Seeing Magnetism in 3D: Ptychographic Electron Tomography of Nanostructured Spin Textures
This is a fully-funded 4-year PhD position based in the HetSys Centre for Doctoral Training at the University of Warwick.
Project outline
Magnetic skyrmions are tiny whirlpools of spins that could form the basis of future low-power data storage devices. However, real skyrmions are three-dimensional and can twist, stretch, or deform when trapped by material defects - behaviour that is still poorly understood.
This project will develop advanced computational models to simulate a new imaging technique called electron ptychography, which can map magnetic fields in 3D at nanometre resolution.
By combining quantum-mechanical modelling, tomographic reconstruction, and data-science methods, the project will reveal how skyrmions interact with defects, helping to design the next generation of magnetic materials.
Supervisors
Primary: Dr Peng Wang (Physics)
Prof. Julie Staunton (Physics)
This project aims to develop new theoretical and computational tools to visualise magnetic nanostructures such as skyrmions in three dimensions.
Using an advanced imaging method known as electron ptychography, the student will simulate how high-energy electrons interact with magnetic materials and will create algorithms to reconstruct 3D maps of their magnetic fields.
The project will also model how skyrmions deform when they encounter defects, linking quantum mechanics, data science, and materials physics to understand their behaviour at the nanoscale.
By the end of the PhD, the student will have:
- Developed and validated advanced simulation software for three-dimensional magnetic-field reconstruction using ptychographic data.
- Been involved with high-end atomic-resolution 4D-STEM experiments to quantitatively map magnetic textures and correlate them with structural defects.
- Generated quantitative models describing skyrmion deformation, and interactions with defects.
- Published research papers in leading journals in computational imaging, electron microscopy, and magnetism.
- Acquired transferable expertise in scientific programming, data analytics, and uncertainty quantification, providing a strong foundation for careers in advanced materials research, electron microscopy, or data-driven innovation.
The student will gain advanced skills in computational physics, including simulation of electron matter interactions, ptychographic image reconstruction, and micromagnetic modelling. They will develop strong programming ability in Python and Matlab, experience in sustainable software development, and expertise in data analysis, uncertainty quantification, and scientific machine learning. Alongside these technical skills, the project will enhance problem-solving, communication, and project-management abilities, preparing the student for careers in research, data science, imaging technology, and high-performance computing.
These skills position you for careers in AI research, computational materials science, national laboratories, tech industry or academic research. The HetSys training provides a foundation for these skills through dedicated courses and cohort activities.
We require at least a II(i) honours degree at BSc or an integrated masters degree (e.g. MPhys, MChem, MSci, MEng etc.) in a physical sciences, mathematics or engineering discipline. We do not accept applications from existing PhD holders.
If you are an overseas candidate please check here that you hold the equivalent grades before applying.
For postgraduate study in HetSys, the term “overseas” or “international” student refers to anyone who does not qualify for UK home fee status. This includes applicants from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland, unless they hold settled or pre-settled status under the UK’s EU Settlement Scheme.
If you are a European applicant without UK residency or immigration status that qualifies you for home fees, you will be classified as an overseas student.