Ph.D. in Science and Engineering (2024 admissions)
Under the aegis of the TCG CREST-AcSIR Agreement for promoting research and academic collaboration in quantum sciences and technologies, CQuERE is inviting applications from interested candidates for the PhD in Science and Engineering on quantum sciences and technologies with emphasis on quantum computing, quantum information, and quantum sensing. The Ph.D. degree will be awarded by Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) and the PhD program shall be guided by the rules and regulations of AcSIR Ph.D. ordinances.
Application Link:[Here]
The CQuERE Ph.D. Program at TCG CREST was initiated in 2022 and combines coursework and original research. The program is thesis based. At present eleven research fellows are pursuing their PhD at CQuERE.
Why join Ph.D. at CQuERE?
The CQuERE PhD program trains you to become the next generation research leader in the field of Quantum Sciences. The cornerstone of the doctoral experience at the CQuERE of TCG CREST is the research coursework that all students undertake, typically under the guidance of a group of academic advisors, but often with other external eminent faculty as well.
Research Focus
The areas of research currently being pursued at CQuERE are quantum computation (theory), quantum information (theory), quantum computing using superconducting quantum circuits, photonic integrated circuits and NV centres for sensing and computing, quantum sensing using cold atoms, as well as quantum algorithms and machine learning.
Eligibility
MSc in Physics / Chemistry (preferably Physical Chemistry), ME / MTech or other equivalent degree in Engineering Physics or other similar streams, MS in Computer Science, (preferably the students have taken some courses in MSc level Quantum Mechanics). All students, who have qualified NET / INSPIRE / JEST / GATE / NBHM or other equivalent national level exams conducted by a national body in the areas of Physics / Chemistry / Engineering / Computer Science, can apply.
Ph.D. Fellowship
CQuERE Ph.D. Program is a full-time course. Candidates selected to our PhD Programs will be supported with TCG CREST Institutional Fellowship (including HRA) or Teaching Assistanship (including HRA). Students shall be promoted to Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) after two years as JRF, subject to satisfactory performance in the coursework and the clearing of the Comprehensive examination conducted at the end of the first/second year after completion of the coursework. An appropriate travel grant may be provided for attending National / International conferences and other such expenses. Lastly the fellowship / teaching assistantship will be provided for a period of five years.
Important Information
Application Link:[Here]
-The maximum number of seats available is twenty.
-TCG CREST does not provide any hostel facilities. However, we will organise managed and secured hostel facilities at a competitive rate for you in the vicinity. We will also help you to find secured accommodation in the vicinity. TCG CREST will not bear the rent nor the hostel charges.
-For selection of candidates UGC and/or AcSIR guidelines may be adopted.
-Reservation Policy as per the norms of Government of India will be followed.
-Syllabus and details of entrance exam:
The entrance exam is of 2 hours duration. The questions would require answers to be descriptive in nature. The question paper would contain a total of 15 questions, and are divided into two sections:
a. One compulsory with 5 questions on quantum mechanics and mathematical physics, and
b. One where a student can choose 5 out of 10 questions from a. Electronics (2 questions), b. Condensed matter, nuclear, and particle physics (2 questions), c. Atomic & molecular physics (2 questions), d. statistical mechanics (2 questions), and e. Electricity and magnetism (2 questions).
Questions would typically be at the level of standard MSc Physics courses, and we list below some representative topics under each of the subjects:
Quantum mechanics: Basic linear algebra relevant to quantum mechanics (for example: vector spaces, direct sum, tensor product, hermitian and unitary operators, etc), postulates of quantum mechanics, Schrodinger equation and its applications, quantum harmonic oscillator, symmetries, angular momentum, variational principle, and approximation methods.
Mathematical physics: Differential equations, integrals, Fourier transforms, and complex analysis.
Atomic and Molecular physics: Hydrogen atom, helium atom, H2+ molecular ion, Zeeman effect, and Stark effect.
Statistical Mechanics: Microcanonical, canonical, and grand canonical ensembles, partition function, laws of thermodynamics, Maxwell-Boltzmann, Fermi-Dirac, and Bose-Einstein statistics.
Electricity and Magnetism: Electrostatics, magnetostatics, electrodynamics, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves.
Electronics: Basic electronics, digital electronics, analog and digital modulation, microcontroller and processor
Condensed matter: Symmetry in Solids, X-ray Diffraction Methods, Free Electron Theory of Metals, Thermal Conductivity of Metals, Theory of Specific Heat, Lattice Vibrations, Dielectrics, Magnetism, Superconductivity: Type I and Type II Superconductors, BCS Theory, Josephson Tunneling, Energy Bands in Solids, Semiconductors, Defects in Solids
Nuclear and particle physics: Spin, parity and iso-spin, and nuclear forces, Deuteron problem, Shell model, Nuclear reactions, Fusion and fission, Nuclear decay, Particle accelerator, classification of elementary particles