PhD project: Hot Dense Hydrogen
Project description
The behaviour of hydrogen, the most abundant element in the Universe, at high densities has been widely explored in recent years both experimentally and theoretically. These studies have yielded a wealth of information on the material, but detailed static compression experiments have generally been limited to low-temperatures (<300 K) and maximum pressures of ~300GPa. However, there are now numerous questions regarding the behaviour of hydrogen at high pressures and temperatures, the answers to which will have important implications for both fundamental physics and planetary science. In this project, optical spectroscopy will be used to constrain the behaviour of H2 (D2) at extreme compressions and elevated temperatures, searching for the predicted transition to a metallic superfluid state. In this project, you will use diamond anvil cells and external heating techniques combined with the optical spectroscopy (CSEC).
Project supervisor
- Professor Eugene Gregoryanz (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 Extreme Conditions.
- 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.