EPSRC DLA: Correlating magnetotransport with magnetic microstates in nanoscale 3D magnetic metamaterials

The emergence of three-dimensional (3D) nanostructuring has unlocked new possibilities for tailoring magnetic properties far beyond the limits of conventional thin films. In particular, 3D artificial spin-ice (ASI) lattices offer a unique platform where geometry, topology, and interactions dictate a rich landscape of magnetic microstates. These systems host emergent phenomena such as monopole-like excitations, topological defects, and reconfigurable spin textures, all of which have profound implications for next-generation information processing and low-energy magnetic devices.

This project aims to establish, for the first time, a direct correlation between magnetotransport properties and the underlying magnetic microstate in 3DASI lattices. Using state-of-the-art two-photon lithography followed by conformal metal deposition, we will fabricate diamond-bond 3D ASI structures with controlled bond angles and lattice spacings.

The magnetic microstate will be imaged across different field and thermal histories using MFM, magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) imaging, and synchrotron-based X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). In parallel, electrical measurements including anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) will probe the collective response of the lattice. By correlating these datasets, we will uncover how specific vertex configurations and microstate populations control electronic transport.

This project aligns closely with the EPSRC MetaHub (£18.8M, with £1.8M to Cardiff) on 3D nanoscale metamaterials, leveraging its fabrication and characterisation platforms. The findings will pave the way toward reconfigurable magnetic networks and programmable spin-wave devices, with applications in energy-efficient ICT, neuromorphic computing, and beyond.

How to apply:

Applicants should apply to the Doctor of Philosophy in Physics and Astronomy with a start date of 1st October 2026.

Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/physics-and-astronomy) including:

• your academic CV (Guidance on CVs for a PhD position can be found on the FindAPhD website)

• your degree certificates and transcripts to date including certified translations if these are not in English

• a personal statement/covering letter

Ensure your personal statement (as part of the university application form, or as a separate attachment, if you prefer) provides a clear explanation of your research interest, preparation undertaken, and an understanding of the project.

Your personal statement should be no more than 500 words, and address the following questions:

1. What are your scientific research interests and ambition?

2. How has your academic and/or professional journey prepared you for PhD study? (for instance, give examples of work you particularly enjoyed, of challenges you overcame, of connecting with others about your work or ideas, of showing inventiveness, of developing new skills and knowledge)

3. Why do you think this project is important?”

• two references (applicants are recommended to have a third academic referee, if the two academic referees are within the same department/school). Your references can be emailed by the referee to physics-admissions@cardiff.ac.uk

Please note: We do not contact referees directly for references for each applicant due to the volume of applications we receive.

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first-class degree or a good 2.1 (or their equivalent) in Engineering, Physics or a related subject. Desirable skills are knowledge of Quantum Physics, Optics, Semiconductors, Technology, Physics, Engineering.

Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. IELTS 6.5 Overall with 5.5 minimum in sub-scores) (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements)

In the “Research Proposal” section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project and copy the project description in the text box provided.

In the funding section, please select that you will not be self-funding and write that the source of funding will be EPSRC.

Once the deadline for applications has passed, we will review your application and advise you within a few weeks if you have been shortlisted for an interview.

Eligibility :

This studentships are available to home and international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

For more information, or if there are any questions re application process, please contact Physics and Astronomy PGR Student Support team at Physics-PG@cardiff.ac.uk

Cardiff University and the School of Physics and Astronomy are committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity. Our inclusive environment welcomes applications from talented people from diverse backgrounds. We strongly welcome female applicants and those from any ethnic minority group, as they are underrepresented in our School. The School of Physics & Astronomy has a Juno Practitioner accreditation that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. The University is committed to ensuring that we sustain a positive working environment for all staff to flourish and achieve. As part of this commitment, the University has developed a flexible and responsive framework of procedures to support staff in managing their work and personal commitments wherever possible. Applications are welcome from individuals who wish to work part-time or full time.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment – research – Cardiff University.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. We very much welcome applications in Welsh.