School of Physics, Faculty of Science
Description
Plasmonic tweezers use resonant excitation of electromagnetic oscillations confined to nanostructured gold surfaces to create optical forces that can confine objects, including single biological proteins, to volumes far below the diffraction limits. Such nano-tweezers represent one of a growing suite of label free single molecule tools that can probe the machinery of living systems in its native state. Here we are interested in combining plasmonic nano-tweezers with the emerging technology of diamond-based quantum sensing.
Quantum diamond sensors utilise long-lived spin-preserving optical transitions in nitrogen-vacancy defect centres that can be coherently controlled in order to probe the magnetic signatures within a microscopic environment with extraordinary precision. Through this approach, it may be possible to interrogate the chemical properties of single molecules places near the quantum sensor, analogous to the way nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy can probe the structure of bulk chemical samples.
In this project, working in collaboration with groups at the University of Melbourne, we will develop strategies for the integration of plasmonic nano-tweezers with quantum grade diamond substrates that contain near-surface nitrogen-vacancy defect centres. The goal of the work is to be able to co-locate a single ferritin protein at the site of the quantum sensor and measure the dynamics of iron loading through spin decoherence and related spectroscopies. Ferritin is an important iron-regulating protein in the blood and understanding how ferritin structure impacts iron loading will help the design of more effective treatments for iron-related disorders. The project is largely experimental and will include elements of nanofabrication, optical instrumentation design, and optical modelling. It will appeal to a student with a strong background in experimental physics with a keen interest in optics and quantum technologies.
Scholarship
$43,000 per annum for 3.5 years
Eligibility
Domestic PhD candidates only.
How to apply
If you are interested submitting an expression of interest, please contact Associate Professor Peter Reece at p.reece@unsw.edu.au by 7 August 2026. You will need to submit a formal application via UNSW Applicant Portal by 14 August 2026.
Please include your in your expression of interest the following:
- CV
- Two academic references (in CV)
- Academic Transcripts
- Brief Description of your suitability for the project
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