Protecting the Final Optic: Experimental Approaches to Debris Characterization and control for Next-Generation Inertial Fusion Energy Reactors

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Protecting the Final Optic: Experimental Approaches to Debris Characterization and control for Next-Generation Inertial Fusion Energy Reactors

• Protecting the Final Optic: Experimental Approaches to Debris Characterization and control for Next-Generation Inertial Fusion Energy Reactors: School of Mathematics and Physics | PHD Applications are now CLOSED
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Overview

Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) reactors must ultimately operate at multi-hertz repetition rates with minimal downtime to deliver viable energy output. For laser-driven ICF, this places extreme demands on the final optical components, which are continuously exposed to target debris and shrapnel travelling at velocities exceeding 2.5 km/s [1], as well as radiation from energetic neutrons, x-rays, and back-reflected laser light. Current disposable debris shields, typically 3.3 mm thick, are expected to survive fewer than 20 laser shots equivalent to only two seconds of operation at the 10 Hz repetition rate anticipated for fusion reactors.

Although promising new approaches such as plasma-based [2] and neutral-gas [3] optics may eventually offer high-damage-threshold, time-gated solutions, these concepts have yet to demonstrate the required optical quality and transmission efficiency at reactor scales. Consequently, a detailed understanding of debris generation, transport, and accumulation at multi-Hz repetition rates remains a critical challenge for inertial fusion energy (IFE) development. This PhD project will experimentally characterise debris production [4,5] and deposition under repeated laser-plasma interactions, providing essential data to validate large-scale multi-physics, multi-material simulations [1]. Experiments will be performed at sub-scale facilities such as EPAC and DiPOLE, exploring a wide range of interaction conditions from femtosecond to nanosecond drivers relevant to fusion, fast-ignition, and high-intensity backlighter applications. The project aims to: 1. Characterise laser-produce debris over large range of laser and target parameters: Develop in-situ diagnostics for monitoring debris accumulation and optic damage at multi-Hz rates and use these to build large self-consistent data sets that can be used to benchmark modelling of laser ablation and target fragmentation. 2. Develop and evaluate debris-mitigation strategies: including novel refreshing debris shields [6], controlled low-pressure gas fills for ion slowing [7], use of magnetic force fields to deflect charge particles [8]. The resulting experimental database will benchmark predictive debris-transport models, informing the design of robust optical protection schemes for future high-repetition-rate IFE reactors and benefiting the broader high-intensity laser community. The student will develop advanced proficiency in three key technical areas providing a highly transferable skill set valued across research and industry: • high-power laser operation: Experience with state-of-the-art laser systems will build a deep understanding of precision alignment, control, and safety in high-energy experiments. • design of practical engineering components using CAD: CAD design will provide practical engineering and prototyping skills. • high-performance computing for modelling and data analysis: high-performance computing will enable efficient handling of complex, multi-physics simulations. Useful references: [1] Eder et al., Nucl. Fusion, 53, 113037 (2025) [2] Singh et al., arXiv 2510.02659v1 (2025) [3] Schrödel et al., Nat. Photonics, 18, 54-59 (2024) [4] Koniges et al., J. Phys. Conf. Ser. 112 032072 (2008) [5] Booth et al., Proc. Radiation Detectors in Medicine, Industry, and National Security XIX 19-23 Aug (2018) [6] Kojima et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum., 96, 083001 (2025) [7] Amano et al., Rev. Sci. Instr., 81, 023104 (2010) [8] Mima et al., Matt. Rad. Extremes, 3, 127-134 (2018) Supervisors: Dr. Charlotte Palmer (QUB) and Dr. Phil Bradford (STFC) Email contact: c.palmer@qub.ac.uk Helpful existing knowledge: Experimental physics experience working with optics or cameras, programming skills in python or similar.

Funding Information

This project is part of the Enhanced Postgraduate Skills Doctoral Training Project. This project is available to Home studentships – and the studentship will cover tuition fees and include a maintenance stipend of £20,780 per annum. The duration of this studentship is 3.5 years. This project offers an additional top-up stipend of £5,000 per year, and together with the maintenance stipend will give a take home pay of £25,780 per annum. An industry gross salary (pre-tax, student loan repayment, pension (3%) and national insurance contributions) of £33,000 results in an approximately equivalent take home pay. A Home studentship is open to UK and ROI nationals, and to EU nationals with settled status in the UK, subject to meeting specific nationality and residency criteria. DfE studentship eligibility information can be viewed at: https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/publications/student-finance-postgraduate-studentships-terms-and-conditions As part of the EPS DTP you will also receive a £5000 per year (first 3 years) of Research Training Support Grant to help support your research.

Dr Charlotte Palmer

More Information

c.palmer@qub.ac.uk

Research Profile

Full-time: 3 years

Physics overview

The scientific research within the School of Mathematics and Physics was highly rated in the 2021 REF peer-review exercise, with 90% of research being judged as internationally excellent or world-leading. Physics and Astronomy at Queen's has been ranked 12th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026) and 4th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2026). Physics research activity in the School is focused into three specific Research Centres; all members of academic staff belong to one of these Research Centres, listed below. Astrophysics Research Centre (PhD/MPhil) Find out more below, or email Dr Meg Schwamb (m.schwamb@qub.ac.uk) Centre for Light-Matter Interactions (PhD/MPhil) Find out more below, or email Professor Brendan Dromey (b.dromey@qub.ac.uk) or Professor Hugo Van Der Hart (h.vanderhart@qub.ac.uk) Centre for Quantum Materials and Technologies (PhD/MPhil) Find out more below, or email Dr Amit Kumar (a.kumar@qub.ac.uk) Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD, or two years for MPhil (or part-time equivalent).

• Queen's graduates from Physics have secured employment through a number of companies such as Allstate, AquaQ Analytics, Citigroup, Deloitte, First Derivatives, PwC, Randox, Seagate, Teach First and UCAS. Queen's has been voted 3rd for Career Prospects (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026). In addition, Belfast has been ranked 14th in the UK in the PwC Good Growth for Cities Index 2025.
• 93% of Queen’s graduates were in employment and/or further study 15 months after completing their course (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2022/23). Queen’s is a lead UK university in advancing gender equality. Queen’s holds a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold Award, along with 15 Departmental Awards (9 Gold, 3 Silver and 3 Bronze).
• Since 2014, the School has invested over £12 million in new world-class student and staff facilities. Maths and Physics students have their own teaching centre, housing brand experimental physics laboratories, two large computer rooms plus a student interaction area with a new lecture theatre and study rooms. In addition to this, Queen's has been voted 3rd in the UK for University Campus and Facilities.
• Physics and Astronomy has been ranked 4th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Guardian University Guide 2026). The School has a continually growing international community of both undergraduate and postgraduate students and staff. Our research is conducted and recognised as excellent across the world. Staff are involved in cutting-edge research projects that span a multitude of fields. Queen's has been ranked 5th in the world for international outlook and ranked 39th in Europe for international student diversity.
• As part of a diverse community of over 100 PhD students, you’ll be a valued part of a vibrant research community. You will benefit from a wide range of training opportunities and avail of the regular social events for PGR students. Queen’s is a lead UK university in tackling the unequal representation of women in science and engineering. The School currently holds a Gold Athena SWAN Award.
• Students will have access to our facilities, resources, study space and dedicated staff. Research students are encouraged to play a full and active role in relation to the wide range of research activities undertaken within the School.
• The School of Maths & Physics is one of the largest Schools in the University. Staff are involved in cutting-edge research that spans a multitude of fields.

Course content

Research Themes Astrophysics (PhD/MPhil) You’ll be involved in the search for distant supernovae and where they came from; study the asteroid and comet population in the Solar system; look for planets orbiting other stars in our Galaxy; study flares and other dynamic processes in the atmosphere of the Sun. You’ll have the opportunity to spend extensive periods at world-leading research centres such as the European Southern Observatory and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. At Queen’s we lead major European consortia and are supported by a multi-million pounds portfolio of research grants from a range of sources, including the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council, the Royal Society, and European Union.

Research Themes Centre for Quantum Materials and Technologies (PhD/MPhil) Human history is defined by the materials we use to underpin our technology: stone, bronze, iron, silicon. As we enter the emerging Quantum era, this impetus on materials and their link to technologies becomes even stronger. As a PhD student in Centre for Quantum Materials Technologies, you will be playing a part in the development of materials systems which will, in some way, define our technology for the future. How can this not be exciting? You will seek to reveal the physics of material behaviour at the boundary of current global knowledge and quantum limits, at the same time, become proficient in techniques for Quantum computation, materials growth, patterning, characterisation and theoretical modelling. These skills are highly valued in high-tech companies and commercial research institutions, as well as in academic research settings. Our laboratories and computational facilities are extremely well-equipped for international-level research and our links to other research teams throughout the world in both academia and industry are strong and you should expect to travel, should you wish to, as part of your PhD experience.

Research Themes Centre for Light Matter Interactions (PhD/MPhil) Your research will involve identifying, and responding to, major open problems in laser- and electrically-produced plasmas, ultra-fast atomic and molecular physics, the interaction of ionising radiation and plasmas with matter (including biological systems), the physics of antimatter interactions with atoms and molecules, and the description of strong field laser interactions with atoms and molecules. You will address fundamental and/or practical questions related to the description of electronic excitations, optical properties of matter, and the interaction between electric currents, heat and light. Your theoretical activity will imply the development and programming of novel simulation methodologies to model such processes. Experimentally, you will employ local, national and international facilities, including some of the most powerful laser systems worldwide ,while benefiting from transferring your research findings into the industrial and medical sectors.

Alumni Success Many of our PhD graduates have moved into academic and research roles in Higher Education while others have progressed into jobs such as Data Scientist, Software Engineer, Financial Software Developer, IT Graduate Associate, Technology Consultant, Research Physicist, Technician, Telescope Operator and R&D Engineer.

Dr Amit Kumar Head of Research Centre - Centre for Quantum Materials and Technologies School of Maths and Physics

Dr Meg Schwamb Head of Research Centre - Astrophysics Research Centre School of Maths and Physics

Prof Brendan Dromey Co-Head of Research Centre - Centre for Light-Matter Interactions School of Maths and Physics

Prof Hugo Van Der Hart Co-Head of Research Centre - Centre for Light-Matter Interactions School of Maths and Physics

Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually. This Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year. The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.

Supervisors will offer feedback on draft work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree.

Our world-class facilities support research and teaching across a diverse range of areas designed to fulfil specific activities. The School contains 4,700m2 of purpose-built laboratory space which includes the ANSIN materials research hub, the Ewald Microscopy Facility (EMF) and the Taranis laser facility. The Teaching Centre includes experimental physics laboratories, two large computer rooms and plenty of student study (recently updated) and interaction space. Our laboratories and equipment are looked after by a dedicated team of technicians and are used by our researchers, students and industry.

PhD students can benefit from the new interaction space 'Old Physics Lounge' and the refurbished foyer area of the Maths & Physics Teaching Centre.

Students can benefit from the Nursing Mother and Parents' Room & Quiet Room. This room can be used for quiet reflection which also helps support Neurodivergent Individuals.

PhD students have access to a bookable private office space for quiet work or teams meetings.

Entrance requirements

Graduate The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School of Mathematics and Physics.

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country .

Evidence of an IELTS score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. Taken within the last two years

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs .

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | TBC

Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | TBC

England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | TBC

EU Other 3 | £28,900

International | £28,900

1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. All fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees .

Physics costs

Depending on the area of research chosen there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees.

Additional course costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.

Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.

How do I fund my study?

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How to Apply

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