Investigating Charged Particle Dynamics & Weber’s Force Law

Description

Applications are invited for a self-funded PhD.

The successful applicant is expected to start in 2025, although this date is negotiable.

Are you fascinated by electromagnetism, fundamental physics, and charged particle dynamics? This self-funded PhD offers an exciting opportunity to explore the force law of Wilhelm Weber—a concept with profound implications across physics and engineering [e.g., see Ref. 7].

About the Research

Charged particle dynamics, also known as charged particle optics, focuses on how charged particles (e.g., electrons, protons, ions) interact with electric and magnetic fields. Understanding these interactions is crucial for designing technologies such as particle accelerators, mass spectrometers, electron microscopes, fusion reactors, and medical treatments like proton beam therapy.

This PhD will investigate Weber’s force law, an elegant extension of Coulomb’s law that describes forces between moving charges. While historically explored in electromagnetism, its potential significance in mechanics, cosmology, and quantum physics remains an open question. Depending on your interests, the project can also explore other alternative force laws, such as Ampère’s or Ritz’s force laws.

There is scope to tailor the research to your strengths, whether in theoretical exploration, experimental validation, or a combination of both.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome applicants with a background in physics, applied mathematics, electrical engineering, or a related field. A strong interest in electromagnetism, charged particle dynamics, and fundamental physics is highly desirable.

You should have a degree in physics, mathematics or an engineering discipline. Masters level students are encouraged to apply. If you have relevant experience (e.g., prior project experience, work experience, publications, demonstrable interest in the topic, etc.), you are also encouraged to apply. In exceptional circumstances, those with a non-traditional educational background will be considered dependent upon relevant experience. A strong interest and familiarity with electromagnetism, applied mathematics, electrical engineering and/or fundamental physics is desirable. Applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you have your own funding (e.g., scholarship, sponsorship, etc) and are interested, please email Prof Simon Maher (s.maher@liverpool.ac.uk); include a copy of your CV.

Nota bene: this is a self-funded project requiring the applicant to have their own source of funding.