reduction is available to UEA Alumni looking to return for postgraduate study at UEA, Terms and conditions apply. For a postgraduate master’s loan, visit our Postgraduate Student Loans page for more information.
References
[1] Volovik, "The Universe in a Helium Droplet", Oxford University Press, Oxford (2003)
[2] Weiss, Borgh, et al., Nat. Commun. 10, 4772 (2019)
[3] Wheeler, Salman & Borgh, Commun. Phys. 8, 153 (2025)
[4] Wheeler, Salman & Borgh, EPL 135, 30004 (2021)