Theoretical and computational physics

Odd-frequency superfluidity is a theoretically proposed but as yet elusive phenomenon. Rooted in the concept that fermions pair in time rather than space to develop superfluid or superconducting properties, it may either endow a conventional superfluid with novel properties or provide an unconventional pathway to superfluidity. Deep theoretical questions about the existence and stability of odd-frequency superfluids are still open and so far, only indirect and incomplete experimental evidence for the phenomenon is available in electronic materials.

 The aim of this theoretical and computational physics PhD project is to examine existing and develop new quantum many-body models that show odd-frequency fermionic pairing correlations. A particular emphasis is on models that could be realised in experiments with ultra-cold atoms. Your main workhorse for the examination of the models will be quantum Monte Carlo simulations and you will contribute to developing the open-source codebase Rimu.jl. In addition, other theoretical and approximate methods may be employed as well for the research. As the PhD project is part of a larger research project funded by the Marsden Fund you will collaborate with a postdoctoral fellow and an international team of experts in condensed-matter theory, Monte Carlo simulations, and ultracold-atom experiments from New Zealand, Germany and the USA.

Relevant publications:

https://arxiv.org/abs/2403.06325

http://arxiv.org/abs/2601.19505

 Scholarship: NZ$ 35,000 per annum tax free plus tuition fees for three years

As part of your application package, kindly include:

• CV (including 2-3 referee information)
• Academic Transcript
• Cover Letter (this may include: a description of why you want to undertake a PhD; how your previous experiences have prepared you for the research project that you are applying for; what your passions are within or outside of academia)

Applicants must meet Massey University entry requirements for admission to a PhD. Award of the scholarship is conditional on the university accepting your enrolment. The successful applicant will be guided through the process of formally applying for admission.

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