PhD project: Superheavy Solid State Physics
Project description
The periodic table of the elements is extended continuously, with new superheavy elements being created in collision experiments. These nucleosynthetic efforts are getting close to the "island of stability" of very stable nuclei, but little is known about those elements’ chemical or physical properties. Intuitive properties by which we order the periodic table often break down in periods 6 and 7, as relativistic effects come into play and change chemical and physical trends. In this project, we will study systematically the solid state structures of the superheavy elements and their compounds, analyzing computationally their ground state (structures, cohesive energies, band gaps) and excited state properties (optical spectra, electronic conductivities). All calculations will be related to lighter analogues of the respective groups, giving a better understanding of heavy elements' solid state physics and chemistry and of the man-made extension of the periodic table.
Project supervisor
- Professor Andreas Hermann (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
The project supervisor welcomes informal enquiries about this project.
Find out more about this research area
The links below summarise our research in the area(s) relevant to this project:
- Find out more about Computational Materials Physics.
- Find out more about the Institute for Condensed Matter and Complex Systems.
What next?
- Find out how to apply for our PhD degrees.
- Find out about fees and funding and studentship opportunities.
- View and complete the application form (on the main University website).
- Find out how to contact us for more information.